Detail and price of petrol-electric is shared but still nothing on the fully battery-compelled edition.

PRICE and specification for the BMW X3 that dips a toe into the electric-sphere has been announced.

Acknowledgement a plug-in hybrid powertrain will be offered in the medium sports utility for the first time has come as BMW New Zealand today unwrapped broader detail about updates that span the entire X3 and its coupe-styled equivalent, the X4 ahead of the first customer deliveries in the fourth quarter of this year.

The facelifted editions pick up reshaped front and rear ends, new headlights, an updated interior, and revised infotainment across the range.

Pricing of carryover editions has also altered, though the local agency has not been specific about the degree of impact in this respect.

Today’s announcement focused on four X3 variants plus the single X4 that is coming here, in a high-end M40i format that also avails with the X3, for a slightly lower premium. The X4 M40i’s status as a flagship is only fleeting as X3 M and X4 M models are also in the pipeline.

Absent from the local scene are X3 and X4 xDrive30i, that a 185kW/350Nm 2.0-litre petrol engine. 

Here the purely fossil-fuelled powertrains start with a 135kW/300Nm 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo petrol (essentially a detuned version of the ‘30i’ format) in the entry choice $89,900 X3 sDrive20i that is the only rear-drive choice.

Also offered is a 140kW/400Nm diesel for the next step up $101,900 X3 xDrive20d.

The 285kW/500Nm M TwinPower Turbo in-line six petrol is the most powerful offer, this restricting to the M40i models that cost $135,900 and $140,900 respectively. 

With New Zealanders steering increasingly toward battery-assisted powertrains, the could well be high interest in the new-to-type a 215kW/420Nm (combined) plug-in hybrid powertrain.

With the same 2.0-litre petrol as the base X3, but running all-wheel-drive plus also the family-spanning eight-speed automatic, this edition configures as an xDrive30e that will cost $109,900 X3 – a pricing that might further fuel conjecture that the fully electric iX3 will position for around $130,000.

Configured to offer 460kms’ maximum range – so literally 10 times that claimed for the hybrid’s pure electric operability - the latter is coming in a high-end format that has been pitched internally as a Premium but recently retagged across the Tasman as an M Sport, on grounds that -like the hybrid – it has that styling kit as standard.

 Australia has already confirmed it will put the full electric X3 in their market for $NZ120,300.

The hybrid cited ability to offer up to 46km of electric range is based on a world light vehicle test procedure (WLTP) calibration.

BMW NZ is confident the car will achieve “almost any daily work commute in New Zealand … emission-free.”

The derivative features a 12kWh battery, and can be charged to 80 percent in as little as two-and-a-half hours using a BMW I Wallbox or compatible (Type 2) public AC charging station.

BMW says the intelligent plug-in hybrid plays to its strengths, depending on the driving situation. When charge is available, the car’s electric drivetrain is elected for moments it is most efficient at, for example, when moving off from standstill.

In cruising situations the 135kW petrol powertrain takes priority as it is more efficient. However, the electric motor also intelligently recuperates excess energy generated by the brakes or engine deceleration to increase its e-range.

When required, the new BMW X3 xDrive30e can also enhance its total power output by intelligently utilising its electric motor.

The petrol powertrain can tap on the 80kW electric motor using a XtraBoost function for up to 10 seconds, making for a total temporary combined power output of 215kW. 

The updated models are identified by a new grille styling but will also appeal to existing owners by having a central 12.3-inch touchscreen compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. BMW’s new Intelligent Personal Assistant is standard across the range, enabling a wide scope of voice-activated commands.

Naturally spoken instructions can now be used to regulate the air conditioning, open and close the windows or change the driving experience modes. It can also access a News app, which reads out the latest news to passengers and learn routines that “increase comfort and driving pleasure.” 

A digital instrument cluster and BMW head-up display feature are also implemented.

 The car also integrates for a MyBMW app that will be particularly useful with the hybrid, as it enables viewing of e-mobility specific information such as current charge state of charging session details.