BMW AUSTRALIA WILL STRENGTHEN its portfolio of electrified models with launch of the X3 xDrive30e PHEV at the end of this year.
The X3 xDrive30e will launch at similar time in Australia as the all-new fully electric iX3, confirming the BMW X3 as offering the widest selection of powertrains in the segment with petrol, diesel, PHEV and BEV variants available.
The X3 xDrive30e features a four-cylinder petrol engine and powerful electric motor, which combine to produce 215kW of power that is transmitted to all four wheels.
The advanced lithium-ion high-voltage battery of the X3 xDrive30e enables fully electric, emissions-free driving range of more than 40 kilometres.
The new PHEV model headlines the refreshed BMW X3 line-up, which, alongside the similarly updated X4 range, will arrive in Australia for customer deliveries in Q4.
BMW X3 with classic X elements and sport-focused genes
The new BMW X3 now boasts a modernised appearance that conveys a more powerful presence with design changes to the front and rear.
Redesigned elements include the BMW kidney grille, headlights, front apron and rear bumper, while new graphics have been applied to the rear lights.
The M Sport package, which is fitted to the X3 xDrive30i, X3 xDrive30d and X3 xDrive30e as standard, emphasises the dynamic genes of BMW’s Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) concept. The range topping X3 M40i meanwhile prominently displays its strong links with the BMW M high performance stable.
New BMW kidney grille and narrower headlights
The front styling of the new BMW X3 is characterised by a redesigned BMW kidney grille, headlights that are approximately 10mm narrower and a new front apron.
The BMW kidney grille is now more strikingly shaped, especially in the upper area, and now features a single piece frame.
In addition to the standard fit adaptive LED headlights with matrix function, where the adverse weather light takes on the function of the previously separate fog lights, the BMW Laserlight system with a range of up to 650 metres is now also available as an optional extra.
Redesigned front and rear apron and bespoke BMW i touches for PHEV model
Below the headlights, vertical air intakes arranged in a triangular interpretation frame the front bumper.
Taut and amply sized surfaces in body colour and the robust underbody protection reinforce the X3’s commanding road presence.
The BMW X3 xDrive30e also bears an “electrified by i” emblem on the front wing, while an additional blue ring adorns all its BMW logos, including those on the wheel hub covers.
The rear section of the new BMW X3 offers greater clarity as a result of various measures.
A black border provides the full LED rear lights a more precise appearance, while the narrower light graphic now includes a three-dimensionally modelled pincer contour and horizontal turn signals integrated in a filigree style.
The emphasis on horizontal lines, including in the concave area at the lower end of the tailgate, contributes to the clean impression of the rear.
The newly designed and painted underbody protection provides a prominent finish and combines with the new, flush-fitting free-form tailpipe trims that are larger and sportier in appearance.
M Sport package with specific exterior details
The M Sport package provides the BMW X3 an even more dynamic orientation. The specific front apron features significantly larger air inlets and inserts finished in high-gloss black, as well as more pronounced air curtains.
The window graphics, roof rails and BMW kidney bars are finished in high-gloss black as part of the M Sport package.
The rear bumper includes a more striking diffuser finished in Dark Shadow along with two additional side air-curtain-panels in high-gloss black.
The standard trim includes the new 19-inch Y-Spoke 887M alloy wheel in Midnight Grey Bicolor.
Additional wheels in 20- and 21-inch are available as an option, as well as the M Sport brake system with blue or red brake callipers.
Hints of BMW M in X3 M40i
Further visual differentiation is offered by the BMW X3 M40i, which shows its affiliation with the BMW M portfolio via a specific BMW M kidney.
In addition to a chrome frame, the grille bears the typical M double grille bars in high-gloss black and an M logo.
While the same aprons as the M Sport package can found at the front and rear, the aerodynamically optimised M exterior mirrors in high-gloss black, the free-form tailpipe trims in black chrome and the striking “Two Teeth” design ensure a distinctive look.
The BMW X3 M40i is fitted as standard with 21-inch M light alloy wheels in double-spoke 718M Bicolour Jet Black.
New BMW X4 characterised by exclusive mesh kidney grille
The BMW X4 adopts the new front end of the BMW X3 but adds an exclusive distinguishing feature in the form of the mesh kidney.
Adaptive LED headlights are fitted as standard across the range, while BMW Laserlight can be optioned.
The rear design now has an even more clear-cut shape with flat, full LED rear lights that emphasise the vehicle width and protrude strikingly from the vehicle body with a three-dimensional design.
The new rear apron has a tidier appearance, with an increased proportion of painted surface and reflectors now placed vertically and lower in the bumper.
The wide free-form tailpipe trims echo the horizontal lines of the upper section.
M Sport package with striking rear apron on BMW X4
The M Sport package, which is standard on X4 xDrive20i and X4 xDrive30i, features the BMW mesh kidney – the frame and inserts of which are painted in high-gloss black – as well as a new rear apron with a wide, offset insert in the shape of an anvil.
As with the side air curtain panels, the apron is finished in high-gloss black and provides a powerful overall impression. The M Sport package includes the new 19-inch alloy wheel Y Spoke 887M in Midnight Grey Bicolour.
Additional 20-inch and 21-inch wheels and the M Sport brake system are available as options.
BMW M insignia for X4 M40i
The BMW X4 M40i is based on the appearance and standard equipment of the corresponding X3.
As with that variant, it bears typical BMW M insignia such as the specific BMW M kidney with chrome frame, double kidney bars in high-gloss black with M logo and the aerodynamically optimised M exterior mirrors in high-gloss black.
The rear apron with its anvil shaped insert is complemented by an air curtain trimmed in high-gloss black.
Free-form tailpipe trims in black chrome with the “Two Teeth” complete the reinvigorated X4 rear end styling detail.
Significantly revised interior for both models
The new BMW X3 and BMW X4 adopt the centre console from current BMW 4 Series, bringing a contemporary and sporty feel to their cabins.
The free-standing central Control Display with touch function now offers a screen diagonal of 12.3 inches and is fitted as standard in all vehicles.
The significantly improved standard equipment now also includes sports seats with covers from a new Sensatec generation in the new Ray grain and with perforated main seat surfaces, as well as automatic climate control with three-zone control.
In addition to the cupholder and a model-specific emblem, the centre console accommodates the newly designed control island with engine start button, gear selector lever, buttons for the start/stop system, electric parking brake, hill descent control and the BMW iDrive Controller.
New electroplated trim elements on the air vents add a touch of elegance while emphasising the interior’s horizontal lines.
Additional functions are offered by Ambient Light, which is now standard across both model lines. The system features contour lighting above the decorative trim in the dashboard and lighting that shines gently downwards below the accent trim to create both a premium and relaxing interior atmosphere.
Petrol engines and diesel engines on offer with PHEV and BEV variants joining X3 line-up
Three petrol engine variants are available for BMW X3 and X4 as per the current line-up, with 135kW/300Nm developed by the X3 sDrive20i and X4 xDrive20i, 185kW/350Nm from the X3 xDrive30i and X4 xDrive30i 285kW/500Nm from the X3 M40i.
Two diesel variants are offered exclusively for the X3 line, with 140kW/400Nm delivered by the X3 xDrive20d and 195kW/620Nm from the X3 xDrive30d.
Addition of the xDrive30e PHEV and iX3 BEV alongside the petrol and diesel variants will mean the BMW X3 will have the broadest selection of powertrains in the segment.
8-speed Steptronic transmission and BMW xDrive feature
All engines are mated to eight-speed Steptronic gearboxes and specifically configured to their respective engine characteristics.
BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive makes a significant contribution to the versatile sporty flair of the BMW X3 and BMW X4.
Its precise electronic control ensures optimum power distribution, with its rear-wheel orientation making dynamic cornering in particular a rewarding experience.
In addition, BMW xDrive optimises both driving stability and traction over rough terrain.
Driver assistance systems elevated for new models
In refreshing the BMW X3 and BMW X4, BMW has significantly expanded the range of modern driver assistance systems to enhance both comfort and safety.
Parking Assistant Plus now also includes the reverse assistant, which helps retrace a completed line in reverse. Another new feature for BMW X3 and BMW X4 is the optional BMW Drive Recorder, which takes videos around the vehicle.
BMW Live Cockpit Professional puts driver at one with vehicle
With BMW Live Cockpit Professional as standard and intelligent networking including digital services based on BMW Operating System 7, the BMW X3 and BMW X4 now offer particularly close interaction between driver and vehicle.
BMW Live Cockpit Professional is supplemented by BMW Head-Up Display, which is also standard on all Australian-delivered BMW X3 and X4 models.
Smartphone connectivity and integration of third-party services
BMW Live Cockpit Professional delivers optimised wireless smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay.
The driver can view important information from the apps on the Control Display and also – in intelligently processed form – in the instrument cluster and BMW Head-Up Display.
With Android Auto, BMW Group has added another customer-relevant service to its range of seamless in-vehicle connectivity, providing easy and safe use of smartphone functions such as music, media or messaging apps while driving.
Highlights of the interaction between Android Auto and BMW include convenient and wireless networking and the intelligent integration of Google Maps navigation instructions in the BMW Head-up Display.
In addition, the My BMW App provides a universal interface to the vehicle. It offers information on the state of the vehicle at all times and, depending on the options fitted, enables remote access functions such as vehicle location, locking and unlocking the doors or recording the vehicle’s surroundings (Remote 3D View).
Enhanced functionality for the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant
The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant has also gained additional capabilities for the BMW X3 and BMW X4, creating an even more intuitive and user-friendly experience for occupants.
Naturally spoken instructions can now be used to regulate the air conditioning, open and close the windows or change the driving experience modes.
It can also access the new News app, which reads out the latest news to passengers and learn routines that increase comfort and driving pleasure.
Remote Software Upgrade updates “over-the-air”
Since 2018, with the introduction of BMW Operating System 7, drivers have been able to keep their vehicle constantly up to date with the latest software status using Remote Software Upgrade.
On the BMW X3 and BMW X4, upgrades include new services and features that can be loaded over-the-air.
Furthermore, intelligent networking provides the option to integrate additional functions into the vehicle at a later date via BMW Connected Drive Store.
Options that can be acquired and retrofitted digitally include high beam assistant and BMW Drive Recorder.
Once we have tested and assessed the new BMW X3 and X4, seniordriveraus will bring you a comprehensive review, including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.