BMW Australia will be bringing in the X3 in plug-in hybrid guise. The xDrive30e PHEV will be the first ever electrified X3 sold in Australia and will join its PHEV brethren such the recently launched BMW 330e and X5 xDrive45e.
The X3 PHEV is propelled by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine making 135kW with an 80kW electric motor integrated into the 8-speed Steptronic transmission. Together, the two drive units develop a total system output of 215kW and 420Nm. The company claims its century sprint time to be just 6.1 seconds.
But when you’re not sprinting between traffic lights, the xDrive30e claims its EV range to be some 55km while achieving a top speed of 110km/h in standard Auto eDrive mode while engaging MAX eDrive mode bumps the top speed up to 135km/h.
The onboard power management software always ensures that the charge level on the 12kWh battery pack is always kept from depletion. Hooking up the xDrive30e to a BMW i Wallbox completes the charging process in just 3.5 hours while a household socket takes 6 hours.
It’s interesting to note that even with the addition of the battery pack, the xDrive30e hasn't lost any of the 450-litre boot space found in conventionally-powered variants. This space can be further expanded to 1500-litres with the rear seats folded.
BMW Australia has confirmed that the xDrive30e will feature acoustic pedestrian protection which is a system specifically designed for electrified BMWs to alert pedestrians to your presence when travelling at low speeds in EV mode. The German brand’s local arm has yet to confirm pricing and specifications at press time but it should be revealed closer toward its launch date.
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