BMW has taken the covers off the plug-in hybrid version of its X3 SUV.
Set to enter production in December, the X3 xDrive30e is fitted with a 2.0-litre, twin-turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine alongside an electric motor, which are paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission and xDrive all-wheel drive.
The two power units combine to develop 248bhp – although at the electric motor’s peak output, a further 40bhp is available, allowing the X3 to get from 0-60mph in just 6.3 seconds.
With the lithium-ion battery pack fitted under the rear seats to save space, the 450-litre boot is no smaller than conventionally-powered siblings and is not compromised by the additional power setup.
BMW claims that on electric power alone, the 30e can go 31 miles on a single charge, and that helps bring the overall fuel usage of the X3 to 117.7mpg. Emissions are set at 56g/km CO2.
See Available X3 DealsThe xDrive 30e will be joining 11 other models in the BMW Group that will be utilising some form of electric propulsion – including the latest version of the 3 Series 330e, the X5 xDrive45e and Mini’s upcoming all-electric Hatch that is expected to be revealed in the next few months.
Pricing and specification information is yet to be released, but expect more details on the X3 xDrive 30e to be revealed in the latter part of 2019.