New Model News

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

Eileen Falkenberg-Hull
Nov 11, 2019, 9:26 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 mirrors The 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 eDrive The 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 display Much 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 goats The 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.

From Your Site Articles
Related Articles Around the Web

Trending News

 
 

Updated crossovers

BMW Announces Updates for 2022 X3 and X4

The X3 and X4 get meaningful updates for 2022.

BMW

European luxury brands have fully embraced the SUV and crossover craze. Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and BMW have all drastically increased their utility vehicle catalogs in recent years, but haven't forgotten fun and drivability along the way. BMW in particular offers several models, each of which can be had in high-performance variants or with performance options packages. Two, the X3 and X4, will receive meaningful updates for the 2022 model year, with new powertrain tech and upgraded standard features.

The standard vehicles will be powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. All X3 and X4 models will get an eight-speed automatic transmission, and most will get standard all-wheel drive. Only the base X3 sDrive model will miss out. Both the X3 and X4 will be available with a Dynamic Handling Package, along with various steering and suspension upgrades. A Performance Control feature will be available for X3 models equipped with the M Sport package and standard for all X4 models, which brings the ability to shift torque to the rear wheels for better traction.


2022 BMW X4 Because of its sloping roof, BMW calls the X4 a coupe.BMW


Both the X3 and X4 will also be available in performance-oriented forms. The M40i models will be powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six engine that produces 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. BMW says the engine is powerful enough to propel the crossovers to 60 mph from a standstill in just 4.4 seconds and on to a stop speed of either 130 or 155 mph, depending on the tire.

BMW's Live Cockpit Plus system is standard for the X3, which includes a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 5.1-inch color display in the center of a traditional gauge cluster. X4 models and upgraded X3 models will get a digital gauge cluster that measures 12.3 inches, along with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Called Live Cockpit Professional, the system is based on BMW's latest iDrive 7.0 software and can display information such as maps and vehicle data directly in front of the driver. BMW says that iDrive 7.0 allows the vehicles to be updated over-the-air to add new digital services and keep vehicle systems running properly.


2022 BMW X4 Both the X3 and X4 will be available in high-peformance M models.BMW


If you're hoping to get ahold of the new X3 or X4, production will begin in August 2021 at BMW's Spartanburg, SC facility. Pricing will begin at $43,700 for the X3 and $51,800 for the X4. Both vehicles will be subject to a $995 destination charge and taxes.

From Your Site Articles

Trending News

 
 

New compact pickup truck

Three things to know about the 2022 Ford Maverick

The Maverick will be hybrid-first and can return great fuel economy.

Ford Motor Company

Last week, Ford confirmed the name of its new compact truck and set a date for its official reveal. Today is that day, and the Maverick is finally out in the open for all to see. Ford's compact pickup features an interesting mix of powertrain tech and functionality, so we're here to help you get a feel for what makes the new truck tick.

Here are three things to know about the 2022 Ford Maverick.


2022 Ford Maverick The Maverick will likely be all the pickup most people ever need.Ford Motor Company


It'll be hybrid-first

The 2022 Maverick will be offered with two powertrains, but the standard fixture is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a 94kW electric motor. The two combine to produce 191 horsepower and send the power to the front wheels. The base hybrid models get a continuously variable transmission and can return as much as 40 mpg on the highway. Yes, it's a hybrid, but there's some real truck capability hidden in the Maverick's specs. It will be able to tow up to 2,000 pounds and can carry a payload of up to 1,500 pounds. That's enough to pull a small boat, a couple of jet skis, or a camper trailer.

The optional gas powertrain includes a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Maverick models equipped with this powertrain can tow up to 4,000 pounds when properly equipped.


2022 Ford Maverick The Maverick's bed and tailgate will help owners carry more with less overall space.Ford Motor Company


It's bigger than you think

Ford's marketing materials and even tweets from prominent members of its PR staff suggest that the Maverick is tiny, but that's not the whole story. The truck rides on a platform shared with the Ford Bronco Sport and Ford Escape, but is just ten inches shorter than the Ranger and around 32 inches shorter than an F-150. It's compact, sure, but it's not the tiny toy truck you might be envisioning. Beyond fuel economy, the Maverick's dimensions help it maneuver tight spaces, so much so that Ford says it needs just a 40-foot diameter to turn in a complete circle.



2022 Ford Maverick Trucks don't need to be huge to get the job done.Ford Motor Company


It will be relatively affordable

Vehicles of all types are becoming more expensive, especially trucks. The Maverick bucks that trend, at least in most of its forms, and comes in with a starting price of around $20,000 after destination charges are applied. The midrange XLT model starts at $22,280 before destination and the range-topping Lariat starts at $25,490 before destination. Any model can be upgraded with the 2.0-liter gas engine and the Lariat trim is available with a First Edition Package that adds exclusive wheels, paint colors, and a moonroof.

If you're hoping to get your hands on a Maverick, you can reserve one now on Ford.com. The automaker says that the truck will start hitting dealers' lots in fall 2021, so there are just a few months to wait if you're in the market.

From Your Site Articles

Trending News