BMW Asia and Performance Motors Limited today announced the availability of 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 outstandingly low fuel consumption and emissions.

The globally popular SAV model in the premium mid-range segment is the first model from the brand to be offered with both a conventional combustion engine and a plug-in hybrid system, with a purely electrically powered model variant to be added in due course.

The new BMW X3 xDrive30e features a 2.0-litre, 184bhp four-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology and an electric motor, paired to an eight-speed Steptronic transmission. The powertrain generates a combined maximum power output of 288bhp and 420Nm of torque, accelerating the car from zero to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 210km/h.

The car's average fuel consumption is 35.7km/L, while purely electric power consumption is 18.3km/kWh. This is thanks to the lithium-ion high-voltage battery equipped with the very latest battery cell technology, enabling purely electric range of 51km to 55km based on the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure.

The BMW xDrive system permanently distributes the drive torque between the front and rear wheels as required, even on purely electric drive, so as to ensure sporty driving characteristics on the road and superior off-road performance over unsurfaced terrain.

The electric motor can be used either for purely electric mobility or to support the combustion engine. In the standard Auto eDrive setting, purely electric driving is available at speeds of up to 110km/h. In MAX eDrive mode, the local emissions-free and virtually silent drive unit achieves a top speed of 135km/h. 

The combustion engine only switches on at higher speeds or particularly high load requirements. The Battery Control setting serves to keep the charge state of the high-voltage battery at a level determined by the driver, hence power supply can be specifically reserved according to the driver's needs.

The lithium-ion battery is located underneath the rear seat, while the fuel tank is positioned above the rear axle. This means that rear cabin space is only slightly reduced. The 450-litre boot, meanwhile, is on par with models with a conventional engine. By folding down the 40:20:40 split rear seats, the storage space extends to up to 1,500 litres.

The high voltage battery can be charged fully in less than six hours using the standard charging cable. At a BMW i Wallbox, the time is reduced to around 3.5 hours. The high voltage battery also supplies the 12V vehicle electrical system.

The new BMW X3 xDrive30e comes in xLine and M Sport variants. Its standard features includes acoustic pedestrian protection, which produces an unmistakeable sound designed specifically for electrified BMW models when driving electrically at low speeds.

In addition, an auxiliary air conditioning system comes as standard, and can be controlled remotely from the BMW Connected App. Other features such as Adaptive Suspension, a Variable Sports Steering and an M Sport Brake System, the BMW Head-Up Display, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function and Parking Assistant Plus are available too.

The BMW Group conducted a full-cycle CO₂ certification for the new BMW X3 xDrive30e from raw material procurement, the supply chain, production and the use phase, all the way to recycling.

It was revealed that the CO₂ footprint of the new BMW X3 xDrive30e is 26% smaller than that of the new BMW X3 xDrive30i when running on average European power in the use phase. When charging the car with green energy, its CO₂ footprint is reduced by as much as 54%.

The new BMW X3 xDrive30e is now available for viewing at the Performance Motors Limited showroom.