BMW X3 xDrive30e SUV 2021 review - A plug-in hybrid with the X-factor? / Electrifying

Find out more at www.electrifyi...
You could say BMW was a trailblazer of electric cars with its i3 and i8, but then it all went a bit quiet. Now, though, it's back and busy rolling out a range of plug-in hybrid and pure electric cars, and the X3 is a hugely important car for the firm. Why? Well, it comes in petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid and pure-electric forms giving buyers a lot of choice.
We've already driven the iX3 and came away mightily impressed, but if a pure-electric X3 is a step too far for you then this xDrive30e plug-in hybrid could be perfect. Under the bonnet you'll find a 181bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine, which is mated to a 108bhp electric motor and a 12kWh battery, and there's a pure-electric range of 30 miles. With it emitting just 44g/km of CO2, it could be perfect for company car drivers.
But should you be considering one? Ginny Buckley finds out.
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If you like the BMW X3 plug-in hybrid then we think you should also check out:
MINI Countryman review: www.electrifyi...
Volvo XC40 Recharge PHEV review: www.electrifyi...
BMW iX3 review: www.electrifyi...
Thanks for joining us on our journey to 'Clear the Air' around hybrid and electric cars, we have new videos arriving every Monday, Wednesday and Friday (a mix of studio explainers and road tests) so please subscribe to the channel to find out more! And please let us know what you'd like to see us film or talk about, we'd love to hear from you.
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This video was shot by Manos Kountouris at wefilmcars.com
If you like the videos check out Electrifying.com where you'll find the latest reviews, our EV Dictionary and the latest news about Formula E from Nicki Shields.

[@MrSunnyBhoy]

Find myself more interested in Ginny than the cars, she is such a great presenter. I'm surprised the BBC hasn't snapped her up.

[@menifo4334]

That was an enjoyable review but I find it a bit misleading and biased. The "hi-tech" that you praised so much is on offer from all other similar cars of this price tag. What' tech does this car offer that sets a new benchmark for others to follow?

[@pullformore]

Best explanation of torque, ever. Thank you, Ginny!

[@jonathanstrain4237]

Nice review 👍🏻 Would love to start seeing some content around Mercedes EQ range all electric and PHEV and also Jaguars new range of hybrid models.

[@lewisjohnston6831]

Really good Video again GB and BMW X3 PHEV obviously an excellent car. I still think, as per one of my last comments, a bit on on screen data/info as you are showing the car driving around would be really helpful and would also help you get more important info across. There is so much info, with a graphic you just pause it and take it all in. Can't do that with a voice over. Just a thought and i really mean it in a positive way.

[@andrekleyn727]

You mentioned that GPS could switch a vehicle to E-mode in certain areas. What if the battery availability is low on power? PHEV's are severely limited in range. To me that's a pity. PHEV's is a heavier vehicle making them less energy efficient unfortunately. Great review too 😁

[@TheophilusPWildbeest]

So apart from being a bit higher up and more expensive, it's exactly the same as my 330e, which I've had for 18 months now and done just 9700 miles (lockdown etc) and consumed 73.9 gallons of petrol, which is 131 mpg.

[@joey-pn3xe]

There's actually more space which is useful for families and it rides like a 5 series which it's based on not a 3 series.

[@lyubohar]

@@joey-pn3xe X3 is absolutely not based on 5 series, but on 3 series, as the name also indicates :)

[@uk_assassin8684]

Really enjoy your videos. 👍🏼 Could we get a true mpg of some of the hybrid cars. Curious of the real mpg with heavier cars/smaller engines, how the electric motors help the hybrid modes...?

[@webmonkeyuk]

3:25 you look different Ginny!

[@maesygwartha]

It must be a wig! LOL

[@BHBeckenbauer]

BMW haven’t used ‘iPerformance’ since 2017

[@klyrouxas]

I would like to see a review of landrover evoque phev p300e .

[@garystyles6429]

These reviews are beginning to look and sound like a sponsored review.

[@terrylivermore9107]

BMW know how to make good cars, however all that tech and complication to decide when best to utilise the battery rather than Petrol engine, be best to put maximum design and engineering effort to improve Battery only vehicles. Not a big deal however as you say to utilise Hybrids sensibly (I am sure many do not) you need to plug in regularly, a full electric is far less. That’s where we are all going wether we like it or not. The value of ICE and Hybrid cars will continue to drop dramatically.

[@rippedupno1]

"You can get 32 miles on pure electricity" "Driving style and temperature can effect your range" .... and then you don't bother to tell us what range you were getting! Come on you are driving the damn car just tell us what sort of electric range you were experiencing during your test drive!

[@barryw9473]

Pack too small. And raising boot floor is a cludge.

[@bimlico]

If (in your own words) stabbing away at a touch screen while driving, is one of your absolute bugbears, how come you love the Tesla so much? It's an absolute nightmare to use while driving.

[@fastfreddy19641]

Looks a bit old facioned to me and I'm 56.🤔

[@bimlico]

If stabbing away at a touch screen (which I hate too) how come you got so orgasmic about the Tesla, which has little else but a gigantic touch screen.

[@gordon1376]

Not interested in PEVs they are a side show which will delay the full introduction of EVs.

[@TheophilusPWildbeest]

What about the inadequate infrastructure, and people who cannot charge at home. We've got some way to go before we get to 100% EVs, I hope we get there but it will probably be when batteries with 1000mile range are affordable, so probably another 5 years.

[@minniesaab7255]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@sbmabusaeedranashahriar7399]

💞

[@MegaA67]

✌👌

[@Chemist1076]

Speaks to us like we are children. Some find that cute..

[@foxylady1048]

I see no point in going down the electric road only to get 30 miles on a charge. Hybrids are a complete waste of time when there are eclectic cars out there that can do 300-400 miles on a single charge. BMW is going down the same road as Toyota. And it’s called ‘Bankrupt Road’.....

[@BHBeckenbauer]

How long have you worked in automotive product development?

[@Lewis_Standing]

I mean that what I think / feel but people do seem to love BMW. And the dislike of hybrids is not necessarily shared across the general public, seems to be ev enthusiasts who realise they are pointless not Joe petrol.

[@Ifyoudonttakeitucantfakeit]

Do you think you should be promoting hybrids which really are a joke these days? I don’t.

[@jeffreycooper8408]

Third 😂

[@jeffreycooper8408]

@You Tube its all part of my plan for world domination, so knowing it worked is fantastic thanks 😅

[@jeffreycooper8408]

@You Tube I haven't had homework for 36 years, but I've obviously found the fountain of youth ! I thought the whole 1st thing was still en vogue, but being a bit late, 3rd was all I could manage. It was a little play on ix3 as well though. I'm not sure how it was unwise, but I'll take your word for it, and not bother again 😥