BMW was always clear that it was seeking to carve out a niche for itself among electrified cars, whether hybrid or pure electric, something of which this x3 Xdrive30e brings together the best of each world. Born at the end of 2020, it is a car of SUV cut which is presented as one of the most direct and attractive models of the German house, being a great example of what plug-in hybrid technology is. We know your data sheet.
BMW cars differ from the rest due to conditions such as their great exterior presence, robust but elegant designs, efficient mechanics, cutting-edge technologies, interior comfort and, above all, a lot, a lot of technology. That is precisely what we have with models like the x3 XDrive30e, the plug-in hybrid that BMW places at the top of its category (also in sales).
All in all, we do so by talking about a model that combines the best in the world of thermal combustion with electrification in a very adventurous direction for what is one of the reference cars of the house. It is true that there are brands that take it a little further in terms of efficiency or electric autonomy, but without a doubt it is still a great asset in the category.
This is included within the SUVs, with an imposing image, quite tall, and quite large in size when compared to its closest rivals. At the same time, it gathers views such as its sports details (also to better address its large displacement and power motors and ample capacity batteries).
Loaded with technology, it is a very efficient SUV characterized by its sportiness, but also by its own features derived from the more conventional versions. Versatility is one of them, as well as the pleasure of driving this type of mechanics in general, and in the case of the X3 PHEV in particular. With powers of 292 hp, the result of a 184 hp combustion engine and an 81 kW (109 hp) electric motor, its batteries allow it to offer an electric range of 55 km and carry the different Zero emissions. It has as rivals the Mercedes GLC 300e 4Matic and the Audi Q5 55TFSIe.
- Type: plug-in hybrid (PHEV)
- Year of production: 2020
- Price: €46,600
- Capacity: 5 seats
- Power: 292 hp
- Acceleration: 6.1 seconds/100km/h
Design
One of BMW’s great endorsements for all of its models is that they come with attractive silhouettes that are very different from the rest of the brands, and with the x3 XDrive30e, precisely this has been achieved. In any case, as we will see later, this car is based on the concept created in 2004, with different and varied versions and updates, although in reality its essence is the same.
Logically taken to a more modern, current and avant-garde habitat, with this x3 BMW wanted to show its best face through a pure design of the brand, as is recognized in the family as a whole, also the electrified one. We see this through a powerful and imposing image with great muscular skillsboth in its front and in the rear.
With this crossover we will see a fabulous spaciousness with a flat roofline, a large exhaust pipe and full LED taillights, which will make discover what it is to enjoy the road. Measuring 4.7 meters long, 1.8 meters wide and 1.6 meters high, it is a informal vehicle, independent, with an exclusive and robust design. The X3 XDrive30e looks like this with a sharp horizontal beltline, sporty-sleek surfaces, elongated hood and long wheelbase, making it a highly attractive and versatile crossover.
Versions
We have with it a concept that has been adapting different techniques and mechanics since in 2004 BMW decided to launch the first generation of a car that has undoubtedly become one of the most complete for the German firm. So much so that within its SUV or SUV category it is among the favorites of users.
Hence we now have different versions. In this way, we go from combustion engines to play the trick of the plug-in hybrid. We thus have diesel specifications, which are understood to have powers of between 150 and 340 CV, those of gasoline, between 154 and 410 and this plug-in hybrid, 292 hp. Its objective with these engines is to achieve good behavior off the asphalt and make it capable of overcoming difficult terrain thanks to the variable height of its bodywork.
Engine and batteries
As such, up to this point this plug-in hybrid version of the BMW x3 XDrive30e is the greatest exponent of electricity within the X3 range, although the German firm announces that all conventional versions, both diesel and gasoline with 4 or 6 cylinders, now enjoy light hybridization thanks to the incursion of a 48 V electrical system.
In those, the BMW x3 XDrive30e continues to rely on its motor in the same plug-in hybrid scheme as the version before the facelift. This means that the protagonist is a two-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine that produces 184 hp, which, together with the electric motor, maximum power reaches 292 hp and 420 Nm of torque.
Occasionally it can increase by 30 kW more (41 hp) if the electric motor reaches its maximum power. The gearbox is a torque converter-type automatic with eight relationships (Steptronic) and the drive is four-wheel drive. It also has a battery that powers the electric motor, this lithium-ion battery, which has a capacity of 12 kWh. With a full load of it, the total autonomy, according to BMW, can be up to up to 50 kilometers.
Consumption
As with other BMW hybrid models, the X3 xDrive30e has several power management modes which can be selected using dedicated buttons. Additionally, it also has the conventional driving modes of any other version of the X3 (Eco Pro, Comfort and Sport), which are the ones that act on the direction, the air conditioning, the gearbox or the suspension, among other elements.
That means, at the same time, that we can also count on consumption levels that are somewhat higher than with other models of the house, even within the same segment or category. All in all, this SUV does so by registering figures between 7.5 and 7.9 liters per 100 km. As a note, the firm also says that it is possible to lower these numbers to 6.8 liters / 100 km, in the best of cases, as long as we achieve smooth, controlled driving and asphalt territories.
One of the most striking aspects of this new SUV is the management that the driver can make of the electricity stored in the battery, of (8.8 kWh, maximum recharge of 3.7 kW and sufficient capacity to allow the X3 to approach the 50 km without connection of gasoline engine). This allows you to search for the consumption-performance balancewhich makes it because their levels can also be easily low.
Interior and finishes
Once inside the passenger compartment of the BMW X3, it stands out for combining sportiness and elegance in equal parts, also placing special emphasis on the quality of its finishes and on-board technology. With a more than spacious habitability to offer the best comfort to all its members, it is a large vehicle, also inside.
We find ourselves then with a design of classic tints in general terms, especially if we compare it with the interiors of some of its rivals, but where the novelties in connectivity or multimedia they are just as present.
There are big changes from the outgoing model, especially regarding the digital instrument cluster and the infotainment equipment, represented by a multifunction console already used in the BMW 4 Series, in addition to the latest generation of multimedia systems with 10.25 or 12.3″ screens that are complemented by the Head-Up Display.
equipment
With the BMW X3 you will have more power and less consumption, as well as better performance and more speed with less weight. This is thanks to his concept of smart lightweight construction and its aerodynamic measures studied down to the smallest detail to offer an agile and dynamic response on any occasion.
As we have already mentioned to you regarding its interior, it has the high-tech equipment with which to offer you a unique driving experience. Its driver assistance assistants make your work easier, in addition to guaranteeing all the safety of its occupants. Its technologies include the incorporation of adaptive cruise control, the emergency braking assistant or the lane departure warning system, among others. All this to enjoy a quiet and relaxed driving.
As an alternative to the access version, it is available with the Sport, xLine and M Sport finishes. In any case, users can also choose between the higher options of their older models, as is the case with the X2, also a plug-in hybrid. In this line, and as in cars like the i3, this PHEV has the loft, which includes the Sensatec ‘Electronic’ Carumgrau fabric seats, velor mats and the Tron-style multifunction steering wheel. For him suite roomThe top-of-the-range car costs twice as much, but comes with Stellaric Dalbergiabraun/Schwar natural leather seats.
Additional features
As for the extras, the BMW SUV also finds a huge deployment in terms of active safety and driving assistants, being possible to install from adaptive LED lighting, to adaptive cruise control that allows functions of semi-autonomous driving.
In the same way, its connectivity possibilities allow you to enjoy a virtual assistant, new driving assistance functions to offer a higher level of autonomy and safety, as well as wireless software updates, as well as compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, in addition to the Amazon Alexa assistant.
Maintenance
Something about which these plug-in hybrid cars stand out is that their maintenance is not as expensive as we might think. Moreover, the differences are not excessively large if we compare it with a pure hybrid. It is believed that these vehicles, being technologically more advanced and complex, are also more expensive to maintain. But nothing further.
This is what is demonstrated, amply, with this BMW PHEV. In this way, the mechanics of the electric motor is, in practice, much simpler than that of a thermal engine, and therefore its maintenance is cheaper. Because of this, the routine should be the same as with a conventional vehicle. However, by using it less frequently it will suffer less wear and tear.
In it, the brand also considers it necessary to review it in its network of official dealers. every year or 15,000/20,000 km. In this case, the German firm estimates that its service battery should be changed every four years, while in the gasoline or diesel versions it is not a component with a pre-established life.
Guarantee
It is true that the reliability has improved a lot on all vehicles. Not only in those that are gasoline or internal combustion cars, but also in those that have hybrid or plug-in hybrid technology characteristics. However, the proliferation of electronic elements and systems for reducing polluting emissions in engines means that we are not exempt from having to go to the workshop on occasion to carry out a repair.
This is why the type of guarantee that each brand offers becomes one of the most important aspects to assess when making a decision. And there, BMW has one of the great views in this section. Not only because it offers us a excellent flexibilitybut because we have here a much more extensive response in case of suffering any type of lack of security or reliability.
This means that currently for the x3 Xdrive30e the Germans offer a three-year or 200,000-kilometre warranty standard and for its entire range of vehicles, which can be extended for three more years at an additional cost. Additionally, it offers the usual 12-year anti-corrosion guarantee.
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