X3 x30e
 

Any thoughts on the X3 hybrid? I know it's a weirdo iteration of hybrid, but it might actually work well for my use case (mostly short trips with a few long hauls for vacation once or twice a year.)

It gets that awkward ledge in the rear cargo area that X3s with spare tires also get, which isn't great. But, I could probably live with that--as I would have no doubt ordered a spare tire in any X3 I'd spec (isn't available for the hybrid.)

I also wonder about the ramifications of their having moved the gas tank rearward. I hope they crash tested that scenario...or perhaps they learned something from the X5 implementation.

The federal tax credit is some $5,800k and change...

The 5 series hybrid I had as a loaner was a bad joke. It had a fully charged range of something like 12 miles, and it took forever to charge. In the real world, it absolutely could not make it through my daily 11 mile commute.

Maybe the X3 is better?

What year was the 5 series? Apparently, they are getting better. Lots of Scandinavians and Belgians have bought the new X3 (they have major tax advantages in going hybrid) and are happy with them. Many had the previous gen X5 version.

The X3 is supposed to be able to charge on a 110, and also allow fast charging on a more powerful hookup. Six hours for the 110, allegedly. A range of only about 20 miles. But that's a full run around day for me.

BMW plug-ins seem like a bad idea to me. A company renown for unreliable electronics. Plus added weight. Plus minimal range.

I think of it as a regular ICE with some added flexibility, rather than a real hybrid. Not sure any other maker has bulletproof electronics, but maybe there are better options.

I wish I were into leasing cars, because--keeping in mind your points--I wouldn't want a longterm commitment with any interim tech car.

The Toyota Rav4 Prime looks kind of interesting. Maybe the Mini Countryman All4 plug-in...

I am really liking the idea of this quasi thing where you have local EV range and a boost to overall gas mileage.

I do not trust the power grid enough where I live to be 100% reliant on an EV. And I like the flexibility of power choice.

I've written about this. I don't know how common our use case is, but a PHEV is a great option for us. Most of our trips are less than 15 mi. round trip, a few more are less than 30 mi. round trip, and most of the rest are >100 mi. That puts us right in the wheelhouse of the current, updated gen of X3, GLC, etc. that allegedly offer >30 mi. EV range.

Exactly my thinking.

Yeah the Rav4 prime is looking like a really compelling choice in the daily driver compact crossover world. It's quicker than everything other than the 6 cylinder premium crossovers. Better performance in EV only mode as well than other PHEV crossovers.

I really like the PHEV idea with about 50 miles of primary e range for daily use + the ability to parallel the gas engine for added power and to make it to the lake house on the wekened.

The X5 xDrive 45e will get close to 30. Only the RAV4 promises a bit more (42). But not out yet for real world evaluation.