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By Jonathan Crouch

The X3 30e xDrive is a very complete PHEV package for customers searching in the premium part of the upper mid-sized SUV segment. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 44

BMW's X3 30e xDrive delivers the Munich maker's plug-in technology in a practical, classy and very efficient package, though there's a premium price to pay. Still, you might well feel that this eco-minded mid-sized premium SUV could be all the car you'll ever need.

Backgroundword count: 146

BMW doesn't often lag behind technologically with its products, but one recent exception was with the Plug-in Hybrid version of the G01-era X3 mid-sized SUV. At introduction in 2020, it looked a reasonably competitive proposition but it only took a couple of years for that model's small 13kWh PHEV battery and feeble 34 mile EV range capability to start feeling very behind the curve indeed. So the G45-era X3 30e xDrive model we look at here, launched in mid-2024, couldn't come soon enough for the Munich maker. As expected, this new-era model borrows the much enhanced Plug-in Hybrid drivetrain that by the time of this fourth generation X3's launch had lately been fitted to a much improved version of the marque's 330e. A set-up whose larger battery allows this X3 30e to be used much like an EV for suburban duties. Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experienceword count: 325

It's easy to just think that this X3 xDrive30e carries over completely the powertrain from the brand's more familiar 330e. And to some extent it does, though with the X3, there's an incorporated AWD system. As with that car, this mid-sized SUV uses a 2.0-litre four cylinder petrol engine mated to an electric motor, integrated into the 8-speed Steptronic auto transmission. The big change with this G45-era model is the huge jump in battery size - from to 13kWh to 19.7kWh. And that in turn has facilitated a far more competitive EV driving range figure of up to 54 miles, 20 miles further than before. What this now means is that if you've a pretty typical daily commute, you might never have to fuel up this car to complete it. Power output isn't much different from that of the previous G01-era PHEV X3; with this G45 design, it's rated at 299hp, with 450Nm of torque, though that top figure only comes with driver application of the available 'XtraBoost' function, which gives an extra burst of acceleration for overtaking. Overall, the performance stats are much as before, with 62mph reached in 6.2s on the way to 134mph flat out - or an 87mph max under EV power. As before, the main available drive modes are 'Sport', 'Hybrid' and 'Electric' - the latter able to be automatically activated in urban zones. Have the drive dynamics been updated compared to the old G01 model? BMW says so. There's a lighter, stiffer structure with a wider rear axle and an almost completely redesigned suspension set-up (double-joint strut front axle suspension and 5-link rear). Adaptive damping continues as an option, but the brand has stopped short of fitting the air suspension and 4-wheel steering systems you'll find in some rivals. It wants these to be the preserve of the larger, more profitable X5. You should also notice more accurate steering, the old dual-pinion rack swapped for a new belt-driven set-up.

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