BMW set to introduce plug-in X3

Friday, 20 March 2020

Want to know the difference between an ordinary BMW and an iPerformance one? Watch this to find out.

BMW New Zealand has announced pricing and availability of its seventh electrified vehicle, the X3 xDrive30e PHEV.

It will dot down here in the second quarter of this year, assuming coronavirus doesn't get it first, with a price of $107,700.

The X3 xDrive30e PHEV follows the recent additions to BMW's local iPerformance range of the 330e and X5 xDrive45e PHEV. The new small SUV receives its power from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol and an electric motor residing in the eight-speed transmission. Total system output is 215kW/420Nm, enough to send the plug-in X3 to 100kmh in 6.1 seconds. The electric motor alone can drive the X3 PHEV to a maximum of 135kmh.

It offers 55km of electric range and the powertrain can propel the SUV to 135kmh without subbing in the combustion engine.

BMW says electric-only range maxes out at 55km thanks to a 12kWH battery. The cell is mounted beneath the rear seat which has impacted rear storage, rated at 450L compared to 500L for combustion powered models. Fold the rear seats down and 1500L of space is available.

**READ MORE:

The new X3 xDrive30e PHEV follows the recent arrival of the 330e and X5 xDrive45e PHEV.

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* No need to recharge our electric vehicle today, we'll just get a fresh one

* Chinese-built electric Mini for New Zealand?

* BMW plugs pure-electric tech into mainstream SUV with the iX3**

Other new features to the X3 xDrive30e PHEV include acoustic pedestrian detection. This emits a sound from the vehicle when operating in electric-only mode to alert other road users to the approaching car. An auxiliary air conditioning system also comes as standard, which can be activated via smartphone.

Other highlights include adaptive LED headlights, comfort access, BMW Live Cockpit Professional, a head-up display, an automatic tailgate and a parking assistant.

Buyers also get wireless charging, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist and eDrive services. eDrive services allow buyers to operate aspects of their car through a smartphone app, like the door locking systems, find a charge station and display available range.

If you're after a bit more grunt and aren't as fussed about green creds, check out the X3 M, which is available now.