Plug-in BMW X3 xDrive 30e pricing announced

July 2, 2021July 9, 2021 Iain Curry 3260 Views

BMW has announced a starting price of $104,900 for the X3 xDrive30e, its first plug-in hybrid version of the X3.

The model will arrive in Australian showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2021 as part of its updated MY22 X3 line-up. The first X3 PHEV will bolster the luxury brand’s electrified portfolio, which currently includes a plug-in hybrid version of its 3-Series, 5-Series, 7-Series and X5, alongside its rapidly expanding full EV offerings.

The X3 PHEV was originally slated for Australian release in the first half of 2020, but delays have seen it held off until this MY22 facelift. On the pricing front, the plug-in version costs a fair chunk over the similarly specified petrol 30i and 30d versions, albeit the PHEV scores a few choice upgrades.

The MY22 X3 range starts from $73,900 for the sDrive20i, while the xDrive30i and xDrive 30e are from $87,900 and $94,900 respectively. The $10,000 jump from the diesel and hefty $17,000 jump over the petrol buys you the plug-in hybrid boost, domestic and public charge cables, metallic paint, panorama glass sunroof, lumbar support for driver, seat heating for the front row and BMW i brand elements for the interior and exterior.

Standard inclusions across the 30i, 30d and 30e includes an M Sport Package (adaptive suspension, 20-inch alloys, M Sport brakes, M aluminium trim, M leather steering wheel), leather Vernasca upholstery, ambient lighting, 12-speaker audio, Driving Assistant Professional, Reversing Assistant and Parking Assistant Plus.

These are in addition to the entry-level X3’s adaptive LED headlights, tri-zone climate control, auto tailgate, BMW Live Cockpit Professional with 12.3-inch screen, Connected Package Professional, power seats, head-up display, wireless charging and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

Cutaway diagram of the BMW X3 xDrive 30e PHEV — The BMW X3 xDrive 30e PHEV claims 46km of EV range

The X3 xDrive30e’s will go toe-to-toe with the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300e PHEV, significantly cheaper at $93,800 before on-roads. In a classic German battle the plug-in Benz offers a combined output of 235kW and 700Nm and full electric range of 43km from its 13.5kWh battery.

The BMW X3 xDrive30e brings a more conservative combined 215kW and 420Nm. The all-wheel-drive plug-in uses a 135kW/300Nm 2.0-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder plus an 80kW/265Nm electric motor, mated to an 8-speed auto gearbox. Its 12.0kWh battery gives a claimed electric range of 46km.

On paper then, the X3 xDrive30e can’t match the cheaper Merc’s figures, so we look forward to testing the new plug-in X3 once it lands here to see if it can trump its rival on the road.

The addition of the xDrive30e PHEV and the almost-here iX3 BEV – alongside the petrol and diesel variants – will mean the BMW X3 will have the broadest selection of powertrains in the segment.

Iain Curry

A motoring writer and photographer for two decades, Iain started in print magazines in London as editor of Performance BMW and features writer for BMW Car, GT Porsche and 4Drive magazines. His love of motor sport and high performance petrol cars was rudely interrupted in 2011 when he was one of the first journalists to drive BMW's 1 Series ActiveE EV, and has been testing hybrids, PHEVs and EVs for Australian newspapers ever since. Based near Noosa in Queensland, his weekly newspaper articles cover new vehicle reviews and consumer advice, while his photography is regularly seen on the pages of glossy magazines.