Taking advantage of the expertise acquired with the 5 Series, BMW converts its X3 to the plug-in hybrid to better hunt on the grounds of the Audi Q5 or Volvo XC60. Automobile Propre took over the SUV in a very short test.
–
The range of plug-in hybrid models is expanding at BMW. In mid-2020, 7 models populated the catalog, including the very recent X3 xDrive30e. SUV mid-range before the arrival of the X2 and X7, it is much more bourgeois and imposing than the X1 tried on the same day. It receives the motorization run by the 5 Series in its “530e” version.
Smooth driving, powerful turning
Under the high hood of the X3 xDrive30e, the 4-cylinder petrol engine operates to develop 184 horsepower and 300 Nm on the front wheels. It therefore stands out from the 3-cylinder X1 xDrive25e. It forms a duet with an electric motor more powerful than the little brother. Developing 80 kW (109 hp) and 265 Nm, it is integrated at the rear. In combination, the SUV therefore operates on 4-wheel drive, through an 8-speed automatic transmission, whose gearshifts are barely noticeable.
Surprisingly, the 4-cylinder is more discreet than the “3 legs” of the X1, except in strong accelerations where it howls more pronounced. At that time, we take advantage of the 292 horsepower combined, and a torque of 420 Nm. The accelerations are frank (0-100 km / h in 6 seconds), but it runs out of steam quickly because of the 2,065 kg on the scales. In all electric, you should not be in a hurry. Reaching 135 km / h remains an unsavory option for autonomy.
32 km electric
Integrated under the floor, the X3 battery accumulates 12 kWh, including 10.8 kWh useful. This does not compensate for the power and weight vis-à-vis the X1 in terms of autonomy. With 38 km on the odometer after recharging – and by estimating the impact of the journey on the GPS – it is far from the 42 to 51 km announced by the WLTP cycle. After 31.6 kilometers of city and road, the electric Max eDrive mode has given everything. On this part of the test, our consumption was 23.5 kWh / 100 km, the average speed of 27 km / h, with strong acceleration included to understand the limits of the X3.
After switching to Auto eDrive hybrid mode, we drove around thirty kilometers. Charging the battery allowed 8 km of emissions, but fuel consumption was more than 10 l / 100 km on average. Over the whole of our test, it was thus 5.5 l / 100 km on average over the 62.8 km traveled.
With 2 hours, we could not experience the recharging of this BMW x3 xDrive30e, clamped at 3.7 kW of power. On accelerated setting, it would take 2 hours 34 minutes to recover 80% (approximately 38 km) or 4 hours 20 minutes to reach 100%. On a domestic outlet, the brand communicates on 3:40 and 5:55 respectively. Note, the Battery Control mode can recharge using the petrol engine, which is not recommended unless there is a requirement. Unlike the X1, it is possible to define the desired charge level. BMW specifies that 40 minutes at 130 km / h are necessary for a full recharge, without indicating the excessive consumption caused.
Experience and comfort
As you can understand, it was difficult to get a complete picture of the BMW X3 on such a short test drive. Nevertheless, we appreciated a very easy driving despite the dimensions of the machine. Apart from accelerations in electric, the 2 tonnes do not appear on winding roads, as the steering is light, and the chassis efficient. Silence is king, but we have noted more the noise simulated in electric at 30 km / h, imperceptible on the X1.
For driving, the digital meters are flattering, but not very readable at a glance, fortunately the head-up display operated (option). The central touch screen and its wheel are rather intuitive to use. The first is nevertheless too prone to reflections and fingerprints (very visible in the photo, less annoying “in real life”). In connectivity, GPS is nice, Bluetooth is included as well as smartphone compatibility. We noted 4 USB sockets, including two on the back. But beware, the X3 here offers 3 USB-C (new generation) and a single USB-A, while wireless charging was installed.
In terms of storage and space on board, the SUV plays the family. No risk of touching your elbows in the front or banging your knees in the back on the seats. The door bins are huge, as is the center console. However, the trunk takes a hit. Compared to its thermal counterparts, it loses 100 liters, passing to 450 liters. The floor is also raised above the trunk threshold and the space dedicated to the storage of cables not very generous. The X3 therefore does not do better than an X1 despite 26 cm more, and barely exceeds it in the 2-seater configuration (1,500 l).
Expensive BMX X3 plug-in hybrid
With this new high-end SUV of 4.71 m twin-engine and 292 horsepower, it should come as no surprise that the price is not very accessible. The range of X3 xDrive30e starts at € 58,940 on the most affordable of the 4 finishes. However, this is an advantage over diesel. The 265 hp xDrive30d is a few hundred euros cheaper, but receives a penalty of 4,543 to 13,682 € depending on the finishes and options. It also consumes three times more, with 6.9 to 7.7 against 2.2 to 2.8 l / 100 km in plug-in hybrid.
Produced in the American factory in Spartanburg, it is also available in a Business Design finish. Aimed at pros, it is displayed at € 60,700. Our test model was an X3 xDrive30e xLine (from € 64,900). It included many options (panoramic roof, 20-inch rims, Comfort Pack, leather upholstery, etc.), for a total of € 76,260.
Conclusion
Suffice to say that the BMW X3 plug-in hybrid arrives in an already lively segment. Facing its rivals, BMW is placed in the middle. One of the most popular models on the French market, the DS 7 Crossback E-Tense (58 km theoretical in electric) starts at € 55,400 in its 300 horsepower version. The Audi Q5 50 TFSI e also beat it with a call rate of € 55,800. The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300e starts at € 61,000, with 320 horsepower and the Coupé option, while the rival X4 (aka X3 Coupé) has no equivalent. Volvo plays another card, that of power. Its XC60 Recharge T8 from € 65,980 is positioned at 340 horsepower, even 405 hp in its Polestar variant.
- Soft driving and premium comfort
- Performances
- Silence royal
- Good habitability
- Equipment
—
-
- Average electric autonomy
- Recharge at 3.7 kW
- Amputated trunk volume
- Price higher than DS7 and Q5
—
The 8-speed automatic transmission couples to three driving modes
—–
