The new X3 xDrive30e gets 20 miles of all-electric range and sacrifices almost nothing.
At a certain point in time, maybe five years ago or so, I came to the realization that if you’re not buying a car for performance reasons, you’re probably better off with the hybrid version. It happened in the: Lexus ES; it’s true with the Porsche Panamera ; and it’s also true with this, the BMW X3 xDrive3oe . The BMW crossover plug-in hybrid just came out this year and has an all-electric range of about 20 miles. Here’s what else to know:
2020 BMW X3 xDrive30e—Power
The new BMW X3 xDrive3oe just went on sale this spring and features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four and an electric motor to produce 292 hp total along with 309 lb-ft of torque. That’s good for a 6.1-second sprint to 62 mph (100 kph). Top speed is 130 mph.
2020 BMW X3 xDrive30e—Drive Modes
The X3 xDrive30e has drive modes, but instead of comfort, normal and sport they are max eDrive, auto eDrive and battery control. Max eDrive uses only the battery for silent, motive force. Auto eDrive uses both the engine and the electric motor, efficiently. Battery control allows drivers to save their charge for local emissions-free driving.
2020 BMW X3 xDrive30e—Storage
The 2020 X3 xDrive30e has about 16 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats up because the battery is installed out of the way, under the rear seats. When folded, that cargo area grows to 53 cubic feet.
2020 BMW X3 xDrive30e—Battery Charging
Surprisingly, to charge the X3 xDrive3oe fully on a 110-volt home outlet, it only takes six hours to get to the 20-mile max range. At a BMW i Wallbox, the same charging process can be completed in around three and a half hours. The charging socket is located under a separate flap on the front left side of the car.
2020 BMW X3 xDrive30e—Trade-Offs
There are very few trade-offs in the X3 XdDrive30e. If you were thinking about getting the four-cylinder, you get more power in this model. And even if you were thinking about getting the xDrive40i with the twin-turbo I6, you’re only down 90 hp. And it still tears away from a stoplight with the electric torque.
2020 BMW X3 xDrive30e—Tech
The BMW X3 xDrive3oe comes standard with acoustic pedestrian protection, the whirring sound it makes when driving in EV mode. It also comes standard with an auxiliary air conditioning system that can be controlled from a smartphone. Cool it off before you enter in the summer, heat it up in the winter. The BMW app will help you find public charging stations, enable the charging process and let the driver know the state of charge, range, etc.
2020 BMW X3 xDrive30e—Options
X3 plug-in hybrid options include an adaptive suspension, variable sports steering and an M Sport brake system, BMW head-up display, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Driving Assistant Plus with steering and lane guidance assistant and also Parking Assistant Plus.
