REVIEW: BMW X3 30e PHEV is modern and sophisticated, with a few niggles

IOL News

16-05-2025

It's got presence, but the big grille is a bit polarising.
Image: Supplied
I test drove the new BMW X3 around the time it was announced as South Africa's 2025 Car of the Year winner, and its victory certainly got us debating its worthiness as an all-round victor.
While many were relieved that the winner was not a more expensive vehicle, like the 7 Series that won in 2024, one can't get away from the fact that the X3 has become a rather expensive vehicle, like just about any desirable vehicle emanating from one of the traditional manufacturers these days.
The X3 is priced from R1,13 million in 2.0d xDrive diesel guise, while the 30e xDrive plug-in hybrid that we tested recently is a R1.26 million proposition. And that's before you add an M Sport package, which brings the bill up to R1.31 million.
ALSO READ: Why the BMW X3 might not be a worthy Car of the Year winner
Granted, the Mercedes GLC now costs from R1.24 million to R1.56 million, and there isn't a hybrid option to choose from, while Porsche's Macan starts at R1.62 million.
There is of course also a feel-good factor emanating from the fact that the X3 is built right here in Mzansi, following a R4.6 billion investment, with 96% of production being exported to other world markets.
The plug-in hybrid covers up to 90km on electric power.
Image: Supplied
While the excellent X3 20d oil burner is the mainstay of the range, and for good reason, the 30e xDrive plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant is the innovation hero in the range.
It pairs a 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine to an electric motor for system outputs of 220kW and 450Nm.
BMW claims this PHEV model cover up to 90km on electric power alone, and I was impressed with how long it held its battery charge during my test drive, as I was able to waft along on battery power for a good few days.
It can get a little thirsty when that charge runs out, however, with two days of purely urban driving pushing my consumption to around 10 litres per 100km.
But that's the thing with a plug-in hybrid. If you want to reap the benefits of that heavy battery that it lugs along, you have to charge it on a regular basis. Do that and you effectively have an EV for your daily commute and weekend runabouts, with the petrol engine serving as a back-up plan for long-distance trips.
It's a refined package as far as I'm concerned, and the petrol engine kicks in seamlessly when called upon, although it can get a little noisy at higher revs.
Performance is sublime, and the steering and road holding are in line with what you'd expect from a modern BMW, with the ride slightly firm but definitely comfortable.
Forward-looking cabin
The interior is a big departure from what we've seen previously in BMW's small to medium products.
It's very evident that the company's stylists modelled it on the latest 7 Series, which is something of a revolution on wheels when it comes to cabin ambience and tech.
The interior: futuristic but finicky.
Image: Supplied
The futuristic-looking cockpit features a new lighting scheme that adds a colour contrasting border to elements like the centre console and door trims.
In traditional BMW style, the dashboard curves slightly towards the driver, and the command centre is an ultra-wide curved screen with graphics that wouldn't be out of place on Star Wars. It houses BMW's latest Operating System 9, and there's also a slightly gimmicky 'Interaction Bar' beneath the screen for additional functions.
While the X3 packs an impressive amount of technology and functions into the cockpit, it did feel like a bit of a digital overload to me, and many of the functions - particularly the driver info displays - took some getting used to.
The cabin as a whole is well executed and while I wouldn't describe the rear legroom as abundant, there appears to be enough space to meet the needs of an average family.
I like that BMW has broken the mould with the interior styling, but given its lower price point, the materials and ambient lighting systems don't dazzle in the same way that they do in the larger 7 Series. Not even close, which is understandable given the price difference. But there were some surfaces in the front of the cabin, as well as the front seat-back shells, which felt too cheap for a R1.3 million car, in my book.
More standard features
On the upside, the X3 does have more standard features than before, with some of the highlights being electrically-powered sports seats with leather upholstery, dual phone charging pad, three-zone climate control, navigation, comfort access, electric tailgate, park assist and driving assist, the latter including lane change warning and traffic sign recognition.
Items such as adaptive cruise control, head-up display and a Harman Kardon sound system are optional through various available packages. THE VERDICT
The new BMW X3 is a highly refined, sophisticated and innovative new SUV package that is now arguably the best vehicle in its class.
But given how the smaller BMW X1 has grown in terms of interior space while still being somewhat cheaper, at R828,899 to R1.18 million, I think there is a big argument in favour of its smaller sibling. Granted, the latter is still built on a front-wheel drive platform, but I don't see that as being a deal breaker for most SUV buyers.
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