The BMW X3 plug-in hybrid drops in rank, leaving no place for the brand in the fast-growing EV SUV segment
The BMW X3 xDrive30e plug-in hybrid has been scrapped for the 2022 model year, the automaker confirmed in a press release about their updates for the new model year.
With the all-electric iX3 not scheduled to come to the United States, that leaves BMW without a plug-in in the entry-level luxury SUV segment, which is rapidly gaining popularity with new EV models.
BMW just added a modified X3 plug-in hybrid to its lineup for the 2020 model year. The X3 xDrive30e uses a 2.0-liter turbo-4 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission, with an electric motor integrated into the transmission. The system’s total output is 288 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque.
The all-wheel-drive X3 xDrive30e is rated for 18-mile electric range with an efficiency rating of 60 MPGe combined. In hybrid mode, it achieves an EPA-rated fuel economy of 24 mpg combined. BMW also gives a 5.9-second 0-60 mph time.
2020 BMW X3 xDrive30e
At the launch of the revised X3 plug-in hybrid, Fully electric BMW iX3 is expected to arrive in the United States around this time. BMW later canceled plans to bring the iX3 here, so we reached out to the automaker to see if the withdrawal from the X3 plug-in hybrid had something to do with that.
Both the X3 xDrive30e and iX3 are derivatives of the popular X3 SUV. For 2022, the six-cylinder X3 models will get a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, with regenerative braking derived from the hybrid vehicle, according to BMW. Bigger IX SUVHowever, along with the i4, it will soon be available at dealers in the US.
Meanwhile in recent drives we’ve found the latest plug-in hybrid entries from BMW to get a feel for. conflict in their priorities– does not emphasize the electric aspect as much as possible, nor does it sell the driver on the advantages of performance or performance. So we probably won’t miss much, after all.
