BMW X3 xDrive30e PHEV priced from $105K + ORC

A BMW X3 with plug-in hybrid power will join the revised medium SUV range from $104,900 before options and on-road costs for the xDrive30e when the updated models arrive in Australia during the third quarter of this year.

BMW’s all-electric iX3 will also join the range around the same time, creating what BMW says will be the segment’s “broadest selection of powertrains”, although pricing for that variant is yet to be confirmed.

The X3 range refresh coincides with an overhaul of the coupe-styled X4 as well as the high-performance M Competition variants of both bodystyles, the latter subject to $3000 price increases over their predecessors.

Prices of the mainstream X3 and X4 ranges have also increased by $2000, meaning the wagon range now begins at $73,900 before on-roads for the rear-drive sDrive20i while the coupe equivalent commands a $12,000 premium due to the standard fitment of all-wheel drive and a longer equipment list.

The price gap between the X3 and X4 narrows in the upper ends of the ranges; the $95,900 all-wheel drive X4 xDrive30i and $167,900 X4 M Competition respectively priced $8000 and $7000 north of the wagons.

As before, only the more practicality-focused X3 has diesel engine options, the xDrive20d ($76,900) and xDrive30d ($94,900), both of which are all-wheel drive, as is the plug-in hybrid. All have eight-speed automatic transmissions.

Power and torque outputs have remained unchanged for mainstream variants, at 135kW/300Nm for the 20i, 185kW/350Nm for the 30i and 285kW/500Nm for the M40i.

The X3 xDrive30e PHEV develops 215kW/420Nm and can cover a claimed 55km on a full charge of its 12kWh lithium-ion battery pack – that eats into 100 litres of boot space over a regular X3 – while the electric-only top speed is 135km/h 

Zero-100km/h is dealt with in 6.1 seconds.

Both M Competition versions generate 385kW, with peak torque up 50Nm over their predecessors, at 650Nm.

In addition to a more prominent kidney grille – with mesh inlay on the X4 – and redesigned front bumper, the revised X3 and X4 have slimmer headlights with standard LED matrix technology with auto high beam that now incorporates the fog-light units into an ‘adverse weather’ light.

BMW’s ‘Laserlight’ technology can be optioned on any X3 or X4 variant.

The standard automated parking technology has been upgraded and camera-based BMW Drive Recorder – similar to Tesla’s Sentry Mode – becomes an option.

Android Auto compatibility has been added to wireless Apple CarPlay and BMW’s Operating System 7 software boosts connectivity across the media system, digital instrument panel, head-up display and online services such as Google Maps.

Over-the-air software updates have also been introduced, as has compatibility with the My BMW smartphone app can provide remote locking, viewing and recording vision from the surround-view cameras – if fitted – as well as vehicle location and status data. The PHEV can also transmit charging information.

Tail-lights, tailgates and rear bumpers have also been redesigned, the X3 getting black-bordered LED rear clusters and the X4 having three-dimensional, protruding items while the wagon’s rear bumper has a conspicuous full-width faux bash plate and the coupe’s a more liberal coating of body-coloured paint – although the X4 M40i has an aggressive black ‘anvil’ shaped rear apron.

M40i variants get aerodynamic door mirrors and special “Two Teeth” tailpipe trim designs along with chrome grille frames bearing the M motif while the plug-in hybrid hints at its electrified nature with blue rings around the BMW logos and an ‘electrified by i’ emblem on the front guards.

Inside, the updated X3 and X4 have a new centre console design shared with the 4 Series and gain a bigger 12.3-inch media screen that is standard range-wide, as are keyless entry and start and new electroplated air-conditioning vent trims.

A new version of BMW’s Sensatec imitation leather upholstery perforated main seat surfaces replaces the part-leather of pre-facelift models.

Standard equipment on the X3 sDrive20i and xDrive20d include tri-zone climate control, DAB+ digital radio, electric seat adjustment, powered tailgate, wireless phone charging, leather sports steering wheel, roof rails and 19-inch alloy wheels. The X4 xDrive20i deletes the roof rails but adds M Sport styling and Parking Assistant Plus.

The X3/X4 xDrive30i and X3 xDrive30d add M Sport styling – including 20-inch alloy wheels – and Parking Assistant Plus as standard, semi-autonomous driving capability, reversing assistant, 12-speaker premium audio, driver’s seat backrest width adjustment, leather upholstery and ambient lighting.

Standard metallic paint, panoramic glass roof, front-seat heating, driver’s lumbar support adjustment and two charging cables are included with the X3 xDrive30e over and above the 30i/30d.

The M40s get all of the above plus 21-inch alloys, an M Sport rear differential, adaptive suspension, Sensatec instrument panel trim, Harman/Kardon premium audio system and Laserlight headlights.

On top of the M40i package, flagship M Competitions get the M TwinPower six-cylinder engine, upgraded transmission, suspension and all-wheel drive systems, extended merino leather upholstery and carbon-fibre interior trim.

Several options packages are available, priced and available depending on the level of upgrade over standard for each variant. These include Comfort Package with seat and steering heating plus driver’s lumbar support adjustment and the Rear Seat Comfort Package (X3 only) comprising sun protection glazing, sunshades, rear backrest adjustment, heated rear seats and a luggage compartment net.

The Executive Package gives any variant the full fruit, comprising acoustic glazing, gesture control, tyre pressure monitoring, Sensatec instrument panel trim, 12-speaker or Harman/Kardon audio upgrade, remote engine start, heating for both rows of seats and the steering wheel, sun protection glazing and Laserlight headlights.

Due to the global semiconductor shortage, BMW is supplanting some features and applying discounts, such as wireless charging being replaced by Enhanced Telephony with a $429 price cut applied and Driving Assistant Professional being downgraded to Driving Assistant in return for a $2500 cost reduction.

2022 BMW X3 pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs

2022 BMW X4 pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs