Test - BMW X3 30e xDrive: a plug-in hybrid with a winning style

For its increasingly long compact SUV, BMW has opted for a pragmatic approach. There will be the X3 with an internal combustion engine under the hood and the future iX3, based on a different architecture, for electric power. Let's take a look at the X3 30e xDrive plug-in hybrid built on a combustion engine base.

On the forums, there's been a lot of discussion about the design of recent BMWs. There's a better consensus on the X3's style, no doubt due to its robust-looking features and smoother lines, thanks in particular to the black parts that smooth out the edges. Especially since the Dune Grau sand colour brings a bit of softness to the whole thing. Frankly, if you can (€1,250), get out of the ambient grayness. This design has in any case been approved by most of the people we met. Except, for the most disgruntled, for the grille! Incidentally, this new generation (the 4th) has gained a few centimeters in length and width, while losing a little in height. The BMW X3 therefore measures 4.75m long, 2.13m wide and 1.66m high.

On board, it's a minimalist universe, however, with Merino Amber orange leather (€2,450) setting the tone for this finish. It's a shame that some of the "plastics" lack finesse. The double curved screen dominates the console. Proof that many things are tactile. Almost everything, in fact. Because when there are buttons, they're of the haptic variety. There's no longer a lever for the gearbox selector, but a switch. However, BMW has kept a thumbwheel to navigate the screen in case you're allergic to touch. Choice is true luxury ;-)

If you look closely at the images, you can see a bump on the door to the left of the steering wheel. This is the module for reducing the power of the air conditioning blowing. Touch-sensitive, of course. It's also possible to choose the nighttime lighting mood with LED strips throughout the cabin... Although, in case of danger, everything will turn red.

90km in silence

Starting the SUV with the 19.7 kWh battery fully charged, the dashboard indicates an electric range of 85km (95km in the city according to the Bavarian manufacturer's standards). Enough to hope for daily commutes between home, school, work, and back without using a drop of oil, including on the highway. Then, the gasoline engine has to do the work to achieve a range of over 700km. However, this BMW gave me the impression of putting all its eggs in one basket a little too much. More so than with other PHEVs (but that's just a personal perception).

To take advantage of the 299 hp, you absolutely must have some electric reserve and opt for Sport mode. There's also the Boost function by pushing the left paddle behind the steering wheel for a few seconds. With all its energy, and its 450 Nm of torque, this SUV can go from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.2 s! When the battery is on reserve. Well, it's more like 190 hp maximum, with the complaints of the 4-cylinder 2.0 l turbo. The real boost from the 184 hp (135 kW) electric motor seems to disappear. It still remains active to reduce fuel consumption during deceleration and at low speeds.

Fortunately, the ZF automatic transmission's 8-speed shifts and transitions are smooth. Except in "Sport" dynamic driving, where it's more manly, but just as relevant. The bottom line: plug in the SUV as soon as possible to take advantage of all the power and maximum torque. A quick plug in the supermarket parking lot, for example. Its 11 kW maximum AC charger, without a Combo CCS connector, allows a full charge in 2 hours 15 minutes. After less than 30 minutes between aisles, I was able to recover 20km of electric driving. More than enough to get home in stealth mode. To take advantage of 22 kW DC at a public charging station, you need to purchase a special cable.

True comfort

Despite the M Sport kit installed on this X3, with its stiffened suspension, it's a pleasure to gobble up the asphalt. Even on rough surfaces. BMW has managed to design a well-balanced SUV. Certain features remind us that the chassis is tuned for dynamics, but the whole thing absorbs most imperfections well without the body swaying noticeably. It's beautiful, it's clean, it's efficient, yet it's close to the road. The same goes for the variable-ratio Sport steering.

It's also worth noting that the German car benefits from good overall soundproofing. Except, as we already know, when you really put the pedal to the metal with the battery empty. All this adds a good dose of extra comfort to the seats. The 5th passenger, in the center of the bench, is the least well-off. And it's not just because of the shape of the cushion. There's also the transmission tunnel. Indeed, xDrive means we're dealing with a true all-wheel-drive car. Whether you're in 100% electric, thermal, or hybrid mode, the engine drives all 4 wheels with torque distribution depending on the conditions.

Connected

We can't talk about comfort without delving into the infotainment system and onboard technology. The new X3 features the 9th generation of the system. And at its heart, there's the Android Open Source Project. It's very efficient. The Android Auto integration works smoothly. There are options for adding apps with this connected system, which fills up the menu even more. Because there are a multitude of possible settings via icons. It all seems a bit confusing. But ultimately, you learn to recognize them. After a little adjustment time, everything is efficient. As for the driver, they have ergonomics to focus on the road and be ready to react... Failing that, there are the driver assistance systems, which can be configured as desired.

However, there is a catch. So, if you want the car to fold its mirrors when it locks… You have to pair it with the MyBMW app on your smartphone. This is because some settings are blocked if you just use the key. The app on the phone also gives you the option to monitor the car remotely, use a digital card or your phone to (un)lock the car, etc. Even though it only takes 2-3 minutes to set up (in the car when stationary), I found it particularly mean!

Cables

Because of the battery, the trunk of the X3 30e, a PHEV plug-in hybrid, is less spacious than that of its gasoline or diesel microhybrid counterparts. It's 460 liters under the cargo cover, compared to 570 liters for the others. With the rear seats folded down, the volume reaches 1600 liters (vs. 1700 liters). And there's no storage under the floor. So you have to leave the (various) cables in the trunk. Which takes up even more space.

Inside, there's ample storage space. There's a space to leave your smartphone charging via induction, while leaving another one plugged into one of the USB-C ports. A wired connection is also available in duplicate in the rear. Note that it's also possible to heat the two rear side seats with the Comfort pack (€1,550). This also offers ventilation for the front seats. Very useful when the cockpit has overheated under the sun, bathed in starlight through the optional panoramic roof, which can be blacked out, but doesn't open (€1,550).

The price of a city car

The fuel consumption required to power this 2.1-ton vehicle will depend greatly on whether or not you regularly charge the vehicle. Our average fuel consumption ranged from 3 L/100km to 7 L/100km, depending on the journey and battery condition. The cost per kilometer is as much related to your right foot as it is to the proper use of the power outlet.

The BMW X3 30e xDrive with its standard equipment – ​​including navigation, a cargo net (stored under the trunk floor), air conditioning, a radio, electrically adjustable seats, an electric tailgate, parking assistance (standard), and an induction charging compartment – ​​costs €69,350 in Belgium. But the M Sport model you see in the photos has a plethora of kits, options, and accessories. It would be tedious to list them all; the 21-inch M wheels alone cost €2,450. All this to say that the total amount of extras here amounts to €22,160. That's more than a Dacia Sandero! Adding it all up, we have a total of €91,510 (in Belgium). So, there, we're not laughing as much.

In the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the same model costs €67,057 as a base model, rising to €87,875 with all the equipment in the model I tested. This is thanks to the 17% VAT, as the prices excluding VAT are exactly the same as those in Belgium.

In France, this BMW X3 30e xDrive costs a minimum of €73,350. With the equipment as shown in the photos, you'll have to deduct at least €93,280 from your account. In Switzerland, it starts at CHF 71,900 and ends up with a final configuration of €99,470! In the Netherlands, a car costing €68,422 reaches €89,805 for similar equipment...

(Olivier Duquesne – Source : BMW – Photos : © Olivier Duquesne)