BMW X3 Estate

• Body Glass
  • Acoustic glazing
  • Automatic windscreen wipers and automatic headlight
  • Fingertip control / anti-trap function on electric window
  • Front and rear electric windows
  • Green tinted heat insulating glass
  • Heated windscreen washer jets
  • Rain sensor
  • Rear wiper
  • Sun protection glass
  • Windscreen wipers with adjustable interval
• Brakes
  • ADB - Automatic Differential Brake
  • Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with brake assist
  • Automatic Stability Control (ASC)
  • Brake drying
  • Brake energy regeneration
  • Braking pre-tensioning
  • Cornering brake control (CBC)
  • DSC+
  • Dynamic brake control
  • Dynamic Traction Control - DTC
  • Electromechanical parking brake
  • Hill descent control
  • Hill start assist
  • Ventilated front and rear disc brakes
• Carpets/Rugs
  • Floor mats in velour
• Chassis/Suspension
  • Multi-link rear suspension
• Driver Aids
  • Active Guard
  • Attentiveness assist
  • Front/rear Parking distance control
  • Variable sports power steering with drive performance control Sport+ mode
• Driver Convenience
  • 2 x USB Type C ports for charging and data transmission (front centre console) and 2 x USB Type C ports for charging (rear centre console)
  • Electric boot lid
  • Stop/start system
• Driver Information
  • BMW Live Cockpit Professional nav system including 12.3" instrument display + 12.3 high resolution control display
  • BMW Online services
  • BMW Teleservices
  • Brake pad wear indicator in front and rear
  • Check Control warning system for monitoring of lights and door/luggage compartment open warning
  • Condition based service - BMW service history, electronic service booklet, integrated owner's handbook
  • Connected drive services
  • iDrive touch controller with 8 favourite buttons
  • Instrument cluster with speedometer with mph readout, tachometer, fuel gauge and oil temperature gauge
  • Lights on warning by audio warning signal when ignition is switched off
  • Oil sensor for level and grade, warning by check control system
  • On board computer - average speed+fuel consumption, service interval, clock/date, odometer/trip meter, outside temperature display and ice warning
  • Optimum shift indicator
  • Personal Profile - automatic lock when driving away selectable
  • Run flat indicator
• Driving Mirrors
  • Body colour electric adjust heated aspherical door mirrors
  • Direction indicator, side repeaters, integrated in exterior mirrors
  • Folding wing mirrors with auto dimming
  • Interior rear view electrochromatic mirror with automatic anti dazzle function
• Engine
  • eDrive exterior sound
  • Incorrect fuelling protection
• Entertainment
  • BMW professional radio/CD/MP3
  • DAB tuner
• Exterior Body Features
  • Black finish on B pillars
  • BMW individual high gloss shadow line with extended content
  • Body colour door handles
  • Body colour roof mouldings
  • Body coloured bumpers
  • Exhaust tailpipes - dual, round, split left and right with chrome finisher
  • Front and rear bumper system with replaceable deformation elements
  • Gloss chrome tailpipes finishers
  • High gloss black shadow line roof rails
  • High gloss shadowline exterior trim in decorative moulding side frame/recess cover/guide rail/B, C pillars/mirror frame and triangle with mirror base
  • Lightweight engineering
  • M aerodynamic bodystyling
  • M Sport entry door sill strips
  • Model designation
  • Rear side wing doors
  • Rear wing door
  • Shark fin antenna
  • Side exterior M designation badges
  • Visible VIN plate
• Exterior Lights
  • Dynamic brake lights
  • Follow me home headlights
  • High beam assistant
  • High level 3rd brake light incorporating LED Technology
  • LED tail lights
  • Welcome lighting
• Heating/Cooling/Ventilation
  • 3 zone automatic air conditioning
• Interior Features
  • 12V power point in luggage area
  • 12V power socket in front centre console
  • 4 lashing points to secure luggage
  • Anthracite headlining
  • Foldable storage floor with compartment
  • Four grab handles integrated in roof lining
  • Front and rear bottle holders integrated into door trim storage compartments
  • Front and rear side armrests integrated into door trim
  • Front centre armrest with storage compartment
  • Leather gear knob
  • Lockable glove compartment
  • Luggage area underfloor compartment
  • M sport leather steering wheel
  • Multifunction steering wheel
  • Parcel shelf removeable and storable under boot floor
  • Reach and rake adjustable steering column
  • Rear centre armrest with 2 cupholders
  • Removable / retractable luggage cover
  • Storage compartment in rear centre console and front/rear door trims
  • Toolkit located in luggage compartment
  • Two front cupholders with removable oddments tray/lid
• Interior Lights
  • Ambient lighting
  • Automatic interior light when door is opened/ignition switched off or via remote key
  • Front footwell lights
  • Front/rear courtesy lights with soft on/off dimming
  • Front/rear reading lights
  • Luggage compartment lighting
• Packs
  • Connected pro pack - X3
• Safety
  • Active protection
  • Battery safety cut-off
  • BMW emergency call
  • Child locks on rear doors
  • Crash Sensor - activation of central locking release, hazard warning light and interior lighting
  • Deactivation of fuel pump in the event of a crash
  • Driver and front passenger front and side airbags with passenger deactivation and ITS front and rear head airbags
  • Driver and front passenger knee airbag
  • M sport seatbelt
  • Seatbelt security check for front seats
  • Side impact protection
  • Three point seatbelts to all seats with front and outer rear pyrotechnic belt tensioners and seat belt force limiters
  • Two tone horn
  • Tyre pressure sensor
  • Warning triangle and first aid kit
• Seats
  • 3 rear headrests
  • 3 seat bench in 2nd row
  • 40:20:40 split folding rear seat with loading system
  • Front head restraints
  • Front passenger seat
  • Front sports seats
  • Heated front seats
  • Isofix rear child seat preparation
  • Slope adjustable rear seats
• Security
  • Central locking switch for all doors, fuel filler cap and luggage compartment
  • Electronic engine immobiliser
  • Locking wheel nuts
  • Remote control including two integrated key - one button for open/close all lockable content, windows and separate button for open luggage compartment
  • Remote control Thatcham category 1 alarm
  • Start/stop button with Comfort Go keyless engine start and auto Start/stop deactivation button
• Transmission
  • Sport automatic transmission with gearshift paddles
• Vanity Mirrors
  • Sun visors with vanity mirrors and ticket pocket
• Vehicle Charging
  • Fast charging cable professional mode 3 for public charging
  • Flexible charger (Mode 2)
• Wheels
  • Low rolling resistance tyres

• Electric Vehicle Data
  • Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty:
  • Battery Capacity in kWh: 12
  • Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 360
  • Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100
  • Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 2.2
  • Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 264
  • Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-80
  • Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 2.2
  • Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 222
  • Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 0-100
  • Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 3.7
  • Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): 144
  • Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: 0-80
  • Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: 3.7
  • Battery Leased: No
  • Battery Type: Lithium-ion
  • Charging Port Location: Left Side Front
  • Coupler/Connector Type: Type 2
  • Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 3.7
  • Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 62,000
  • Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 6
  • Usable Battery Capacity: 11.2
  • WLTP - AER (km) - City: 52
  • WLTP - AER (km) - Comb: 42
  • WLTP - AER (miles) - City: 32.3
  • WLTP - AER (miles) - Comb: 26.1
  • WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - City: 24.9
  • WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 25.9
  • WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Extra High: 31.1
  • WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - High: 23
  • WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Low: 27
  • WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Medium: 23.9
  • WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - City: 2.5
  • WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 2.4
  • WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Extra High: 2
  • WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - High: 2.7
  • WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Low: 2.3
  • WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Medium: 2.6
  • WLTP - EC AC Ch Dep (kWh/100km) - Comb: 24.9
  • WLTP - EC AC Ch Dep (miles/kWh) - Comb: 2.5
  • WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb: 18.8
  • WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEH: 19.9
  • WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEL: 18.8
  • WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb: 3.3
  • WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEH: 3.1
  • WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEL: 3.3
  • WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - City: 51
  • WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb: 49
  • WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb - TEH: 45
  • WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb - TEL: 49
  • WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Extra High: 40
  • WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - High: 56
  • WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Low: 47
  • WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Medium: 53
  • WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - City: 31.7
  • WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb: 30.4
  • WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb - TEH: 28
  • WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb - TEL: 30.4
  • WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Extra High: 24.9
  • WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - High: 34.8
  • WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Low: 29.2
  • WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Medium: 32.9
• Emissions - ICE
  • HC+NOx:
  • Particles:
  • Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6
• Emissions - PHEV
  • WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - Comb: 182
  • WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 193
  • WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 181
  • WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - Extra High: 183
  • WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - High: 156
  • WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - Low: 247
  • WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - Medium: 174
  • WLTP - CO2 Charge Depleting (g/km) - Comb: 25
  • WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb: 47
  • WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 54
  • WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 46
• Engine and Drive Train
  • Camshaft: DOHC
  • Catalytic Convertor: Yes
  • CC: 1,998
  • Compression Ratio: 11.0:1
  • Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE
  • Cylinders: 4
  • Cylinders - Bore (mm): 82
  • Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 94.6
  • Engine Code: B48B20M1
  • Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH
  • Fuel Delivery: TURBO DIRECT INJECTION
  • Gears: 8 SPEED
  • Number of Valves: 16
  • Transmission: SEMI-AUTO
• Fuel Consumption - ICE
  • EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: No
• Fuel Consumption - PHEV
  • WLTP - FC Ch Dep (l/100km) - Comb: 0.9
  • WLTP - FC Ch Dep (mpg) - Comb: 313.9
  • WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Comb: 8
  • WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 8.5
  • WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 8
  • WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Extra High: 8.1
  • WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - High: 6.9
  • WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Low: 10.9
  • WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Medium: 7.7
  • WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Comb: 35.3
  • WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Comb - TEH: 33.2
  • WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Comb - TEL: 35.3
  • WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Extra High: 34.9
  • WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - High: 40.9
  • WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Low: 25.9
  • WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Medium: 36.7
  • WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb: 2.1
  • WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 2.4
  • WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 2
  • WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb: 134.5
  • WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb - TEH: 117.7
  • WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb - TEL: 141.2
• General
  • Alternative Fuel Qualifying: Yes
  • Badge Engine CC: 2.0
  • Badge Power: 292
  • Based On ID:
  • Coin Description: e
  • Coin Series: M Sport [Tec/Pro Pk]
  • Generation Mark: 3
  • Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 38E
  • Man Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 6
  • Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3
  • NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 93
  • NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 84
  • NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5
  • NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 70
  • NCAP Safety Assist %: 58
  • Safety Concerns?: No
  • Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24
  • Service Interval Mileage: 18,000
  • Special Edition: No
  • Special Order: No
  • Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999,999
  • Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3
  • Vehicle Homologation Class: M1
• Performance
  • 0 to 60 mph (secs): No
  • 0 to 62 mph (secs): 6.1
  • Engine Power - BHP: 292
  • Engine Power - KW: 215
  • Engine Power - PS: Yes
  • Engine Power - RPM: 5,000
  • Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 310
  • Engine Torque - MKG: 42.8
  • Engine Torque - NM: 420
  • Engine Torque - RPM: 1350
  • Top Speed: 130
• Test Cycles
  • Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP
  • RDE Certification Level: RDE 2
• Tyres
  • Alloys?: Yes
  • Space Saver?: No
  • Tyre Size Front: 245/45 R20
  • Tyre Size Rear: 275/40 R20
  • Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT
  • Wheel Style: M DOUBLE SPOKE
  • Wheel Type: 20" ALLOY
• Vehicle Dimensions
  • Height: 1,676
  • Height (including roof rails):
  • Length: 4,708
  • Wheelbase: 2,864
  • Width: 1891
  • Width (including mirrors): 2,138
• Weight and Capacities
  • Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 50
  • Gross Vehicle Weight: 2,600
  • Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1500
  • Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 450
  • Max. Loading Weight: 610
  • Max. Roof Load: 100
  • Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 2,000
  • Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750
  • Minimum Kerbweight: 1,990
  • No. of Seats: 5
  • Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 12

Ten Second Review
BMW's X3 xDrive 30e 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.

Background
Think of an electrified BMW and you tend to think of the i3. The Munich maker has also developed another full-electric model, the iX3, to sit alongside that car in its EV range, which partners in the showrooms with this plug-in hybrid version of the X3, badged the X3 xDrive30e, the car we're going to look at here. This PHEV variant uses much the same drivetrain already employed in BMW's 330e plug-in model, a car that's proved very popular with business buyers. But there are differences, plus the X3 body shape is obviously more practical. All in a package that delivers tax-friendly electrification but without the range anxiety you might feel in an iX3. But can it justify the inevitable premium pricing?

Driving Experience
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 extend it does. As with that car, this mid-sized SUV uses a 2.0-litre four cylinder petrol engine mated to an electric motor, but that motor is a slightly less powerful one in this case, rated at 80kW rather than 83kW. The drive mode set-up in this X3 isn't quite the same as a 330e either, the xDrive30e using the slightly older tech from the 530e. That means you get 'Max eDrive' EV setting for full electric progress. And 'Battery Control' (which can hold the car's charge until you need it). Plus there's the 'Auto eDrive' option you'll most commonly use, which seamlessly mixes the electrical and combustion power sources as the software sees fit. The engine and electric motor's standard combined output is 252hp but this set-up also has an 'XtraBoost' feature, an on-demand performance system that increases the power output of the hybrid-drive system by a further 41hp at the touch of a button. The all-electric top speed is 87mph - full top speed is 130mph. Drive is transmitted - both in hybrid and electric modes - via an eight-speed Steptronic gearbox and xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive to enable the xDrive30e to accelerate from zero to 62mph in just 6.1 seconds. And there's a WLTP-rated all-electric driving range of up to 34 miles. One feature we really like is 'Anticipatory Hybrid Drive'; this uses data from the navigation system to decide how to use the PHEV system. The car might automatically switch into all-electric mode through a low-speed school zone for example. Or use battery power when driving uphill if there's a long downhill stretch afterwards where the regeneration system can recharge the lithium-ion cells.

Design and Build
This isn't the kind of Plug-in hybrid model you'll buy if you want to make an eco-statement. Unless you really know your BMWs, there's almost nothing to visually differentiate an xDrive30e from any other X3. So this third generation model's looks are unchanged, its long bonnet and short front overhangs emphasising its 50:50 weight distribution between front and rear axle. At the front, the chunky three-dimensional kidney grille and LED fog lamps feature a hexagonal design. Moving to the rear, the three-dimensional LED light clusters, downward-sloping roof spoiler and twin exhaust pipes further enhance the appearance. The interior of this X3 follows BMW tradition with a driver-focused and ergonomically designed cockpit. Hexagonal forms and precise, bevelled edges are a distinct design theme. The material quality and fit and finish are of a class above what you'd expect for a mid-range SUV. To further improve comfort in the rear compartment, the angle of the standard 40:20:40 split/folding rear seat backrests can be adjusted individually and through various stages thanks to the optional rear comfort seat. This feature also allows the backrests to be released remotely from the load compartment. Ah yes, load capacity: thanks to the location of the PHEV battery pack beneath the rear seat, that's down with this plug-in variant - from 550 to 450-litres.

Market and Model
From launch, the X3 xDrive30e was priced from just under £48,000 in base 'SE' form; plusher 'xLine' and 'M Sport' variants are also offered. As with all Plug-in hybrids, you have to have automatic transmission. Even base 'SE' trim gets you plenty of kit - things like Adaptive full-LED headlamps, roof rails, power-folding mirrors and a powered tailgate. BMW has even standardised its lovely 'Welcome Light Carpet' that illuminates the ground around the front doors when you get into the car or step out of it at night. In addition, pretty much all the stuff you'd expect from a mid-sized premium executive model is present and correct too. So tick off alloy wheels (18-inchers on base 'SE' variants), along with front and rear 'Park Distance Control' parking sensors, auto headlamps and wipers, an alarm and LED illumination for the tail lamps and front fog lights. Inside, buyers get a leather-stitched 'Sport' multi-function steering wheel, cruise control and an anti-dazzle rear view mirror. Plus an 8.8-inch centre dash infotainment screen including BMW's 'Connected Package Plus' set of media features.

Cost of Ownership
Despite the fact that these days, there isn't the government contribution towards the purchase price that helped to boost sales of earlier BMW plug-in models, the brand still reckons this PHEV derivative will be a strong seller. The installation of a 12.0kWh lithium-ion high-voltage battery means a potential electric driving range of as much as 34 miles. This PHEV also features regenerative braking to optimise efficiency. The system's high-voltage battery stores the energy captured during braking, with the electric motor taking on the function of a generator. The high-voltage battery also supplies the vehicle's electrical system. As usual with Plug-in hybrids, the official WLTP combined cycle fuel figure - up to 128.4mpg - needs to be taken with a pinch of salt, but the important thing is that the government believes the quoted CO2 return - just 49g/km. Which means a super-low Benefit-in-Kind taxation rating of 12-13%. In comparison, an X3 xDive20d diesel is rated at 33-35%. Charging from a 16A source takes 2.6 hours from 0-80%. And the infotainment set-up's 'Intelligent Personal Assistant' voice-recognition software can answer questions like 'Where can I charge' and you can even use the sat nav system to reserve an electric charging station position ahead of time. Insurance is rated at group 38 or 39, quite a bit more than an xDrive 20d variant (group 29 or 30).

Summary
Justifying this BMW PHEV on economic grounds will certainly require some deft work with the calculator. As with any plug-in model, fuel savings alone won't do it; but adding in the BiK tax reductions might be enough to make you take a second look at an X3 xDrive30e, even with its £50,000 price tag. Did we ever think we'd be paying this much for a mainstream X3 model? Possibly not, but then did we ever think a decade ago that we'd have the chance to buy a petrol-powered one that could also offer an all-electric driving range of up to 34 miles? Right here, right now, plug-in tech makes more sense for more people, more of the time than full-EV ownership. In the future, that'll change. For the present though, if you can afford it, this BMW makes a compelling case if you want a more sensible sort of X3.