BMW has unveiled a plug-in hybrid version of the BMW X3 SUV at the Geneva motor show.
The new X3 xDrive30e is due to go into production in December, alongside the current petrol-engined version of the third-generation Audi Q5 rival. The PHEV machine features a four-cylinder turbo petrol engine mated to an electric motor, with a combined output of 248bhp, and an additional 40bhp available on demand from the electric motor on a temporary basis.
The all-wheel-drive car can go from 0-62mph in 6.5sec, and BMW says it will be capable of 31 miles of electric-only running, with a claimed fuel economy of 117mpg. The lithium ion battery for the electric motor is located under the rear seats, ensuring an identical 450-litre boot to the petrol version.
The firm is gearing up to launch the full electric iX3 SUV in 2020.
The X3 PHEV is on display at Geneva alongside a raft of other BMW plug-in hybrids, including PHEV versions of the 3 Series, 7 Series and X5. It is part of the firm’s large electrification programme, which will include 12 models by the end of 2019, and 25 by the end of 2025.
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Perfect car
My wife is looking to replace her ageing X3 with a new model next year. She generally does short journeys of just a few miles, with the occasional longer journey thrown in. With this car we would get a new X3, be able to do lots of journeys without using any fuel, but the longer journeys without having to worry about running out of power. Perfect!