Plug-in hybrids offer a smart bridge between gas and electric driving, and some used models now deliver that efficiency with a surprising twist. In fact, one well-equipped pre-owned plug-in hybrid SUV now sells for less than the price of a brand-new Toyota RAV4.
This premium SUV blends refined interior quality, smooth electric-assisted performance, and advanced tech features, all without the premium price tag you’d expect. With all-wheel drive, a quiet cabin, and strong safety credentials, it’s just as practical as newer mainstream options but far more upscale inside and out.
For buyers looking to stretch their budget without sacrificing comfort or capability, this used luxury plug-in hybrid hits a sweet spot. It proves that going green and going premium don’t have to be expensive, and that smart shopping can land you a high-end ride for a surprisingly modest investment. Here’s why it’s such a standout deal.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including CarEdge, J.D. Power, RepairPal, Kelley Blue Book, the EPA, and TopSpeed. Average used pricing was sourced from Edmunds.
Related
This Compact Plug-In Hybrid SUV Is a Hidden Luxury Bargain
It flies under the radar, but this plug-in hybrid SUV offers refined comfort, solid EV range, and premium features at a relatively low price.
A Used 2020 BMW X3 PHEV Will Cost You Less Than $30,000
There are tons of deals to be had on the used market, especially if you’re looking for a luxury vehicle. Due to the fact that luxury plug-in hybrids depreciate at one of the quickest rates, at least in their first couple of years on the road, a used BMW X3 PHEV can be had for less than the price of a new RAV4.
Average Used Price
The BMW X3 is one of the brand’s most successful models, and is one of the most popular compact luxury SUVs out there. It perfectly blends driving fun with comfort in a way that few other automakers achieve, a mixture that made them what they are today. In 2020, they added a plug-in hybrid model to the lineup.
Alongside the sDrive30i/xDrive30i and the M40i gas-only models, the plug-in hybrid xDrive30e joined the lineup. It sat comfortably between the two gas models, with a starting MSRP of $49,545. Currently, the average list price of the PHEV X3 is $29,359. This means that you’d be paying $20,186 less on this five-year-old model than you would have if you had bought it new. For reference, a new RAV4 has an MSRP of $30,645 for the gas model and $45,660 for the most affordable PHEV model.
Related
The Plug-In Hybrid With the Longest All-Electric Range
This plug-in hybrid leads the pack with the longest all-electric range, offering impressive efficiency without sacrificing performance or comfort.
The 2020 X3 Has a Decent Reputation For Reliability if You Can Look Past The Recalls
When buying a used car, one of the most important factors to consider is reliability. You don’t want to shell out for a vehicle that is going to give you constant problems. The 2020 model year of the X3 rates quite highly when it comes to reliability, but it is important to note that maintenance is going to cost you quite heavily. There are also some common issues to look out for.
Reliability Score and Owner Reviews
J.D. Power is a source that collects data from verified owners to rank vehicles in a number of key areas. Quality and reliability are one of the areas they focus on. According to the site, the 2020 X3 scores an 80 out of 100 for quality and reliability, making it above average overall.
Direct owner reviews are an even more important source when looking at reliability, though, and there are some that don’t favor the X3 PHEV. On Cars.com, owners awarded the X3 PHEV 3.8 stars out of five for reliability, which isn’t exceptional but isn’t horrible either. One or two owners had issues surrounding major recalls at the time.
Purchased 2020 in September 20. Recalled for bad battery in Oct. BMW could not fix and bought it back.
Recalls
In total, there are six recalls that affected the 2020 model year of the X3 PHEV in particular. While some of these were for minor issues, at least two were directly related to faults in the production of the battery system. This is obviously what prompted a lot of negative reviews, and rightfully so.
If you’re planning on buying a used X3 PHEV, this is something that you should definitely pay close attention to. Ensure that the recalls have been seen to and that any faulty parts, including the battery, have been replaced. The benefit of buying a five-year-old car is that these major issues should have been ironed out by now.
Long-Term Maintenance Costs
- Average Annual Maintenance – $1,034
- Maintenance Costs Over Ten Years – $19,074
Maintenance for any BMW is never cheap, and the X3 proves this point. CarEdge estimates that you’ll spend $6,580 more maintaining an X3 over ten years than you would a comparable luxury SUV. As you’d be buying it at five years old, you can also expect your average annual maintenance to be on the higher side.
CarEdge also estimates the probability of your X3 needing a major repair, which is anything that costs more than $500 at a time. When buying it at five years old, there will be a 26.37 percent chance, increasing up to 56.41 percent by year ten.
Related
Meet the American Hybrid Outshining Toyota for Reliability
If you want a reliable ride for everyday use, this underrated American hybrid SUV is worth a look.
A Smooth and Refined Powertrain Motivates The 2020 X3 PHEV
We admit that the above section would have put many people off of the X3 PHEV. However, if you are able to look past its high maintenance costs and are still interested, there are still plenty of things to love about this plug-in hybrid. It is smooth, efficient, powerful and offers decent all-electric range for its age.
Performance Specifications
|
Powertrain |
2.0-Liter Turbocharged PHEV Inline-Four |
|---|---|
|
Transmission |
8-Speed Automatic |
|
Horsepower |
288 HP |
|
Torque |
310 LB-FT |
|
Driveline |
AWD |
|
0-60 MPH |
5.9 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
130 MPH |
The turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the X3 xDrive30e is complimented by a single electric motor. These motors work together to make the crossover feel pretty nippy, even by today’s standards. It comes solely with all-wheel drive and one of the smoothest shifting automatic transmissions on the market.
In the last couple of years, BMW has leaned more heavily into the luxury side of things with their sedans, which has made them a little less engaging than they used to be. Surprisingly, the X3 doesn’t really have this issue. It feels extremely confident when tackling bends in the road, with a ride that balances comfort and performance perfectly.
Fuel Economy, Battery, and Range
|
Model |
Gas Combined |
Gas+Electric Combined |
Electric Range |
|---|---|---|---|
|
X3 xDrive30e |
24 MPG |
60 MPGe |
18 Miles |
The xDrive30e plug-in hybrid offers a little more grunt than the base gas-only X3. This additional performance comes at the cost of some efficiency, with the xDrive30i gas model getting 26 miles per gallon combined. However, the obvious benefit to going with a plug-in hybrid is that you can travel solely on battery power over short distances.
The battery capacity of the X3 PHEV isn’t exactly massive at 12 kWh. For the time, 18 miles of range was pretty decent, and it still remains good for those who have a daily commute of less than that. Once you get home, you can also pretty comfortably charge the battery overnight.
Related
This Plug-in Hybrid Is the Sweet Spot Between Efficiency, Power, and Practicality
If you want to cut fuel costs without giving up performance, this is the top plug-in hybrid to consider.
The Plug-In Hybrid X3 Is Every Bit As Luxurious As You’d Expect
When it comes to interior luxury, BMW has always sat near the top of the stack. While they might not be as flashy as some rivals, the quality of the materials used usually speaks for itself. The 2020 X3 is a great example of the craftsmanship the German brand stands for, easily rivaling a number of newer models.
Key Interior Features
- Available 10.3-inch infotainment display
- 12.3-inch fully digital gauge display
- Available Vernasca leather upholstery
- Ten-way power-adjustable front seats
- Harman Kardon premium audio system
Without having to select any optional packages, the X3 PHEV comes extremely well-equipped, meaning most used examples should have all the features that you want. With power-adjustable front seats and reclining rear seats, everyone will be more than comfortable in the well-fitted cabin.
In terms of tech, the X3 also has plenty to offer. The PHEV model comes already equipped with the larger infotainment screen, which is on par with what you get in most new models today. There is also a high-end sound system on offer. Apple CarPlay is standard, but Android Auto is not supported.
