In-depth reviews

BMW X3 hybrid boot space & seating

You lose some storage space to the X3 hybrid's batteries, but this is still a practical family SUV

Overall rating

3.0 out of 5

Boot space, seating & practicality rating

3.5 out of 5

Price
£46,215 - £61,905
Fuel Type:
Hybrid Petrol
LengthWidthHeightBoot volume (seats up/down)
4,708mm2,138mm1,676mm450/1,500 litres

Like most other plug-in hybrid vehicles, the X3 sacrifices some practicality over the standard petrol and diesel models to house the battery pack. 

That compromise is isolated to the boot area (more on that later), leaving the passenger area untouched. Six-foot adults will fit in the front and back of the X3, with similar leg and headroom to the Audi Q5, although the back of a Volvo XC60 Recharge has more legroom. The X3 does have a 40:20:40 split-folding rear seat to help maximise versatility, though.

BMW X3 hybrid interior space, storage & comfort

The interior is impressive, with an intelligent layout, faultless build quality and class-leading infotainment technology. The Extended Storage Package, in conjunction with the Comfort Package, adds a sunglasses pocket, a lockable glovebox and nets to the back of the front seats. You won’t get the tie-down rails like you would with the regular petrol and diesel models because of the modifications made to house the plug-in hybrid system.

Boot space

As with most cars of this ilk, the hybrid system in the X3 has more of an impact on practicality: boot space is 100 litres down on non-plug-in X3s, to 450 litres. At the same time, there's also an awkward step in the boot floor and nowhere specific to keep your charging cables. Total luggage capacity is 1,500 litres with the seats folded down.

Towing

The X3 plug-in can tow a braked trailer or caravan weighing up to 2000kg, matching the capacity of the standard petrol and diesel versions. Find out more about towing with hybrid and electric cars here.

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