BMW X3 xDrive30e plug-in confirmed for Oz

BMW Australia has confirmed a plug-in hybrid will soon join its X3 SUV portfolio in the form of the new BMW X3 xDrive30e.

The all-wheel drive petrol-electric crossover will arrive in Australia in the second quarter of 2020 combining a 135kW 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine tied to an eight-speed automatic with an in-built 80kW electric motor – an identical setup to the existing 330e plug-in hybrid sedan.

Pricing for the plug-in hybrid X3 remains unknown at this stage. Upon first launching plug-in hybrid technology to Australia – the X3 xDrive30e is the seventh such model – BMW ran minimal pricing premiums between plug-in hybrid models and their donor cars in a bid accelerate take-up.

However, that appears to have softened. For example, whereas the 330e was once $2000 dearer than the 330i, the latest model is $5000 more expensive.

In any case, the X3 xDrive30e’s electrified driveline produces combined outputs of 215kW and 420Nm, correlating to a claimed 0-100km/h time of 6.1 seconds.

Efficiency is the xDrive30e’s biggest talking point; it delivers a claimed consumption figure of between 2.1L/100km and 2.4L/100km while emitting between 49 and 54 grams per kilometre of CO2.

Furthermore, the SUV’s lithium-ion battery cell enables a claimed electric range of up to 55km, or 46km using the WLTP testing cycle. The X3 xDrive30e’s maximum speed is rated between 110km/h and 135km/h depending on driving mode.

The X3 xDrive30e can be recharged in six hours when using a regular household power outlet. With a BMW i Wallbox the charging time can be reduced to 3.5 hours.

The electrification process hasn’t impact on interior space either, according to BMW. The X3’s 12kWh battery pack is located underneath the rear seat, while the fuel tank is positioned above the rear axle – bringing the same 450 litres of boot space as garden-variety X3 models. This can be expanded to 1500L when the 40:20:40 split-fold rear seat is put down.