Motors with Joe Rayfus: It’s not too colourful, but the X3 30e has lots of character
BMW calls it Dune Grey, but even as a qualified art teacher, capable of arming myself with the most abstract mindset, I still struggled to see anything other than a resolutely boring shade of beige. Thankfully, once on the move, the 2026 BMW X3 30e quickly reminds you that colour is the least interesting thing about it, with superb road manners and a level of build quality that feels properly premium.
And that, in many ways, neatly sums up the X3’s appeal. There are cars you test drive and hand back with a polite nod, and then there are others that you struggle to let go of the keys. The X3 has long occupied that sweet spot in BMW’s range, offering a level of space and luxury that feels properly premium, without attracting the jealous or mildly disapproving glances that X5 drivers often have to endure. It is big enough to feel indulgent, yet it still makes sense on Irish roads. This latest plug-in hybrid version builds confidently on that reputation.
The headline act here is the drivetrain. The X3 30e pairs a turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor to deliver close to 300 horsepower, but the real achievement is not the numbers; it is how smoothly everything works together. Around town, the car will happily run on electric power alone, gliding along in near silence and making school runs. Short commutes and stop-start traffic feel almost effortless.
BMW’s claimed electric range appears realistic in Irish conditions, provided you are diligent with charging. Plug it in overnight at home and it is entirely possible to do the bulk of your weekly driving without troubling a petrol station. For drivers stepping out of a diesel SUV, the refinement and potential savings will be immediately noticeable.
When the petrol engine does join in, it does so without fuss. The transition is barely perceptible, and the combined performance feels strong rather than showy. Acceleration is brisk when you need it, motorway cruising is calm and settled, and overtaking is handled with quiet confidence. It is performance delivered with maturity, which suits the X3’s character perfectly.
Irish roads are rarely kind, but the X3 feels well suited to them. The suspension strikes an excellent balance between comfort and control, absorbing broken surfaces while remaining composed through sweeping bends. It never feels floaty, nor does it crash over poor tarmac. For a family focused SUV, that balance is impressively well judged.
Inside, the cabin reflects BMW’s move towards a cleaner, more digital aesthetic. The curved display that houses both the driver information and infotainment system dominates the dashboard, lending the interior a modern, high end feel. Thankfully, it remains intuitive to use after a short learning curve, and the overall layout still feels driver focused.
Material quality is strong throughout. Soft touch surfaces are where you want them and the seats strike a good balance between comfort and support on longer journeys. Rear seat space is generous and while the plug-in hybrid hardware eats slightly into boot capacity, it remains more than practical enough for family life, weekends away or the weekly shop.
What stands out most over the course of a week with the X3 30e is just how easy it is to live with. It asks very little of its driver, yet consistently delivers comfort, refinement and reassurance. You can potter around town on electric power, settle into relaxed motorway cruising, and still enjoy a chassis that feels composed and confidence inspiring when the road turns more interesting.
It is not an inexpensive car, but it does feel like a well-considered one. The combination of performance, efficiency, technology and build quality makes a strong case for itself, particularly for Irish buyers looking to transition towards electrification without fully committing to an electric vehicle just yet.
The 2026 BMW X3 30e may not win everyone over in its ‘Dune Grey’ colour scheme, but judged on how it drives, how it rides and how well it is put together, it delivers exactly what this segment demands, plus it’s available in other colours too. Sensible, refined and quietly impressive, it is proof that substance will always outshine style, even when that style is stubbornly beige.