The fourth-generation BMW X3 dropped today, and will go on sale here early next year. Initially it will be available as a 2.0 IL4 diesel or 3.0L IL6 petrol, both with AWD and mild hybrid tech. Overseas there’s also an IL4 mild hybrid petrol model but this time around an electric iX3 is off the menu.
The popular X3 has a new look both inside and out – the grille is actually interesting instead of polarising – and features sustainable materials for the interior. Expect sharpened chassis dynamics and increased standard specification. Details, including pricing, will be available in July.
Both engines feature 48-volt mild hybrid technology to increase fuel efficiency. The M50 xDrive boasts the most powerful six-cylinder in-line petrol engine yet fitted to an M Performance model. It generates 293kW of power and 580Nm of torque, all processed by an eight-speed automatic transmission. The output is grounded via BMW’s xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive. Expect a sprint time of 4.6sec, 0.2sec quicker than its forebear.
The X3 20d xDrive gets an inline four-cylinder turbodiesel good for 145kW of power and 400Nm of torque. Its 0-100km/h time is a stated 7.7-seconds.
New X3 is bigger, up 34mm to 4755mm in length and it is almost 30mm wider at 1920mm. Its roof is 25mm lower. Track width at the front is out by 16mm to 1636mm while at the rear it extends by 45mm to 1681mm.
Up front the new X3 features a large split kidney grille that lights up. The signature twin headlights remain, while there are new L-shaped light elements. LED headlights with matrix high beams are standard.
Other styling features include short overhangs, flush door handles, a long roofline and prominent wheel arches. Nineteen-inch alloy wheels are standard on the X3 20d while the bigger model gets 21-inch M light alloy wheels. The X3 M50 xDrive arrives standard with the M Sport Package Pro. That includes dark lights surrounds, M seat belts and M Sport brakes finished in gloss red.
A new lighter and stiffer body, a wider track and suspension tweaks evidently improve turn-in precision and straight-line stability. Adaptive suspension is standard on both models and sharpens the handling of the new X3 while also improving its ride comfort.
The cabin blends decent space, a premium feel and easy functionality with sustainable finishings. Highlights include BMW’s Curved Display and Interaction Bar, a flat-bottomed steering wheel and a new gear selector. Electric and heated sports seats are standard, covered in a synthetic leather material. A knitted dash finish is new, produced from recycled polyester. There’s also iDrive 9, a touchscreen with QuickSelect shortcuts, a head-up display and all the expected safety items. The cargo area offers 570L of storage, expanding to a maximum of 1700L.
X3s bound for New Zealand are produced at the Spartanburg plant in the US. Pricing and full specification are due next month, with first deliveries in Q1 of next year.
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