DOE has recognized the BMW X3 20 xDrive Hybrid as a HEV

Last year, SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp. launched the all-new BMW X3 G45. For its initial debut, the automaker brought the X3 30e xDrive M Sport variant, which pairs a 2.0L TwinPowerTurbo inline-four that's assisted by an electric motor and a 19.7 kWh battery pack.

The result is a combined 299 PS with 450 Nm of torque and the ability to run on electric power for up to 90 km on a full charge. It can also sprint from 0 – 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds and reach an electronically-limited top speed of 215 km/h.

All well and good, but BMW Philippines plans to offer more variants of the all-new G45 X3. Based on the Department of Energy's (DOE) updated list of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), it looks like the X3 PHEV will soon be joined by a HEV version.

After X3 PHEV, BMW PH to launch a hybrid X3? image

According to the updated listing, the DOE has recognized a new variant of the premium crossover, the X3 20 xDrive Hybrid. It's a 2026 model year vehicle and measures 4755mm long, 1920mm wide, and 1660mm tall. It also has a maximum engine power of 140 kW or 190 PS and a maximum electric power of 13 kW or 18 PS. Last but not least, it has a 0.84 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

Based on what other markets get, the X3 20 xDrive Hybrid gets a 2.0L TwinPower Turbo gasoline inline-four that puts out 190 PS with 310 Nm of torque. It is then assisted by a small electric motor that puts out 18 PS. This gives the electrified X3 a total system output of 208 PS and 330 Nm of torque.

After X3 PHEV, BMW PH to launch a hybrid X3? image

While coasting or going downhill, the electric motor (AKA integrated starter generator) can power the vehicle, which, under the DOE's guidelines, grants such vehicles to be categorized as HEVs. The motor also allows for regenerative braking and is already present in the 520i, 735i, and X7 xDrive40d models, which are now recognized as HEVs.

With the BMW X3 20 xDrive Hybrid already appearing on the DOE's list of recognized HEVs, it might not be long before the automaker reveals it. The only question now is, will the new X3 variant be launched ahead of the X5 xDrive40i?

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