A kind of link between the “normal” X3 and the new iX3, the BMW X3 xDrive30e is one of the (many) plug-in hybrid models of the Bavarian brand and tries to bring together the best of both worlds.
On the one hand, we have an electric motor and between 43 km and 51 km of purely electric range (WLTP cycle) to use — an asset, especially when driving in urban areas.
On the other hand, we have an in-line four-cylinder gasoline engine, with 2.0 l and 184 hp, which allows us to face longer trips without having to worry about where the next charging station will be.
On paper this may seem like the perfect combination, but does the X3 xDrive30e actually deliver on what it promises? And when does the battery run out? Do you see your arguments drastically reduced or is it still a proposal to consider?
Well, of course there is only one way to find the answers to these questions and that's why we put the new BMW X3 xDrive30e to the test.
Is it plug-in hybrid? I barely noticed
Starting with the aesthetics of this X3 xDrive30e, the truth is that only the most attentive should realize that this version has added electrons to its diet.
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With the exception of a discreet logo and the charging port, the X3's plug-in hybrid variant is practically the same as the others, based on its sobriety and the fact that it also has the famous “double kidney” with dimensions that we can consider “ normal".
Personally I appreciate the somewhat classic styling of the BMW model, with this one managing to remain sober, but at the same time imposing (there were several heads I saw turning in its wake) without looking old-fashioned or too seen.
The loading door and a small logo, these are the main aesthetic differences compared to the other X3.
Inside? "Breathe" quality
As with the exterior, the interior of the BMW X3 xDrive30e is practically identical to that of the purely combustion versions. This way we have a cabin with a sober look and where quality is the watchword.
This one uses soft materials that are pleasant to the touch, with an assembly that turned out to be robust. Even when driving on a dirt road in silent electric mode, the X3 xDrive30e lives up to the brand's fame in this chapter.
In the ergonomics chapter, note that the X3 xDrive30e has remained faithful to the physical controls — there are still plenty of buttons that we see inside — and this translates into a shorter period of getting used to its use. In addition to the climate control system and the radio, the infotainment system also has a physical command (the famous iDrive), an asset when navigating its many menus and sub-menus.
Complete and with good graphics, the infotainment system just lacks the excess of sub-menus that require some getting used to.
However, there is a chapter in which this plug-in hybrid version loses compared to its gasoline- or diesel-only counterparts, and that is, precisely, in space. While everything remained the same in terms of living space, with space for four adults to travel comfortably, the same did not happen in the trunk.
Because when accommodating the 12 kWh battery capacity under the rear seats, the fuel tank had to be repositioned over the rear axle. The result? The formerly 550 liters of luggage capacity dropped to 450 liters, and in this space it is still necessary to house the heavy (and large) loader.
Installing the batteries under the rear seats "stole" luggage space.
Economical with battery...
As you would expect, while the battery that powers the 109 hp electric motor integrated in the Steptronic eight-speed automatic transmission is charged, the X3 xDrive30e achieves remarkable consumption, with real autonomy in 100% mode at around 40 km in normal driving .
This graphic "reports" when the X3 xDrive30e "goes sailing". Interestingly this was not the case on this occasion.
Using, above all, the hybrid mode, consumption ranged from 4 to 4.5 l/100 km, with the good management of the battery charge made by the plug-in hybrid system impressing.
Still, what impresses most while we have battery is the performance. There are 292 hp of maximum combined power and 420 Nm of maximum combined torque , so this BMW X3 xDrive30e moves with pleasant ease.
… and without her
If consumption while the battery is charged meets expectations, those that we achieve when the battery has no charge — in fact, the battery never fully discharges, even to preserve its good health —, is a positive surprise.
On a route that was divided into about 80% road/motorway and 20% city, the X3 xDrive30e made consumptions marked between 6 and 7.5 l/100 km, taking advantage of all descents or decelerations to recharge the battery, mainly in “Normal” and “Eco Pro” driving modes.
Dynamically it's a BMW, of course
If there is a chapter in which it matters little whether the BMW X3 xDrive30e has a battery charge or not, it is in the dynamic chapter, with the German model living up to the dynamic parchments that are BMW's trademark. That's even considering the two-tonne weight of this plug-in hybrid.
We have a direct steering with good weight (although in “Sport” mode it can be considered a little heavy) and a chassis that allows for interactive driving. All of this contributes to making the BMW X3 xDrive30e even fun to drive.
When we slow down the pace, the German SUV responds with high levels of refinement and silence on board, even when driving on the highway, a place where you feel like “fish in water”.
Is the car right for me?
The best compliment we can make to the BMW X3 xDrive30e is that it is, more than a plug-in hybrid, a typical BMW, adding to all the qualities recognized in the models of the German brand the advantages of this type of mechanics.
Well-built and comfortable, in this version the X3 xDrive30e conquers urban skills that were previously unknown to it (courtesy of the electric motor). When we leave town we have a good plug-in hybrid system that allows us to achieve good consumption while having fun driving one of the most dynamic SUVs in the segment.
Also in the BMW tradition comes the fact that some equipment is relegated to the list of options that shouldn't be, such as the lane maintenance assistant, the adaptive cruise control or the traffic sign reader — for more in a model that sees its price start above 63 thousand euros.
In conclusion, for those looking for a premium SUV, with quality, spacious q.b. and that allows you to circulate in an urban environment without wasting “rivers” of fuel and in a more environmentally responsible way, the BMW X3 xDrive30e is one of the main options to consider.