The launch of the new BMW 3 Series will bring forward a couple of novelties for some other new models as well. One of them will be the introduction of the new plug-in hybrid BMW X3. As you may have noticed, ever since the new X3 came out, people have been asking about either a PHEV version or the fully-electric iX3 model, and when they will come out. While the EV is still in development, scheduled for a 2020-2021 launch, the PHEV will be coming out sooner.
According to our sources inside Munich, BMW wants to wait for the new 3 Series to come out before the hybrid X3 is also revealed. That’s because a new powertrain will be launched with it and it will be used by both models. The new BMW 330e will be an improvement over the current version on sale today. It will still use a 2-liter 4-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor but it will have more power and more range for those Eco-savvy customers.
The same powertrain will be used on the upcoming BMW X3 xDrive30e, which will be launched next year as a 2020MY. It will have around 275 HP and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque at most, and a range of at least 30 miles which should actually be a noticeable improvement over the current situation. That’s because the 30 miles of pure electric range will be calculated according to the new testing procedures which are considerably tougher than the old NEDC tests.
This new PHEV X3 will be a preview of the iX3 model which is highly anticipated. BMW claims the new all-electric SUV will have a range close to 400 miles, which should solve the range anxiety issue for most interested buyers. It will use new-generation batteries developed at BMW’s center of excellence in the field, and manufactured by CATL in Germany, the Chinese company already signing a contract in this regard with the German car maker.
