BMW X3 xDrive30e

Plug-in tech promises low tax and running costs for the appealing X3. Jonathan Musk drives.

- Jonathan Musk

One of the most enjoyable aspects of driving a plug-in hybrid is its ability to perform as a serenely luxurious electric car, or to combine its power plants into tarmac-destroying torque-hungry machines with rapid performance. And yet, PHEVs have a tendency (when driven correctly and plugged in frequently) to reward with fuel-sipping qualities and low CO2 emissions.

Happily, the new BMW X3 plug-in hybrid performs well in both respects, with its 28-31-mile official electric range easily allowing for most minor journeys to be undertaken using spark power alone, while stretching its legs on a long motorway jaunt is taken care of by its smooth 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol turbo-enriched engine.

However, the sheer size of the car makes its electric performance feel a touch underpowered, with only 109hp on tap, despite this being ample to carry the car all the way to its electric top speed of 84mph. Official acceleration takes 6.1 seconds from 0-62mph too, again reliant on its petrol engine to combine with the motor to push it along its path.