[jandref321]

     Featured on BIMMERPOST.com

2020 BMW G01 X3 Xdrive30e PHEV

Gents,

I’m new to the X3 world but have been skulking around other BMW forums for help and to contribute to the knowledge pool for my past BMWs:

2003 E46 M3
2004 E46 330i ZHP
2008 E70 X5 3.0si
2011 F10 535i
2012 E70 X5M
2017 F30 330e
2018 F48 X1

I recently traded in my wife’s X1 to get myself a new 2019 Ford F150 Raptor and she said we had to sell my X5M so I sold that and have been waiting for the new X3 Xdrive30e vehicles to come in. Despite COVID-19 fears, we went in to pick up the wife’s new ride yesterday.

I’m gonna ramble for a bit so if you don’t care then skip the next couple paragraphs.

I was able to attend a launch party for the G01 in Honolulu back in the day to check them out and have been impressed with the vehicle ever since. I figured when I got the chance I would get the IX3 EV for my wife. I was quickly turned off when I heard the IX3 was going to be rear wheel drive only, and now it won’t be coming to the US anyway. We had to end the wife’s 330e lease since I was leaving the country for a bit and then immediately had to buy the X1 because my X5M broke down. I hated the X1 and now that I’m back in the states we decided to look at getting an EV or Plug in Hybrid. Surprisingly, the options are still thin for a good PHEV. Almost all of your standard Asian PHEVs are only sold in 7 states so those were out. The only real options left were BMW and Audi. We decided on the X3 PHEV because the stated range online was 33mi. After picking up the vehicle my wife said that the car told her the range was much shorter. She was able to drive 20 miles at 75mph on I5 before the battery died. I was grumpy and immediately checked the window sticker to find that the EPA range is 17miles electric only. WTH! I know the EPA is very stringent with verifying claimed ranges but didn’t expect the range to be so different from the European stated range. The X3 30e range isn’t on the EPA website or BMWusa.com. So the only current number is on the window sticker.

Since we kind of did our trade-ins and sales quickly we hadn’t expected to need a new vehicle so soon and decided to go with a dealer preordered X3 PHEV instead of ordering one ourselves. BMW Seattle was getting several in so we picked the one we wanted and made the lease deal a couple weeks before it arrived. Here are the specs, impressions, and some pics:

SPECIFICATIONS:

-Alpine White
-Black Vernasca Leather with Blue Contrast Stitching
-Sensa Tec Dashboard
-Aluminum Rhombicle Trim
-M Sport Package
-Dynamic Damper control
-Harmon Kardon Surround Sound System
-Ambient Lighting
-Premium Package
-Heated Steering Wheel
-Comfort Access
-Panoramic Roof
-Lumbar Support
-Heads up Display
-Front and Rear Heated Seats
-Driving Assistant Package
-Active Blind Spot Detection
-Lane Departure Warning

Additionally, the Xdrive 30e PHEV comes with ID7 and Digital Dash standard. Four things I wish we could have is the Dynamic Handling package which comes with M brakes, the Parking Assistant Plus, the Driving assistant Plus, and Acoustic Glass…it would be a lot more expensive of course. I actually used to think the lane keep assist and distance keeping cruise control was a gimmick, but I love it on my Raptor. The rest is just nice to haves. I hate how below the 5 series sedan and SUVs you’re paying so much in options.

IMPRESSIONS:

It is a BMW. So, it’s great! I’ve driven the 330i Active hybrid and obviously the 330e and now this X3 30e is a continuing evolution of the hybrid drivetrains. They have come a long way from the abrupt engine start and rough kick of acceleration. I could barely hear or feel the gas engine switch on and there was a smooth transition from remaining electric power to the gasoline power. I’m eager to find out the real world range of these vehicles in EV mode during city driving. Something that is interesting, if you haven’t owned a PHEV, is that the Gas Tank is sealed to prevent the gas from going bad from infrequent usage. You have to press a special button to unseal the gas tank before filling.

My gripes include the complicated ID7 and digital dash, which I’m sure I’ll figure out eventually, and the reduction of storage space in the trunk. The batteries add a massive lip to the trunk and an additional hump on the passenger side. This means that the cargo mat will not fit. I also learned that it can cause other problems when, after getting groceries, we opened the hatch and a gallon of milk fell out and smashed open in our garage. In the F30 330e there was a different boot also and BMW never made a different cargo mat to fit. Hopefully they make one for the X3 30e.

I’m obviously annoyed by the short range, but hoping it is enough to support my wife going to and from work, including lunch break, without using gas. I plugged the included 110 charger in last night and it took 10hours to charge to 100%. I’ll be installing a 14-30 NEMA plug and buying a level 2 charger ASAP.

PICTURES:

[NordicX3]

Congratulations, great looking car! Based on my experience of my X3 30e, which I’ve had for almost 2months now, you will be very happy.

I’m a bit puzzled about the different range standards. In Europe we had the previous NEDC-standard which was VERY optimistic. My previous VW Passat GTE hybrid promised a full electric 50km range but I got around 30-35km in the summer and 20-25km in the winter driving to work to Stockholm city centre (i.e. driving mostly in heavy stop and go city traffic). I have not been driving highway that much full electric, but generally the higher speed seems to hurt the range while being able to avoid the stop and go will increase it.

Driving my X3 30e to work for past couple of months indicates that the corresponding “real” range is some 1.25x the range of the Passat GTE, i.e. around 25-30km(16-19miles) in the winter days around 0 to +4 Celsius (32-39F) and presumably some 35+km(22+ miles) in the summer for my driving. The European new WLTP-standard for the new X3 30e says 41-46m range depending on equipment. I have 20” winter wheels which would indicate that the 41km(25.5miles) is the closer to the indication for my car, and with that in mind the “real” range does not seem so off as I put zero focus on driving economically. The couple of times I’ve driven the car full electric on bit higher speeds without stop and go does not indicate a much range at least. Additionally, the air conditioning / heater is certainly impacting negatively the figures in electric vehicles, that is why the range is so much shorter in the winter.

But anyway, based on above, the EPA-standard seems very strict.

Not sure if it is true but it feels almost like the car “learns” to set the range given the range when I picked up my car seemed a bit shorter vs what it is today when I start my car. Not sure if that is true but it feels like that at least. (Have not spend any time with the manual yet even though I know I should... ) It is a bit hard to compare as the range the car "promises" is different every day assumingly based on outside temperature etc.

Anyway, congratulations again. I’m sure you will be very happy owners, I’m happier today than the day I picked it up…and I was very happy already them. See my initial comments from the thread below.

https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1690046

[Red_Rover]

Thanks for posting. I've been seriously considering a BME PHEV and 2 things come to mind..........

1) This is a heavy car without the massive battery and got heavier for the 2020 model year. BMW needs to put the PHEV on a diet.

2) That Monroney with the annual fuel cost is calculated at $3.25 per gallon. I'm guessing that the total amount is quite a bit lower due to the oil surplus.

Below is a random X3 sDrive30i Monroney. The annual fuel difference between the two can be seen.

[jandref321]

Originally Posted by NordicX3

Congratulations, great looking car! Based on my experience of my X3 30e, which I’ve had for almost 2months now, you will be very happy.

Anyway, congratulations again. I’m sure you will be very happy owners, I’m happier today than the day I picked it up…and I was very happy already them. See my initial comments from the thread below.

https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1690046

Thanks! I'll have to spend some time looking through your thread...I wish I looked here before hand. I only did google searches before buying and not checking the forum. Connected drive shows 19miles EV range right now at 100% charge. Like you said, it will probably change based on driving conditions, temp, etc.

Originally Posted by Red_Rover

Thanks for posting. I've been seriously considering a BME PHEV and 2 things come to mind..........

1) This is a heavy car without the massive battery and got heavier for the 2020 model year. BMW needs to put the PHEV on a diet.

2) That Monroney with the annual fuel cost is calculated at $3.25 per gallon. I'm guessing that the total amount is quite a bit lower due to the oil surplus.

Below is a random X3 sDrive30i Monroney. The annual fuel difference between the two can be seen.

It doesn't feel heavy at all even with the small engine, but I know it is heavy. The sticker does show 24mpg on gas vs 27 mpg on the 30i you posted. Even the smaller gas tank didn't help much. Gas has gone down like 15 cents in my area...hopefully it keeps dropping...except for the whole COVID thing being terrible.

[Bob in IL]

BMW shows the PHEV weighs 4,586lbs. (47.6/52.4 weight dist.) and the X3 xDrive @ 4,041 (49.1/50.9 weight dist.). So 545lb. heavier.

[lippstuh]

Congrats from a E46 M3 owner.

[SabineBimmer]

Happy for you! Very bummed about that poor milk... Was is Borden or another brand that has a nondescript heifer on it? Or was it Sam's Club/Kirkland's brand? Anyway, off topic I have become. So, you liked it?

[nicky dj]

Anyone know if or when the PHEV's are coming out for the current generation X5? Don't see them listed anywhere. That being said, I was considering a 2016 used X5 PHEV; any technical issues or things to watch out with this model?

I know a little off topic but with all things said, might just consider the X3 PHEV and call it a day. Thanks for the review.

PS - 17 miles is like to the grocery store and back, and to charge for 10 hours for 17 miles?

[ron_jeremy]

The price of the G01 compared to previous X3 is a bit high. That's also true for the PHEV, maybe a 20e will come soon?

[TheM3Boy]

Congratulations!
I have an F25 and think it is the perfect size SUV. You will love it!

[GOLFFRR]

congrats. thats a nice ride

[andre999]

Originally Posted by ron_jeremy

The price of the G01 compared to previous X3 is a bit high. That's also true for the PHEV, maybe a 20e will come soon?

I don't know much about the pricing of prev gen X3 vs new gen X3. But remember our currency rate, the NOK, is much weaker now then during the prev gen X3 years. And due to the development in the oil price, and our governments money printing lately due to Corona, this might get even worse going forward. The X5 45e has already seen a price hike, and I think the X3 30e is soon to follow.

An e20 seems highly unlikely, BMW is already putting a low tuned version of the 4 cyl ICE, the B48, in the 30e. A 40e, seems more likely, but since I got the 30e, I really hope it won't materialize.

However the X1 is getting a PHEV version as well the 25e, with a 3 cyl ICE. But I can't image they will put this drive line in the X3.

[antzcrashing]

Congrats, thanks for sharing. Good luck with it

[535i MSport]

Could you share a picture of the trunk lip, that you described?

[ted99]

I've owned the 2018 X5 PHEV, 330e, 2014 i3, and now two 2020 530e. First, I found the EPA range to be far more accurate than the European ranges. My EV ranges have been very close to the EPA numbers and lower than the European numbers. Second, the 530e is a far better buy than any other BMW PHEV because BMW 's MSRP for the 530e is the same as for the 530i. Plus, the deals on the 5 sedans are far better than any of the SUV's. My 530e (as contrasted to my wife's) is a "stripper" with no options and it's final cost to me after all the discounts, incentives, tax credits and State grant is $35K. And a stripper 530e is VERY well equipped. I happily traded the extra ground clearance and carrying capacity of the X5 for the comfort and handling of the 5 sedan. YMMV. Third, I think the current PHEV's with at least 20 mi EV range is a smarter buy for many people than any of the full EV's currently on offer. After 3 months of ownership, I have yet to start the ICE engine in my all-urban useage. My wife commutes 3 days/week and she occasionally has to run the ICE for about 5 miles on the Interstate part of her commute. She is still on her first tank of gasoline over the last four months. We have the effect of a full EV at a far lower cost than an equivalent model of EV (iPace, e-Tron) and a full ICE for any out of town trip we may take, once the current lock down is over.

For the question about advice on the pre-LCI X5: It's a good vehicle with no particular foibles. Just understand that it's an SUV with the attendant advantages and disadvantages of that class of vehicle. If that's the direction you are going, I recommend waiting for the LCI, which will have two-axle air suspension to give a better ride and a 35 mile, or so, EPA EV range.

[jandref321]

Originally Posted by SabineBimmer

Happy for you! Very bummed about that poor milk... Was is Borden or another brand that has a nondescript heifer on it? Or was it Sam's Club/Kirkland's brand? Anyway, off topic I have become. So, you liked it?

My wife grabbed some super organic Fred Meyer brand milk...$6.50 for the gallon...was a sad day. I do love the X3 though.

Originally Posted by nicky dj

Anyone know if or when the PHEV's are coming out for the current generation X5? Don't see them listed anywhere. That being said, I was considering a 2016 used X5 PHEV; any technical issues or things to watch out with this model?

I know a little off topic but with all things said, might just consider the X3 PHEV and call it a day. Thanks for the review.

PS - 17 miles is like to the grocery store and back, and to charge for 10 hours for 17 miles?

Yeah, it is a small battery, but the level 1 charger is very slow. I ended up buying a budget level 2 that plugs into a dryer outlet. Was $115 in materials for the outlet and $230 for the charger. The X3 only charges at 3.7kwh max so a 16amp charger, 14-39NEMA plug, and 30amp breaker is all you need. Charge to full is now just 2.5hrs.

Originally Posted by 535i MSport

Could you share a picture of the trunk lip, that you described?

I posted some new pictures of the trunk lip and passenger side hump. Note that there is still room to store the cargo cover, tight squeeze for level 1 charger and first aid kit. NordicX3 was the first reply on here and he has a thread with more info also as he was the first X3 PHEV owner to post on the forums after the European release.

[jandref321]

Originally Posted by ted99

I've owned the 2018 X5 PHEV, 330e, 2014 i3, and now two 2020 530e. First, I found the EPA range to be far more accurate than the European ranges. My EV ranges have been very close to the EPA numbers and lower than the European numbers. Second, the 530e is a far better buy than any other BMW PHEV because BMW 's MSRP for the 530e is the same as for the 530i. Plus, the deals on the 5 sedans are far better than any of the SUV's. My 530e (as contrasted to my wife's) is a "stripper" with no options and it's final cost to me after all the discounts, incentives, tax credits and State grant is $35K. And a stripper 530e is VERY well equipped. I happily traded the extra ground clearance and carrying capacity of the X5 for the comfort and handling of the 5 sedan. YMMV. Third, I think the current PHEV's with at least 20 mi EV range is a smarter buy for many people than any of the full EV's currently on offer. After 3 months of ownership, I have yet to start the ICE engine in my all-urban useage. My wife commutes 3 days/week and she occasionally has to run the ICE for about 5 miles on the Interstate part of her commute. She is still on her first tank of gasoline over the last four months. We have the effect of a full EV at a far lower cost than an equivalent model of EV (iPace, e-Tron) and a full ICE for any out of town trip we may take, once the current lock down is over.

For the question about advice on the pre-LCI X5: It's a good vehicle with no particular foibles. Just understand that it's an SUV with the attendant advantages and disadvantages of that class of vehicle. If that's the direction you are going, I recommend waiting for the LCI, which will have two-axle air suspension to give a better ride and a 35 mile, or so, EPA EV range.

I agree about the EPA range. I'm getting about 17mpg average in the city so the EPA is correct. Not sure how they get away with inflated numbers in Europe.

You make a good point about the 5 series. There is a lot more standard on the 5 series sedan and the X5. If the LCI has a longer range, and has more standard, then that would be the better choice.

[ewoody]

Nice Car!

Your car is a hybrid.

75mph in the electric mode makes no sense. Also driving uphill... the battery will be empty quickly.

Electric mode can be used if you can drive the whole trip in this mode and you can recharge the car at the end. Electric range strongly depends how you are using it. Everyone will have another range... it is not comparable!

For trips longer than the electric range, the best mode is „hybrid eco pro" with active navigation. The car will decide which engine it uses.

Also charging the battery while driving, makes mainly no sense. It uses much more fuel to charge. When I need to keep battery capacity, I switch to the sport mode. It uses less fuel than the charging mode.

I've an 745Le xDrive. I'm actually at 40 mpg. To compare... car before: an 435ix had 26 mpg. Driving more or less the same way!

Enjoy your car! I'm sure you will!

[Flamingi]

Originally Posted by jandref321

We decided on the X3 PHEV because the stated range online was 33mi. After picking up the vehicle my wife said that the car told her the range was much shorter. She was able to drive 20 miles at 75mph on I5 before the battery died.

I have the X5 45e here in Germany. Driving in electric mode with 75mph does not make sense at all. The electric mode is meant for city driving, generally below 35mph. I actually get a range of ~45km/28miles out of my X5 on the drive to work (most of the time <60km/h) and since I can charge for free at work I now spend almost nothing on fuel anymore. Of course distances here in Europe are a lot smaller than in the US, but still, electric mode on the highway isn't really efficient and I'm not surprised you only get 17 miles of range with that driving profile.

[mbanck]

Originally Posted by andre999

An e20 seems highly unlikely, BMW is already putting a low tuned version of the 4 cyl ICE, the B48, in the 30e. A 40e, seems more likely, but since I got the 30e, I really hope it won't materialize.

However the X1 is getting a PHEV version as well the 25e, with a 3 cyl ICE. But I can't image they will put this drive line in the X3.

A 320e is all but certain (supposed to be released this summer I think), so it's not a big stretch to think a X3 20e might also show up, but so far nobody heard of it.

The 320e is 4cyl based and detuned, the X1 25e also has a totally different drivetrain, apart from the 3cyl.

[andre999]

Originally Posted by mbanck

A 320e is all but certain (supposed to be released this summer I think), so it's not a big stretch to think a X3 20e might also show up, but so far nobody heard of it.

The 320e is 4cyl based and detuned, the X1 25e also has a totally different drivetrain, apart from the 3cyl.

Thanks. That's interesting. I stand corrected.

A google search also came up with this:
https://engnews24h.com/rumors-new-bm...estyling-2021/

What do you think of the possibility of a X3 xdrive 40e? Or 45e?

[bailyhill]

Took delivery of my new X3 30e two weeks ago--Silver/Cognac. I love it. Its my 10th BMW and I must say that I think its my favorite BMW, although my 85 535i is a close second. I knew about the mileage going in, and don't need a lot more doing errands and getting on and off the highway. I got 43 mpg combined on the first tank of mixed driving. The ID7 takes some study. We have an i3 REX for our second car, and the combination gives us complete flexibility. Planned to get a Tesla, had big gains in TSLA, but it did not offer exterior color I liked, nor interior color, nor heated steering wheel, and I still like a few knobs for essentials. So I got the X3 30e and Tesla gains paid for it. The Tesla supercharging network would have worked, but it was a one point failure. I have both level 1 and level 2 chargers, but I don't drive everyday, so its no problem for 10 hour charge. I have a second plug wired, but don't need it right now. Its exceeded my expectations in every way. It drives very nice. The battery assist makes a big difference is smoothness.