BMW will reportedly be introducing new plug-in hybrid versions of the G01 BMW X3 and G05 BMW X5 in 2019. According to BMW Blog, company CEO Harald Kruger has confirmed in a statement that the plug-in X3 will debut next year, but it won’t share the electrified straight-six system as the larger G05 X5 xDrive45e.

Instead, the X3 has been tipped to share the same 2.0 litre plug-in hybrid system as the new G20 330e, which essentially is an improved version of the outgoing system found in the F30 BMW 330e. The upcoming X3 PHEV is rumoured to make around 275 hp and 400 Nm of torque, with an all-electric range of 48 km. That’s considerably more than the existing 37-km threshold, although it should be noted that the new 48-km range is calculated according to new WLTP testing procedures, which are much tougher than older NEDC tests.

What’s more, the upgraded plug-in system is also said to come with a new XtraBoost feature which momentarily increases output on demand, much like an overboost function. There are no details on this yet, so stay tuned for further updates. If all-electric is your thing, then the upcoming iX3 may tickle your fancy – it features a cruising range of over 640 km on a full charge.


As for the X5 xDrive45e, an update for the big SUV will see an N20 3.0 litre inline-six petrol engine paired with an electric drive system offering 112 hp, all for a total system output of 394 hp and 600 Nm. That’s good for a zero to 100 km/h sprint of 5.6 seconds (F15 X5 xDrive40e gets there in 6.8 seconds) and a top speed of 235 km/h. Combined fuel consumption is 2.1 L/100 km, and CO2 emissions is rated at 49 g/km.

It boasts a pure electric range of 80 km (nearly triple the existing 30-km range) and has a top speed of 140 km/h in all-electric mode. An eight-speed automatic transmission sends drive from both engine and electric motor to all four corners via the xDrive all-wheel-drive system, while the high-voltage battery is located in the X5’s underbody section, which gives the xDrive45e a lower centre of gravity compared to its conventionally powered, internal combustion siblings.

No details on the battery pack and technical aspects of charging as yet, but the company says that packaging for the battery sees a 150-litre reduction in capacity for the luggage compartment, making cargo space 500 litres on this one with all seats in place. Folding down the rear seat backs will give a total luggage capacity of 1,716 litres, while the fuel tank will hold 69 litres of petrol; this appears to be reduced from the F15 xDrive40e’s 85-litre fuel capacity.