BMW has introduced the latest edition of the X3, featuring a plug-in hybrid variant, the X3 30e xDrive, with a system output of 220 kW and a significantly enhanced purely electric range. However, the company has decided to discontinue the purely electric variant, which will be reintroduced as an independent model based on the New Class platform.
The X3 30e xDrive plug-in hybrid combines a 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged petrol engine produces 140 kW, while the electric motor, a separately excited synchronous motor, delivers a peak output of 135 kW. The system output is 220 kW, with a combined torque of 450 Nm.
The X3’s lithium-ion battery, located underneath the rear seat, has a usable net energy content of 19.7 kWh. It can be fully charged in 2 hours and 15 minutes with an 11 kW charger, and the PHEV is compatible with intelligent charging using the Connected Home Charging option. The electric range is 80 to 91 kilometers in WLTP tests.
In purely electric mode, the X3 can reach speeds of up to 140 kph, while combining both drive systems enables a top speed of 215 km/h. The plug-in hybrid accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds.
The new X3 measures 4.76 meters in length, 1.92 meters in width (excluding wing mirrors), and 1.66 meters in height, with a wheelbase of 2.87 meters. The plug-in hybrid weighs 2,065 kilograms according to the DIN standard and offers a maximum payload of 645 kilograms.
The market launch of the new BMW X3 is set to begin in the fourth quarter of 2024 in the USA and Europe, with availability in other markets starting from January 2025. BMW has not yet disclosed pricing details.
