With greater sporting appeal, visual impact and versatility than ever before, the new BMW X3 assumes the mantle of talented all-rounder for everyday use, leisure activities and trips away in the brand’s core segment.
A new design language gives the fourth generation SAV enhanced exterior presence while high quality materials, a far more generous standard specification, advanced digitalisation and the new BMW iDrive with QuickSelect based on BMW Operating System 9 set the tone for the premium ambience inside the progressively designed cabin.
Driving pleasure, safety and long-distance comfort in the new X3 also benefit from the exceptionally precise tuning of the overall vehicle setup and a wide selection of semi-automated driving and parking systems.
New design language
A new exterior design language helps to give the fourth generation BMW X3 an almost monolithic overall appearance with distinctive BMW X model proportions. These generously proportioned surfaces combine with a few, crisply defined lines to produce a clearly structured exterior that has been reduced to the essentials.
A large BMW kidney grille in the upright front end of the new BMW X3 gives off an air of assured presence. A new structure for the grille interior, comprising vertically and diagonally arranged bars, adds a fresh touch. Optional BMW Iconic Glow contour lighting forms a continuous line around each element of the grille. The daytime driving lights, side lights and turn signal indicators in the LED headlights are now all produced by L-shaped, overlapping light sources. Adaptive LED headlights with non-dazzling matrix high beam, urban light and cornering light functions, plus blue design detailing are fitted as standard.
Side skirts and a roof line extending deep into the rear end are distinguishing features of the new model’s sporty silhouette while prominently flared wheel arches create the impression of considerable width at the rear. A flush mounted rear window is bordered by a long roof spoiler and adjoining side air deflectors. All model variants aside from the BMW X3 M50 xDrive feature exhaust pipes that are integrated out of sight in the rear apron. A satinated horizontal bar with integral turn signals helps to give the rear lights a modern appearance.
The X3 is equipped as standard with light-alloy wheels measuring 19 inches in size on the BWM X3 20d and 30e xDrive models and 20 inches on the BMW X3 M50 xDrive M Performance model. A selection of 20 and 21-inch items are available as factory fitted options.
Three engines to choose from
The new BMW X3 heralds major improvements in efficiency and dynamic performance with its wide-ranging model line-up. The portfolio of powertrains comprises not just highly efficient petrol and diesel engines, but also the latest generation plug-in hybrid system that enables the new BMW X3 30e xDrive to achieve an electric range of 81-90 kilometres in the WLTP cycle. With an increase in power to 293kW and dynamic performance capabilities that eclipse that of its rivals, the new BMW x3 M50 xDrive M Performance model offers a compelling proposition.
The drive system in the BMW X3 30e xDrive plug-in hybrid consists of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired with an electric motor and an eight-speed Steptronic transmission, resulting in a total system output of 220kW and 450Nm while offering a fully electric range of up to 90 kilometres.
The four-cylinder diesel engine with a displacement of 2.0 litres in the new BMW X3 20d xDrive offers 145kW and 400Nm and it is able to sprint to 100km/h in 7.7 seconds.
The range topping BMW X3 M50 xDrive features a 3.0-litre, six-cylinder, in-line petrol engine that utilises TwinPower turbocharging and 48V mild hybrid technology, resulting in a maximum power output of 293kW and 580Nm, which is transferred to the road via an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission and BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive, allowing for a 0-100km/h sprint in 4.6 seconds.
A premium, functional interior
The interior blends robust SAV functionality with ample spaciousness and a premium ambience. The BMW Curved Display, BMW Interaction Bar, steering wheels with a flat-bottomed rim and new look gear selector lever are the defining elements of the cockpit’s modern take on hallmark BMW driver-focused design.
Light elements in a contrasting colour in the centre console and door trims are located towards the front of the driver and front passenger doors, where it forms a border around function buttons, ventilation controllers, air vents and robust door openers as previously found on BMW X models.
The X3 is fitted with newly designed electrically adjustable and heated sport seats upholstered in Econeer, with surfaces and cushioning made from secondary material. Veganza and BMW Individual Merino leather upholsteries are both available as options.
The new BMW X3 offers an extensive range of standard and optional systems for semi-automated driving and parking. This includes front collision warning, Lane Departure Warning and Speed Limit info, along with the Driving Assistant including Lane Change Warning and manual Speed Limit Assist. The Parking Assistant incorporates features such as the Reversing Assistant and a Reversing Assist Camera.
A generous array of standard specification that aids comfort and driving pleasure includes three-zone automatic climate control, acoustic glazing, Comfort Access, automatic tailgate operation, an electric folding mechanism for the exterior mirrors, an alarm system and BMW Live Cockpit Plus complete with the cloud-based BMW Maps navigation system.
The BMW X3 comes as standard with the latest version of BMW iDrive with QuickSelect which provides intuitive, easy control. A new home screen offers vertically arranged function icons on the same level and allows functions to be activated directly without having to enter a submenu.
Model range and pricing
BMW X3 20d xDrive R1 136 417
BMW X3 30e xDrive R1 260 000
BMW X3 M50 xDrive R1 545 446
