BMW forcefully continues the extensive electrification of its lineup. The next on the list is the all-new BMW X3 xDrive30e plug-in hybrid SAV which is now becoming available to clients. A new, fully-electric BMW iX3 will also be premiered in the course of next year.
Until then, the new electrified X3 xDrive30e will be produced starting December 2019 at the Spartanburg facility in South Carolina, USA, with the official market introduction due in Spring 2020. The plug-in hybrid SAV will be assembled alongside the standard, ICE-only X3 models, further emphasizing on the seamless integration and optimization of the EV technology stream in the general production cycle.
The new BMW X3 xDrive30e combines the all-wheel-drive, electronically-controlled xDrive chassis with the latest, state-of-the-art plug-in hybrid technology, making use of a high-voltage, lithium-ion battery with the most advanced battery cell technology.
The hybrid configuration comprises a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder petrol engine rated at 135 kW / 184 PS (181 hp), which is also equipped with TwinPower Turbo technology. Power is sourced through an 8-speed automatic Steptronic transmission, which works in conjunction with an electric motor developing 80 kW / 109 PS (107 hp). The combined output of the hybrid X3 reaches a maximum 215 kW / 292 PS (288 hp).
The performance achieved by the new X3 xDrive30e is rather remarkable. Acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h takes just 6.1 seconds, given the extra weight of the battery and the overall vehicle mass. As well, the plug-in hybrid version of the X3 is capable of achieving a top speed of 210 km / h (130 mph). What’s interesting is that the xDrive is functioning permanently, so the AWD cruise is possible even in electric-only mode.
The new x3 xDrive30e is a particularly eco-friendly SAV, with its electrified powertrain enabling a low CO2 footprint of just 64 – 49 grams per km (calculated as per WLTP cycle) or 54 – 49 grams per km (as per NEDC). The fuel consumption is also reduced dramatically to 2.8 – 2.2 liters/100 km (WLTP), which translates into 2.4 – 2.1 liters/100 km (NEDC). The overall electric consumption tops 29.9 – 26.5 kWh/100 km in WLTP paradigm, or 17.2 – 16.4 kWh/100 km transposed into NEDC values. The all-electric range is estimated around 46 – 41 kilometers (WLTP) / 55 – 51 kilometers (NEDC).
The high-voltage lithium-ion battery can be operated in various modes. For example, the Auto eDrive setting enables the driver to reach a top speed of 110 km/h in full-electric configuration. The MAX eDrive option adds more oomph and increases the top speed up to 135 km/h. The internal combustion petrol engine is only switched on after those maximum speed levels and only if the situation requires it. It is also of great importance to note that the BATTERY CONTROL system enables the driver to set up the electric consumption level, with the battery being able to manage its charge state in the predefined limits, which helps you to better plan your trip accordingly.
The battery is located underneath the rear seats and it boasts gross electrical storage capacity of 12.0 kWh (or a net 10.8 kWh, taking into account physical losses). The fuel tank has been installed on the rear axle and it only minimally affects the cargo space of the boot, which has a volume of 450 liters. The rear-seat bench can be folded in 40 : 20 : 40 ratio and thus, the cargo space can be extended up to 1,500 liters. The maximum towing capacity of the new X3 xDrive30e is calculated at 2,000 kilograms.
Visually speaking, the X3 xDrive30e is seamlessly integrated in the lineup of G01 model generation. Compared to the former iPerformance styling philosophy for electrified models, the BMW i logos are no longer found on the wings, the “eDrive” badges on the C-pillars have been deleted and no blue accents are present on the kidney grille and wheel hubs.
Inside, the BMW Live Cockpit digital cluster features a blue shade and the eDrive emblem on the center. As well, the door sills and engine cover also receive the eDrive logos and some traces of BMW i blue color.
As for all electrified models, the new BMW X3 xDrive30e benefits from reduced taxations and multiple benefits. Recharging the battery can be conveniently done at home with the help of conventional portable EV chargers or by choosing the specifically developed BMW i Wallbox, which guarantees a full recharge of the vehicle in around 3 hours. The electrical charging port is available by opening the cover located on the left front wing.
The new X3 xDrive30e is available for all equipment lines, starting from the Advantage model up to range-topping M Sport version. As well, mostly all the optional systems and assistants are available for the petrol/diesel variants are also offered for the plug-in hybrid X3. Increasing the hallmark driving pleasure and safety aboard the new electrified SAV, the Adaptive Suspension, the Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, the BMW Head Up Display and the Driving Assistant Plus are just a few names from a long list of options that are readily available for the new X3 xDrive30e.
