There’s an electrifying new addition to the BMW X3 range as BMW Malaysia refreshed the local line-up with a plug-in hybrid of the SUV; a first for the model. The locally-assembled (CKD) G01 BMW X3 xDrive30e M Sport charges up to showrooms in LCI guise with a price tag of RM356,800.

BMW fans will be extremely familiar with the hybrid powertrain that runs off the B48 2.0 litre turbocharged four-pot. On its own, the engine makes 184 PS and 300 Nm of torque. Complementing that is a 109 PS electric motor within the housing of the eight-speed auto that brings the total powertrain output to a healthy 292 PS and 420 Nm.

With drive to all four wheels, that allows it to dispatch the century sprint in 6.1 seconds and onto a top speed of 210 km/h. On pure electric power alone, it’ll top out at 135km/h. Fuel consumption is an impressive 2.0 to 2.6 litres per 100 km.

The electric motor stores its juice in a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that can deliver 42 km to 50 km of pure electric range. AC charging up to 3.7 kW via a Type 2 connector can get 80 percent capacity in 2 hours and 24 minutes but a full charge will take 3 hours and 42 minutes.

Part of the LCI treatment for the entire range means larger kidney grilles with a little centre piece. The bumpers are restyled while the headlights were put on a 10mm diet and includes full-LED tech. You’ll find the charging port for the electrified X3 behind the left front wheel.

M Sport here translates into a little more aggression on the exterior and you’ll be riding on staggered 20-inch wheels with M Sport suspension giving it tad bit more bite around corners.

Step into the cabin and you’ll be greeted by a larger 10.25 inch infotainment screen running the BMW Operating System 7. BMW Live Cockpit Professional with the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is standard except on the X3 sDrive20i.

As a refresher, the X3 sDrive20i and xDrive30i are still powered solely by the B48 2.0 litre petrol mill delivering 184 PS and 300 Nm of torque in the former and 252 PS with 350 Nm in the latter.

If you’re a fan of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, it has some new features now that allows users to open windows and adjust the air conditioning using voice commands. If you cusp your ear with your hand, you can almost hear “Hi Proton” laughing in the background.

Driving assist tech comprises Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning and Front Collision Warning with brake intervention. There’s also Parking Assistant with the Reversing Assistant. However, the X3 xDrive30e gets Parking Assistant Plus with Park Assist for end-on and parallel parking spaces including automatic exiting.

You can have your refreshed X3 in a Alpine White, Brooklyn Grey, Phytonic Blue or Carbon Black exterior while the interior is trimmed in Vernasca Black with blue stitching on the leather. Alternatively, if you’d like a little colour in your cabin, owners of the Alpine White or Carbon Black exteriors can opt for Vernasca Mokka upholstery.

All X3 variants include a five-year unlimited mileage warranty with a free scheduled service programme and are priced as follows (includes SST):