Is the BMW X3 Plug-In Hybrid a Good Car?
There is no plug-in hybrid version of the 2022 BMW X3, but the 2021 X3 xDrive30e has a turbocharged I-4 paired with a plug-in electric motor.
Written by Cameron Thiessen
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
The
BMW X3
is not offered as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle for the 2022 model year, but you can still purchase a 2021 X3 xDrive30e, which offers 18 miles of electric driving range and 60 MPGe in the city. A slightly used xDrive30e starts around $50,000 depending on your location and the car’s condition. Drivers looking for fun will find the 288 combined horsepower enticing, but the ride in an X3 does tend to be on the firmer side.
Interested in how this recently discontinued BMW plug-in hybrid measures up to its competitors? Read on!
Jerry
, the car insurance
comparison super app
, is here with the 2021 BMW X3 xDrive30e Plug-In Hybrid review.2021 BMW X3 xDrive30e Plug-In Hybrid
A plug-in hybrid version of the X3—BMW’s luxury two-row compact crossover SUV—the xDrive30e was only available in 2021.
It doesn’t particularly dazzle when it comes to EV range, and it offers significantly worse fuel efficiency on the highway than its gas-only counterpart. As such, the xDrive30e doesn’t seem to be a viable alternative as a middle ground between all-electric vehicles and traditional hybrids.
However, if 18 miles of range is enough to get you to and from work and you’re willing and able to charge it overnight, a 2021 X3 Plug-In Hybrid will offer serious fuel savings while still providing the option to switch to gas for longer trips.
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Pricing
A 2021 X3 xDrive30e will cost somewhere around $50,000. Those equipped with extras, such as driver assistance or luxury/technology packages, may be priced higher.
Performance and fuel economy
Drivers interested in the PHEV version of the X3 may be excited by the fact that the xDrive30e’s hybrid drivetrain produces 288 horsepower, 40 more horses than the gas-only base model. However, this extra power does result in a sacrifice of about 5 mpg on the highway.
Because it’s heavier, the BMW X3 plug-in hybrid only gets 24 mpg on the highway, while the 30i models get 29.
In the city is where the X3 shines—so long as you don’t have very far to drive. It can go up to 18 miles and reach speeds of up to 84 mph in electric mode. In hybrid mode, you’ll still be running on electricity alone up to 68 mph.
Fortunately, the xDrive30e has a decent charging speed. You can plug it into a regular outlet overnight or charge it on a Level 2 charger in about 3 hours.
Exterior styling
The 2021 X3 looks about as good as any BMW SUV. With the iconic double front grille, sleek cosmetic design, and familiar BMW features, the X3 does the job of looking like a luxury vehicle. It’s especially sharp when outfitted with one of its available premium metallic paint colors, like Phytonic Blue, Mineral White, and Carbon Black.
Interior and comfort
The plug-in hybrid version of the X3 doesn’t lose much interior space for the sake of the additional battery pack. It has big SUV doors that are easy to get in and out of, offers plenty of legroom and headroom for passengers, and its big windows allow for great visibility.
We expect the seats in a BMW to be comfy, and these certainly are. And the overall ride quality of the X3 xDrive30e is engaging but smooth.
In EV mode, there’s no engine to make a sound, so the ride is very quiet. If you still want to experience that classic BMW feel, you can always switch out of EV mode and put the fantastic-sounding turbo I-4 engine center stage.
Technology
The best tech features on the BMW X3 are found in the optional packages. However, these can bring the cost of the vehicle up quite significantly.
Fortunately, BMW made the Active Driving Assistant Package standard issue for the 2021 model year. Here are other standard features on the BMW X3 xDrive30e:
- Automatic City Collision Mitigation emergency braking system
- Lane-departure warning
- Pedestrian detection
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Universal garage-door opener
- Power tailgate
- 3-zone automatic climate control
- 10-way-power front seats
- Pre- and post-collision safety systems
- Parking sensors
The xDrive30e also comes standard with the namesake “xDrive” all-wheel-drive system. Three tiers of trim packages are available: xLine, Luxury, and M Sport, all of which offer various performance and technology packages.
Warranty coverage
New BMWs are covered under warranty for up to four years or 50,000 miles (whichever comes first). You’ll likely be able to buy a 2021 X3 as a BMW Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle, which retains what remains of its warranty from the original owner.
The Certified Pre-Owned Warranty also adds an extra year of coverage with no limit on mileage. All this means you won’t be left with a bad warranty if you buy a pre-owned 2021 xDrive30e.
Trim levels and options
The xDrive30e is the standard trim for the plug-in hybrid X3, but it’s available with various levels of options.
- The Convenience tier offers keyless entry, a panoramic sunroof, and lumbar support.
- The Premium tier comes with an upgraded instrument cluster that includes a head-up display, as well as a heated steering wheel and seats.
- The top-level Executive tier adds adaptive LED headlights, gesture control, parking assist, and a 360-degree surround view with 3D visuals.
The bottom line
The BMW X3 was a fair attempt at filling a niche, but it seems not many people actuallywanted it. Plus, many auto manufacturers have had to prioritize their resources for electrified vehicles due to parts shortages.
These factors ultimately resulted in the discontinuation of the plug-in hybrid version of the BMW X3, which lived a short, single-model-year life.
One thing’s for sure. BMWs are fun to drive, and most drivers will find this to be true of the xDrive30e.
2021 BMW X3 xDrive30e vs. 2021 Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring
If you’re looking for something that can deliver a bit more range in electric mode, the 2021
Lincoln
Corsair PHEV can drive 28 miles without the use of any gasoline.It also gets an EPA combined fuel economy of 78 MPGe—much better than the X3’s 60. You’ll be treated to far better standard technology features too, including the standard Lincoln Co-Pilot360 1.5 suite of safety features.
And best of all, the Corsair is in essentially the same price bracket as the X3.
Model | Starting price | Fuel economy (gas only) | Fuel economy (gas + electric) | Driving range | Charging time (Level 2) | Hybrid battery warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021 BMW X3 xDrive30e | $49,600 | 24 mpg | 60 MPGe | 18 miles | 2 hours | 4 years |
2021 Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring | $50,330 | 33 mpg | 78 MPGe | 25 miles | 3–4 hours | 8 years |
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2021 BMW X3 xDrive30e vs. 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
The 2021
Mitsubishi Outlander
is a bit bigger than the X3, but it offers much of the same value with a lower starting price.You’ll enjoy 24 miles of range, better fuel economy on all accounts, and the ability to charge on a DC fast charging station in about 25 minutes.
Alternative | Model | Approximate Price | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
Best affordable alternative | 2018 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off Road | $37,000 | Buy used to save some money |
Best eco-friendly alternative | 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid | $27,400 | EPA city/highway rating of 39/36 mpg |
Best alternative for serious off-roading | 2022 Rivian R1T | $68,575 | An EV that can off-road like nobody’s business |
How to save money on car insurance
While they haven’t achieved the popularity that may have been expected initially, plug-in hybrid vehicles are great options for people who want to segue into driving an electric vehicle with the hopes of saving money on fuel costs.
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