Am I better off with a diesel BMW X3?

Hi guys,

I am currently driving a 241 BMW X3 M Sport plug-in hybrid - I traded up from a diesel 191. And I just don't like it! It is costing way more to run than what I was forking out for the 191.

I love love love X3s but I am wondering would I get better value if I went with the diesel hybrid? I do a lot of miles, as well as small bit of city driving, but mostly 100km a day. What would you think?

Elaine Cronin (Limerick)

Sep 2025 Filed under: diesel

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Expert answer

Hi Elaine,

The BMW X3 diesel is what's called a "mild hybrid", so it can't be plugged in. The plug-in hybrid only makes sense if you can plug it in at home to charge up the battery at every available opportunity. If you don't do that then it's essentially the same as fuelling a heavy petrol-only model.

In general, a diesel car is more efficient than a plug-in hybrid when it comes to long journeys and it sounds like that's what may suit your needs better.

Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Advisor