New BMW X3 plug-in hybrid offers 91km EV-only range in bid to head off Mercedes GLC PHEV
BMW Australia has announced it will introduce a new plug-in hybrid version of its larger, better-equipped mid-size SUV when sales of the fourth-generation 2025 BMW X3 begin in March next year.
The new BMW X3 30e xDrive plug-in hybrid would be priced from $102,500 plus on-roads. The new mid-size electrified X3 slots into the line-up above the base X3 20 xDrive ($84,500 plus ORCs) but below the flagship M50 xDrive ($126,900 plus ORCs).
Under the bonnet, the latest BMW X3 30e xDrive combines a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol with an electric motor and a 19.7kWh battery, with the latter said to provide for a 91km pure-EV driving range (at speeds of up to 140km/h) while slashing fuel use to just 1.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
It total, the new plug-in powertrain produces a healthy 200kW and 450Nm of power, which sees the electrified X3 capable of a 0-100km/h sprint of 6.2 seconds.
Maximising traction off the line are all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Capable of being topped up at 11kW as standard, BMW said both single phase and three-phase AC charging is possible, while a zero to 100 per cent charge now takes 2 hr 15 min – around 90-minutes quicker than the previous generation plug-in X3.
Standard kit for the X3 30e xDrive includes 20-inch M alloy wheels, the M Sport brake upgrade (that adds blue calipers), an illuminated BMW kidney grille, adaptive LED headlamps, an electric tailgate, adaptive dampers, a panoramic roof and three-zone climate control.
Like the rest of the range, the X3 gets a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a large 14.9-inch infotainment system that runs the firm’s latest OS9 software.
Heated front and rear outboard seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, an M Sport steering wheel and leather seats, plus adaptive cruise control round off the standard kit.
Lurking on the options list is the Enhancement pack ($4000) that adds premium paint, an alarm and Harman Kardon sound system. A tow kit ($2200) is also a paid-for extra, while the M Sport Pro pack ($2000) throws in M seat belts, red calipers and darkened exterior chrome.
Motivating BMW Australia to bring its latest plug-in X3 version is both the uplift in plug-in hybrid sales Down Under and the news that arch enemy Mercedes-Benz has reversed its decision to not bring plug-in hybrids to our market, paving the way for the mid-size GLC PHEV.
