BMW X3 hybrid range, MPG, CO2 & charging

As with every plug-in hybrid, getting the most out of the X3 xDrive30e from an efficiency point of view depends on keeping the battery topped up. Not only does this let you travel as far as possible on electric power alone, it also means the car's hybrid system is best equipped to assist the petrol engine and maximise fuel economy. 

If you generally do shorter trips – a brief commute or school run, perhaps – you'll be able to use electric power exclusively and not use a drop of fuel in routine daily motoring.

BMW X3 hybrid range, MPG & CO2 emissions

Emissions and fuel economy vary slightly depending on which trim level and wheel size you choose for your X3 xDrive30e. SE and X-Line cars are marginally more efficient thanks to their smaller wheels: BMW quotes 134.5 to 148.7mpg for each, with CO2 emissions of 44 to 48g/km. Go for an M Sport and fuel economy drops to 128.4 to 141.2mpg, along with slightly higher CO2 emissions of 46 to 49g/km. 

With a fully charged battery, the X3 xDrive30e will travel 29.8 to 31.7 miles, according to BMW – or 31.1 miles in slightly less efficient M Sport guise. Real-world distance will depend entirely on your driving style, but on paper the X3 matches all of its closest rivals, offering a useful fuel-free option for urban use. 

Charge time

There are no official charging speed figures, but the X3 xDrive30e should charge in around two-and-a-half to three hours using a home wallbox (a BMW one will cost from £975); 3.7kW is the fastest the car can manage and there's no DC fast-charging on board. Charging from a three-pin domestic socket is an option, but will take much longer.