I've had this car for nearly three years now, however the 2 liter diesel version. On Monday next week I'll be ordering this hybrid version. I have compared it to the Mercedes GLC 30e which I test drove yesterday and today, and other cars like the Volvo XC60 and the Audi Q5. For pure standard of finish, comfort and overall quality of the product, the BMW is the winner, at least in my eyes. Great, detailed review, bravo 👏
I’ve had mine for a month and love it so far. The anticipatory hybrid mode (meaning you put the destination in the Navi and it chooses how to deploy the battery) yielded 34 mpg driving through 150 miles of mixed driving. Right now that same tank of gas is showing 49 mpg since I’ve been charging each night and have access to a level 2 charger at my office. As far as electric consumption, I’m getting about 2.3 miles per KWh or about 67 MPGe. For me this is the ideal vehicle (and fits right in with the design purpose). I do most of my driving (at least 2/3) on battery but have ICE so no range anxiety.
Pete Kay Hey I’m thinking of getting the x3 30e, what kind of range are you getting before you have to fill up again? Just curious if you got a good deal with the shutdowns and all. Thanks for any info
Rick Noppenberger it’s so new I haven’t really tested range by doing a long trip requiring an in-transit fill up, but right now I have 3/4 of a tank of gas and it is showing 268 mile range. However, since I charge overnight and at my office I can do my commute entirely on electric. My trip meter since last fill up shows 326 miles driven, 117 on petrol (that was a 150 mile trip on mixed highway and rural roads) and 209 on electric. Coincidentally, our office building provides free charging for tenants so my trip home is free 😀. The X3 was special ordered early March prior to the Covid shutdown. I used a car buyer and he was able to negotiate the price down from a sticker price of $60,620 (yes, I got a lot of goodies) down to $56,982. BMW had a special that if you financed they knocked an additional $4,000 off the price. Then there is the $5,800 tax credit to consider that isn’t taken at point of purchase. The features I order include premium, driver assist +, trailer hitch (that does mean I don’t have the kick to open feature for the hatch), luxury package that gives the upscale stitching on dash and door tops. I highly recommend the acoustic glass and Harman Kardon. The ventilated seats are meh, of all the options I ordered I could have done without that. Hope this helps.
Good review and one that I used to decide on getting a 2021 X3 PHEV. Very smooth and quiet ride with mpg numbers typically between 40 and 60 on short trip to/from town. The quoted 17 mile range on all electric ends up more like 20-25+ in real driving. Really enjoy the acceleration especially at highway speeds passing cars and trucks. As you said, was $1200 cheaper than the 30i model.
A'right, I know my reviews. And you have reviews and then you have REVIEWS. This is one of them. Really excellent information and comparison across the board and competition. I am subscribing.
Alex, thanks for another well done review. I was waiting for this to see how it handled vs the RAV4 Prime. I know they are different cars, but driving both my daily commuter X3 and our weekend hauler Highlander, makes me happy for different reasons. With both brands dropping a PHEV months apart, a comparison was inevitable.
Toyota RAV4 and handling should not be used in the same sentence... Toyota is a economy brand... The RAV4 only scores a 72 out of 100 while this X3 gets a 82 out of 100, in Consumer Reports rankings
Hey Alex, love your reviews! Thanks for your hard work. One thing I'd like to clarify is: the hump in the cargo compartment is the fuel tank. The high voltage battery now occupies the area of where a regular X3 has its fuel tank. Hope this helps! Mike
BMW & Toyota/Lexus are probably right that more buyers would be happy with a PHEV with a smaller battery pack & more freedom of being landlocked to public chargers than the companies like VW, GM and of course Tesla in putting all their efforts onto BEV.
@@normt5463 The Tesla chargers (and all other chargers for that matter) have communication protocols in their chargers (akin to USB charging cables) that requires authorization. You can't just "use a Tesla adapter". Please don't spread misinformation.
Alex, a great and in-depth review as always. I was wondering if, in one of your reviews, you give an explanation of the fuel economy ratings for hybrids and plug-in hybrids, please let me know which one to watch as I would like to understand this. We are now seeing these two figures that stand wildly apart, and it is hard to tell what one would get in real life and how to reliably compare ratings between ICE, hybrids and plug-in hybrids. Thank you!
p.s. I have been checking so many RU-vid reports on Plug-in Hybrids in this class over the last couple of weeks. NONE, have been so informative and detailed as this report. Have subscribed and rand the bell 👏
For me I really don't see the point in this vehicle. Since I'm not a badge shopper I'd rather get the RAV4 Prime and pocket the cash difference. All that money in my pocket feels pretty good.
Im on the fence. Prime has a cvt (not my fav) while this has an 8 speed. On the other hand Prime has 42 miles electric range which is awesome but this has a true mechanical AWD while Prime has a low powered electric motor on the back. I think BMW is a lease brand while Toyota is a purchase brand.
Stremer it’s not a CVT. It’s a planetary gear set that combines the input of the engine and MG1 into one output. There’s no belt and pulley system or actual shifting going on
ZF really needs to come up with a transmission that incorporates a bigger electric motor. Honda/Toyota hybrids have electric motors that are more powerful than the gas motors, which really helps overall efficiency. I think Volvo's electric motors are a lot more powerful too. This really needs an electric motor with 240HP or so IMO. Missed opportunity.
@@SDav21 This vehicle is focused on efficiency. The best way to achieve that is by making the electric motor as powerful as possible, to maximize regeneration and minimize gas engine usage. A hybrid doesn't need a transmission at all, let alone 8 speeds. This setup sucks.
future62 I think Germans are already a step behind Japanese in REAL hybrid/PHEV technique. The Germans only look at ‘fuel economy test score’ but don’t care about real world performance, which is why they come up with things like engine start-stop with ‘strengthened’ 12V battery. See how terrible life these batteries have in real world.
@@future62 It doesn't have to be. Also, a transmission is absolutely necessary of you don't want that unrefined droning of Toyota hybrids. The droning is just awful.
@@bikingmoments Not true. The Germans are even doing diesel hybrids. Go and have a look at a RU-vid channel called "1001cars". See how unbelievably efficient and well done they are. Even on a depleted battery the economy is stellar. Plus it has performance. But this is mainly with reference to those from Mercedes which they apparently don't have in the US. The US doesn't get the E300e or the E300de. I don't even think the US got the S400 hybrid or anything. The E300e has a 0 to 60 of 5.7 seconds and about 30 miles electric range. It has a great 2 litre turbo 4 and a proper transmission. And unlike the Toyota, they engineer their cars so that the weight doesn't have much effect on handling.
I've been waiting for this review. Sounds like a great pick but my choice is just the opposite - XC60 then X3. I'm fairly short so having the extra hump in the cargo area would suck, not to mention the air suspension on the X60 being able to lower further. But, wow! The X3 sounds like a great pick even if it's not the one for me.
This BMW sounds like one of most the engaging of the compact PHEV crossovers out their right now. The Volvo seems like it has one of the most effective albeit blunt powertrains in the segment. I look forward to your review on the upcoming Corsair PHEV and how it balances out efficiency with performance. Do you know if that will coming along any time soon?
I thought the RAV4 PRIME was expensive but now I see how it has great value for money first if all it's faster than this has more power, more range and more efficiency not that anyone is cross-shoping it just shows how far Toyota had come, but this is probably more fun cos it is RWD biased compared to the RAV4 tho
So does the US get the E300e? This E Class has a 2 litre turbo 4 with a battery with about 30 miles of range and 0 to 60 in 5.7 seconds (or less I think). The E300de is even better since it's a diesel plug in hybrid and the economy is unbelievable yet it is quick. You can see the economy runs on the "1001cars" channel. Really cool. They compare several hybrids as well as normal petrol/gas and diesel. The E300e would sell better than the 530e. It's faster and more economical with more electric range.
Have both an X3 M40i and Tesla Y. The Tesla may report a more narrow back seat, but in practice it's much more roomy for our daughter and car seat. It also has a lot more leg room for adults and feels much more roomy. Overall I prefer the Y or the BMW.
Can you please make a video and explaine how this tax credit works when you buy a hybrid plug in car exactly in detail and example some States because I know that they're different
@@normt5463 the last time i followed CR advice was...the LAST time! and it is why i follow alex, savagegeese, motoman and others...because they are better.
RAV 4 Prime 50% better gas mileage, all safety features standard and a full size spare tire ( a must for long trips, especially if you go off road). Throw in the Toyota is $20k less expensive and this decision is easy. RAV 4 for the win here. No contest.
Things are so strange these days. You get 2 litre 4 cylinder engines that can get a car to 60 in 3.8 seconds (CLA45AMG). But then also 6 cylinder mild hybrids that are slower but that can also be faster. And then plug in hybrids that's not any faster with some using CVT some using normal some putting batteries in boots some putting it in tunnels some under rear seats. Some engines being NA and sort of old fashioned some being turbo charged. It's crazy all the variations. And which is better? Why do they each choose their specific configurations? What does it mean for 6 and 8 cylinder engines? Too much.
Alex, no real-world reason to split hairs over 0-60 times because no one drives their own car like that. Please add 5-60 to your testing as a measurement of real-world performance.
Alex, like your detailed reviews, BUT why can't you actually fold rear seats and show if it's a flat surface or not? This is a very important detail, especially for hybrid, since you can sleep in a car while camping with AC on
Alex, can you please provide insight into mechanical vs electric AWD. Since an electric motor can respond at least an order of magnitude (if not two) faster than a mechanical linkage, isn’t a electric AWD better than mechanical for most standard off road (soft road) driving?
Alex in his California bubble is annoyingly short sighted. So on a cold Wisconsin winter morning, I couldn't even get to work one way on EV power and then drive back with the extra weight making worse fuel economy as slower performance than the standard petrol. Hard pass. 16 miles in California is terrible range and you can't just blame the tires for the range right after you praise it for It's dynamics and handling which the tires create.
Been waiting for this car and hope the price follow the trend of regular 30i soon. Would be perfect timing when wife's current BMW lease is up. German math lmao
When gasoline fuel economy expressed in MPG after the battery is depleted in a PHEV is lower than its gasoline counterpart it means the hybrid system is serial instead of parallel one. The latter one system is used in no compromise PHEVs since those have better MPG when battery is depleted running only on gasoline. Neither European luxury SUVs from video BMW, Audi, Volvo, MB employ parallel hybrids thus their fuel efficiency is lower than gasoline counterparts due to weight increase. There are only 2 upcoming nonluxury SUVs in the USA market Toyota RAV4 Prime and Ford Escape PHEV providing better MPG when battery is depleted vs their gasoline versions specifically being parallel hybrids. Hopefully Lincoln Corsair PHEV will employ a parallel hybrid thus being only one luxury vehicle in this segment with decent fuel economy when battery depleted vs its own gas model. From practicality standpoint at the moment on sale in the USA there is only one noncompromise - PHEV Chrysler Pacifica parallel Hybrid having 1.5 times better fuel economy than gasoline version but alas is not a SUV. In conclusion all European luxury SUV PHEVs on the market in the USA including above named and Jaguar/Land Rover, Porshe have worse MPG than their gasoline versions when battery depleted thus cannot claim the title of noncompromise PHEVs unfortunately; though all are excellent and attractive vehicles otherwise. They follow most of Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV pitfalls: short pure EV range, poor gas efficiency and fast degrading small capacity lithium battery. A upcoming exception might be new 2021 BMW X5 PHEV with tripled battery size vs last year model up to 24 kW. Hopefully Alex will provide a review of it soon.
According to the US government the XC60 T8 gets 27mpg combined. I'm seeing 24 mpg for the T5 and 22 for the T6 so, no, not all of the Europeans get worse mileage as a once the battery is depleted than they would without the battery. Not to say the Rav4 prime doesn't get amazing mileage!
@@kennethstagg9520 If Lincoln Corsair PHEV is a parallel hybrid as is Ford Escape PHEV than it will have close to 40 mpg when battery is depleted which is way better than its own gas version. That vehicle is AWD while Ford Escape PHEV is FWD. That is in contrast with Lincoln Aviator PHEV resembling BMW X3 PHEV discussed in the video having slightly less gasoline efficiency when battery depleted than its pure gasoline version due to serial hybrid setup. The PHEV versions from Volvo are in-between in their setup but much closer to serial than parallel technology thus Volvo PHEVs have only slightly improved gas efficiency vs their ICE versions. There are some videos done by Alex on autos describing PHEV Volvo versions.
@@normt5463 That is a shame GM never brought that technology from Chevrolet Volt second generation into something like Chevrolet Equinox and also in Cadillac XT5. The latter one could easily still be sold in important numbers providing continuity to brilliant at the time Volt. Choosing instead a 4 seater sedan was not a so market driven idea for GM. Instead of killing Volt today GM could have been a leader in PHEV market.
What needs to be addressed is that technology is forever getting better- batteries will improve and when you go to trade in or sell, you will lose much more than normal. Because frankly- who is going to keep this past its warrantee? You are better off choosing a full EV or an “ICE” only..
If battery tech is quickly getting better, it is the current BEVs that will plummet in value unless they can be updated cheaply. Better batteries might prevent many new PHEVs from being put on sale, helping incumbent ones keep their value if they hold up mechanically.
I have read/seen only two reviews that address the X3 xDrive30e towing capability: a table in one review says "NA," implying it isn't rated for towing (much as the Toyota Venza), yet another narrative review claims the xDrive30e has essentially the same towing capability as the non-hybrid versions. Can you break the tie here?
Nice video very informative, how long is the warranty on this vehicle’s electric battery and if battery dies will this vehicle end up working as normal car ?
at 18:35 Alex is talking while looking at the camera as he appears to be on track to running over the bicyclist, then quickly the bicyclist disappears... hmmm, wonder what happened ;)
Hi Alex! Nice review as always. I was wondering,... If in the future batteries become more efficient, can they be upgraded, or you are stuck with what you buy permanently? Also, do plug in hybrids get their battery charged with braking energy or only from the plug? Thanks very much and take care.
European luxury brands think they're better than everybody else and charge you money for the privilege of having ACC while a $20k Toyota comes standard with it. And I say this as a European. Mercedes is pretty insane here especially. A moderately well equipped 190 hp diesel E-class wagon costs over €80k!
I guess those should be standard now and the price they charge for options is really frustrating. Some things should be standard yes. However, apparently the European cars systems work a bit better. Something a little unrelated for example. Have you seen the quality of the reversing camera on a Toyota vs a VW? The Toyota really looks like the camera is from a decade ago whereas the VW camera is much higher resolution and clearer. So it may be standard on the Corolla but then it's because the quality isn't that great and the surround cameras on Toyotas are practically unusable because the quality is so poor. So VW for example may charge for it but then they give you a better quality one. Quality over quantity I guess. People usually equate more features to better but don't consider the quality of those features.
Ideally you're supposed to be inspecting your tires before driving off but I guess nobody that these days. Now ever taking 10 seconds to plug in a charging cable is too much :P
You cannot buy the RAV4 Prime as they cut supply. Toyota is a economy brand... The RAV4 only scores a 72 out of 100 while this X3 gets a 82 out of 100, in Consumer Reports rankings
@@normt5463 i know it is not apples to apples but for less money you get better range, better performance, better fuel economy, better resale value and all the goodies you can think of like ventilated seats, adaptive cruise control heads up display etc. You just don't have a luxury name...
@@HaNguyen-ci4uw from C&D: "...Once the battery is depleted or the accelerator is pushed to the floor, the 2.5-liter moans and groans a dismal soundtrack....However, the Prime's chassis dynamics are far less compelling than its punchy powertrain. Panic stops from 70 mph produce an alarming shuddering sound. And although the Prime has the largest brake rotors available on any RAV4, we recorded a lengthy 195-foot stop. There's also plenty of body roll at the 0.75-g lateral grip limit. For comparison, the non-plug-in RAV4 hybrid stopped from 70 mph in 182 feet and gripped the skidpad at 0.81 g in our testing...."
So this review basically means the Rav4 prime is the best plug-in hybrid in terms of features and range and power. Just lacking the luxury badge, but then again we will get the lexus version probably in 1-2years
Hey Alex, do you think is it still worth going woth the EV if one plan to drive on average around 45k miles a year? Also, is x3 better than x1? I am planning to trade in my 2 series coupe with a small SUV where my wife can fit the kids and the child seats. Thanks
Someone in my girlfriends building has a PHEV but the building parking is outdoors and anyone can walk thru it to another building. He should have just bought a hybrid as the building owner doesn’t care about the parking lot needing charging stations as everything in the parking lot is damaged and the plows in winter hit everything and damage everything, along with leaving the snow in peoples parking spaces. So if you needed a charging station, it’s buried in 5 feet of snow
I think it is for transitioning people to electric. With this you get the chance to drive fully electric for part of your journey or the whole part of it. But the important thing with these brands is that performance remains. So for people who want electric for a short daily journey but don't want range anxiety.
Lexus doesn't seem to have an EV on the horizon. The next green vehicle from Lexus will be a hydrogen vehicle followed by more hybrids but no full EVs in the coming few years,
@@thegoodman3810 Toyota has not revealed any pure BEV for 2022 or 2023 release. They might make a NXe variant like Jaguar made the IPace, but I wouldn't expect anything before 2024. Certainly not a BEV sedan to compete with Model S and Daimler's new e car.
18 miles of range - meh. I had a BMW X5 4.0e SUV and got the same range years ago. Got very tired of plugging it in twice a day with my 19 mile commute to work.
Twenty four miles on battery while gas engine is there to back you up. This would be me to work and back without charging. But I can charge at work so that range is not a problem even when it is reduced in colder weather.
It's for people with a daily journey short enough to drive fully electrically but then still have the convenience of a normal engine and no range anxiety for longer trips. So if used as intended where the electric part is used as much as possible, the overall fuel used is still less than an equivalent model.
The hybrid eliminates "range anxiety" and perhaps with tax credits for no more net cost. For most daily commuting needs, its all electric range is adequate but you have the ICE for your longer trips....best of both modes of operation.
The MDX does 0-60 in 6.3 seconds versus the BMW's 5.9 seconds. The MDX isn't a PHEV, so can't run on battery only. 27 mpg is better than the BMW's 24 mpg, but the BMW also gets 18 miles of all electric range, so MPGe will be higher in the BMW. I'll go out on a limb and say the BMW probably handles better. BMW also costs about $10k less after credit. Options may change that though.
SDav21 What’s even worse, for a Mercedes C300 they even de-tune the automatic braking ability from ‘superior’ to ‘basic’ for base trim without adding $$package.
If one is wealthy enough to buy this, isn't it likely one is also wealthy enough to live within fifteen miles of work and eight miles of the grocery store?