Currently reading: BMW launches new X3 plug-in hybrid variant
Electrified SUV will go on sale later this year, ahead of the arrival of the full electric iX3 in 2020

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.

Bmw x3 phev geneva press 3

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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James Attwood

James Attwood, digital editor
Title: Acting magazine editor

James is Autocar's acting magazine editor. Having served in that role since June 2023, he is in charge of the day-to-day running of the world's oldest car magazine, and regularly interviews some of the biggest names in the industry to secure news and features, such as his world exclusive look into production of Volkswagen currywurst. Really.

Before first joining Autocar in 2017, James spent more than a decade in motorsport journalist, working on Autosport, autosport.com, F1 Racing and Motorsport News, covering everything from club rallying to top-level international events. He also spent 18 months running Move Electric, Haymarket's e-mobility title, where he developed knowledge of the e-bike and e-scooter markets. 

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martin_66 5 March 2019

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!