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 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.

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Will you be lining up for a Chevrolet Silverado EV?

Chevy recently dropped a load of specs and opened orders for the new Silverado EV.

Chevrolet

After months of teases and speculation, Chevrolet took the wraps off its 2024 Silverado EV pickup truck. The long-awaited electric truck lands with impressive range of up to 400 miles, plenty of power, and neat features that improve its ability to do "truck stuff." The $105,000 RST First Edition model sold out in 12 minutes, so we're here to ask the question: Would you line up to buy one?

2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV It's all about the screens in the RST First Edition model. Chevrolet

Chevrolet will offer the truck in two trims at launch: A fleet-oriented WT (work truck) model and a consumer-friendly RST First Edition model. Chevy says it will eventually offer a fleet model with 20,000 pounds of max towing capacity. The WT model will launch first with 510 horsepower and 615 pound-feet of torque, which adds up to a towing capacity of 8,000 pounds and 1,200 pounds of payload. The RST trim offers a Wide Open Watts (WOW) Mode that bumps power to 664 ponies and 780 pound-feet of torque, which is good for a 0-60 mph time of just 4.5 seconds.

The RST model offers advanced features to make daily driving easier for the everyday buyer, including four-wheel steering, automatic adaptive air suspension, a 17-inch touchscreen and 11-inch gauge cluster, a 14-inch head-up display, and Super Cruise with trailering capability. An available onboard generator system can produce up to 10.2kW of power for equipment such as worksite power tools or campsite gear.

2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV Preorders for the $105,000 RST First Edition sold out in just 12 minutes.Chevrolet

Both trucks come exclusively in crew cab format, and will offer an "eTrunk" where the engine bay would be in a traditional truck. The lockable, weatherproof compartment can carry a large suitcase, and adds to the Silverado EV's already impressive interior storage. The RST's center console can swallow more than seven gallons of gear, which is large enough to hold a small lunch cooler, according to Chevy. RST models are also available with GM's excellent Multi-Flex tailgate, but there's a new feature for the electric truck that its gas-powered counterparts don't get: A Multi-Flex Midgate that opens the space between the cab and bed for carrying longer cargo. Using the function won't interfere with use of the back seat, either, so the truck will still carry at least four people.

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Three things to love about the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Grand Cherokee is now available with three rows.

Stellantis

The Grand Cherokee has always been the Jeep that could haul the family to the mall as easily as it could traverse serious off-road terrain. The design was starting to age, however, after ten years on the market without a major redesign. Jeep fixed that for the 2022 model year, and after a week behind the wheel, there are three things we think you should know about the new SUV.

It Comes in Two Formats

The three-row Jeep Grand Cherokee L debuted in 2021 as the first Grand Cherokee with more than two rows of seating. The standard Grand Cherokee followed it with many of the same features and upscale finishes, but in a more familiar two-row SUV format. The move to a two-body-style lineup for the Grand Cherokee does not mean there's less choice. The standard two-row model is offered in a staggering number of configurations, including a 4xe plug-in hybrid variant.

2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee The new Grand Cherokee ups the luxury considerably. Stellantis

It's Luxurious

Top Grand Cherokee trims have long been plusher and more luxurious than most people expect from a Jeep, and the new model takes things further down that road. Top trims feature luxurious materials such as quilted leathers and real wood trim, along with desirable and innovative electronics features. An optional passenger-side touchscreen offers climate controls and other functions to front-seat passengers, and Stellantis' UConnect infotainment software is among the easiest to use and most intuitive interfaces in the auto business.

2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee The Grand Cherokee can take its passengers far off the beaten path.Stellantis

It's Available with Three Strong Powertrains

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee comes standard with a 3.6-liter V6. A 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is available, and Jeep's excellent 4xe plug-in hybrid can be added to certain trims. The Wrangler was the first vehicle to use the system, which provides instant torque and excellent all-electric driving range. When the battery is depleted below a certain level, the vehicle then switches to operate as a normal hybrid.

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