BMW launches the X3 xDrive30e plug-in hybrid

BMW has launched the new BMW X3 xDrive30e, the third Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) in the brand's current model range to feature a plug-in hybrid drive and power transmission to all four wheels, offering exciting versatility and a purely electric driving experience as well as outstanding low fuel consumption and emissions.

A 2.0-litre four-cylinder combustion engine and an electric motor combined generate a maximum output of 288bhp and 420Nm of torque, allowing the new X3 xDrive30e to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds and hit a top speed of 210km/h.

The BMW X3 xDrive30e also combines the typical handling qualities of a Sports Activity Vehicle with efficient drive technology.

The plug-in hybrid model is characterised by agile handling and sporty driving characteristics thanks to the BMW xDrive system, which permanently distributes the drive torque between the front and rear wheels as required, even when driving purely on electric power, so as to ensure sporty driving characteristics on the road and superior off-road performance over uneven terrain.

Average fuel consumption is around 41.6km/L based on the new Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure, thanks to a lithium-ion high-voltage battery that also enables a purely electric range of 51km to 55km on the same test cycle.

The lithium-ion battery of the BMW X3 xDrive30e is also in a space-saving position underneath the rear seat, while the fuel tank is positioned above the rear axle. This means that the overall practically of the plug-in hybrid model is only reduced slightly with 450 litres of boot space. By folding down the 40:20:40 splitting rear seats, the storage space can be extended up to 1,500 litres.

Charging high-voltage battery at a conventional household will take less than six hours for a full charge, while a BMW i Wallbox, will complete the charge in 3.5 hours.

Standard equipment on all variants is the acoustic pedestrian protection, which plays an unmistakeable sound designed specifically for electrified BMW models when driving electrically at low speeds to alert other road users of the approaching car without impairing the acoustic comfort of the vehicle occupants.

In addition, the new BMW X3 xDrive30e is also equipped with an auxiliary air conditioning system as standard, allowing remote control from a smartphone via the BMW Connected App, the driver can now cool of the car even before entering it on sunny days.

New digital services help make it more convenient to charge the high-voltage battery when out and about.

The digital services support the driver in searching for and selecting public charging stations, enable the charging process to be controlled via remote functions and transmit information relating to charge status, electrical and combined range and individual energy consumption to the driver's smartphone or other personal devices.

The new BMW X3 xDrive30e will be produced from December 2019 onwards at the BMW plant in Spartanburg, U.S.A alongside the conventionally powered model variants of the BMW X3. The worldwide market launch is due to start in early 2020.