Bigger SUV, Smaller Footprint
If you find yourself confused with BMW’s SUVs as of late, we don’t blame you. It’s getting harder to keep up with which model is which, and the sizes don’t help. The large family sized SUV used to be the X5, but now that seems huge and then there’s the massive X7. The current X3 is now larger than that original X5, and it may be the ideal size now. Even though the BMW X3 has grown in size over the years, this time the carbon footprint isn’t growing with it. Welcome to the 2020 BMW X3 30e, a hybrid with around 30kms of electric range.
The current X3, or the G01 generation that has been with us since 2017, is 185.4” long and 74.4” wide. That’s up from 197.7” and 73” from the first generation X3 and nearly 2” longer and 1” wider than the original X5. It is no longer the small SUV offering, both with its growth and with the addition of the X1 and X2. In its growth, the X3 has matured into a solid, full sized SUV, even though they may call it compact.
The BMW X3 begins with the xDrive30i which starts at a little over $53k CAD. With the addition of the electric motors you’re looking at a starting price of $60k. After adding a few packages and options, this tester sits at just under $73k CAD. In some areas, it feels like it’s priced accordingly, in others, it feels like it’s missing some options. One area that feels lacking is that the right side mirror does not dim. Not a huge deal but takes away from the luxury feel.
The X3 30e is a luxurious SUV, the added Premium Package Enhanced plays a large part in that with the addition of the rear sunshades, panorama sunroof, lumbar support, Head-Up Display and more. Then there’s the Cognac Vernasca Leather and Poplar Grey Wood Trim throughout that complete the look and feel of this exquisite SUV. The parking assistant plus completes the luxury trend, providing a quality 360 degree view around the vehicle when parking.
The exterior continues the trend from the interior, and with the addition of the M Sport Package gets a touch of aggressive styling. In the Black Sapphire Metallic the X3 30e looks excellent in any light. With the majority of buyers opting away from brighter colours we can see this being a common choice. Planted on 20” rubber, wrapped around double-spoke light alloy wheels and paired with M Sport Brakes, there is some decent feedback from the road and the handling.
The X3 30e provides adequate performance, though nowhere near any M-badged relatives. With a combined 288 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque it is no slouch, granting effortless overtakes when needed. There is a noticeable difference between driving modes with Sport bringing much more pep than Comfort, with the E-boost function playing a big part in that.
The battery does not provide much range, and with the added 500 lbs it doesn’t add a great deal to what you get out of each tank. A full tank gave us a 600km range estimate, but do consider that you also lose 15L capacity in the tank. If you plug in each night then you’ll greatly increase what you can get out of each tank for the average commute. After recently moving into a condo unit, we have lost the easy access to plug it in. We actually went without charging the battery, and used the braking to do the work which did an impressive job, given what a small capacity it had. Apart from losing some gas tank capacity, you do lose very little space from the addition of the battery. You’ll notice the trunk sits a bit higher but apart from the lack of spare tire space, which vehicles rarely feature anymore in any case, the trunk remains mostly the same. There is a strange sci-fi-like sound when in full electric, which becomes even louder in reverse. We aren’t fans of it but it’s likely here to stay as a pedestrian safety measure.
We do wish we could get more range out of these mild hybrids. Thirty kilometers is not a great deal and doesn’t realistically cover the average commute, which we think should be the aim. Then there’s the issue of condominiums. With so many condos being built, we need a shift in thinking for electric or hybrid cars to really become mainstream. Access to chargers is likely the largest deterrent. Hopefully we start to see a change in this area. But with the X3 30e starting at $60K, this may not be an issue for the majority of clients.
The X3 30e is a solid option from the BMW brand, and with the addition of the electric motors, provides the option for a smaller carbon footprint. It provides both a smooth and aggressive ride, depending on your mood. Being priced at $72,840 CAD (as tested), it isn’t cheap, but there is some value there in the German offerings. It’s a quality ride you’ll be sure to love if you can accommodate Canada's minimal electric infrastructure.
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