New Model News

BMW announces 2020 X3 xDrive30e, a plug-in hybrid SUV

Eileen Falkenberg-Hull
Nov 11, 2019, 8:26 am

BMW has debuted a new model, the X3 xDrive30e, a PHEV.

Photo courtesy of BMW

It takes the utility of a BMW SUV and combines it with the electric power automakers believe customers are seeking. Meet the 2020 BMW X3 xDrive30e.

The new X3 variant is a plug-in hybrid. This means that it has a twin-turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline-powered engine under its hood that works in tandem with an electric motor and a 12 kWh lithium-ion high-voltage battery to move the car from point A to point B and beyond. It has around 30 miles of all-electric range, which is pretty standard on PHEVs these days.

2020 BMW X3 xDrive30e driving electric plug-in side wheels mirrorsThe car retains all the of the outward aesthetics of the typical X3.Photo courtesy of BMW

The battery gets its power by being plugged into an outlet. BMW says that charging via a "traditional household socket" can bring the battery up to full in just six hours.

With their power combined, the X3 xDrive30e puts out 292 horsepower. BMW reports that it can get from zero to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. It only comes in four-wheel drive.

2020 BMW X3 xDrive30e driving electric plug-in MAX eDriveThe SUV's eDrive mode lets drivers run on just electricity.Photo courtesy of BMW

Drivers can run on just electric power by putting their X3 xDrive30e into MAX eDrive mode. It's activated by pushing a button on the center console near the shifter.

Moving the car into Battery Control mode is an energy saver and helps keep the battery at the level it is at when the mode is selected. This allows a driver to choose when they go emissions free.

On the outside, the 2020 BMW X3 xDrive30e is nearly the same as other X3s, albeit for some unique badging and its power port on the front side of the vehicle.

2020 BMW X3 xDrive30e driving electric plug-in driver information displayMuch of the vehicle remains the same as the gasoline-only powered X3.Photo courtesy of BMW

The SUV's interior dimensions have remained much the same because its battery pack is located under the rear seat wheel the fuel tank is positioned over the rear axle. Its cargo space remains similar to what you'll find in other SUVs its size, even those without a battery pack.

BMW will sell the SUV in Advantage, xLine, Luxury and M Sport trims. Additional available equipment includes an adaptive Suspension, variable sports steering, the M Sport Brake System, the BMW head up display, adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality, Driving Assistant Plus with steering and lane guidance assistant, and Parking Assistant Plus.

A tow hitch is available. The model can tow up to 4,400 pounds.

2020 BMW X3 xDrive30e driving electric plug-in side mountain goatsThe new SUV can tow up to 4,400 pounds.Photo courtesy of BMW

Some functions, including climate control, can be operated via BMW's mobile app. The app also gives information on charging stations, the charging process, range, and charging status.

The new BMW X3 xDrive30e will be produced at the BMW plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

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Updated EV

2023 Nissan Leaf pricing announced

The Leaf got a mild facelift for 2023.

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Nissan is nearing the release of the Ariya, its first new EV in several years. Even so, the brand hasn't forgotten about its first mass-market EV, the Leaf. It was an early entrant in the space, and has been an efficient, affordable, commuter car for over a decade. The car got a mild facelift for 2023, with updated wheels and exterior styling accents. Today, Nissan announced pricing for the Leaf, which starts at just under $29,000.

2023 Nissan LeafThe Leaf feels lively, despite middling power numbers.Nissan

The base Leaf comes with a 40-kWh battery capable of delivering a 149-mile range. Its 110-kW electric motor produces 147 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The Leaf SV Plus features a 60-kWh battery for a range of 212 miles. It comes with a 160-kW motor that makes 214 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. Nissan backs all Leaf models with an eight-year/100,000-mile battery warranty.

ProPilot Assist comes standard for the Leaf SV Plus, and brings a full suite of advanced driver aids that include adaptive cruise control, driver alertness features, and a surround-view monitor. All Leaf models get Nissan Safety Shield 360, which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warnings, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, automatic high beams, and rear automatic braking.

2023 Nissan LeafThe Leaf SV Plus offers up to 212 miles of range.Nissan

The new Leaf starts at $28,895, which includes a $1,095 destination charge. The Leaf SV Plus starts at $36,895. The 2023 Nissan Leaf is on sale now, and may be eligible for federal tax credits of up to $7,500. Depending on where you live, you may also be able to receive a state tax credit or other incentives.

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Subcompact SUV

Honda details all-new 2023 HR-V

The Honda HR-V is all-new for 2023.

Honda

The HR-V is Honda's smallest and most affordable SUV, slotting into the automaker's catalog beneath the long-running CR-V. The entry-level HR-V got a complete overhaul for 2023 that brought a new powertrain, updated technology, and refined styling that aligns closely with the new Civic Sedan.

2023 Honda HR-VThe new SUV features more refined, upscale styling, better tech, and new safety features.Honda

Honda offers the HR-V in three trims: LX, Sport, and EX-L. While the 2022 HR-V got a 1.8-liter four-cylinder, the 2023 model gets a larger 2.0-liter engine that produces 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. It's mated to a continuously variable transmission and either front- or all-wheel drive. The new SUV comes with hill descent control for the first time in a Honda, and three drive modes are included.

Inside, a 7-inch touchscreen comes standard that runs Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A larger 9-inch screen comes in the top EX-L trim that adds wireless smartphone connectivity. The EX-L trims also gets wireless charging and navigation. Both touchscreens come with a physical volume knob for easier interactions with the system. All models are wider and longer than before, which improves interior passenger and cargo space.

All 2023 HR-Vs come with Honda Sensing safety equipment. The package has been updated for 2023 with a traffic jam assist feature and traffic sign recognition. Honda offers blind spot monitoring for the first time in an HR-V, and a driver attention monitoring system comes standard.

2023 Honda HR-VThe HR-V picked up sleek styling for the new model year with hints of Honda Civic sprinkled in.Honda

The new HR-V starts at $24,895, including a $1,245 destination charge. The range-topping EX-L all-wheel drive model starts at $30,195. Honda says the new SUV will go on sale soon.

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