THE NEW BMW X3, WHICH HAD its world premiere recently, will arrive in BMW Australia showrooms early next year.
The fourth generation of one of the brand’s most successful models in sales volume combines an all-new look both inside and out, a high-quality interior with sustainable materials and technology, sharpened chassis dynamics and increased standard specification.
All engines will feature 48-volt mild hybrid technology to increase efficiency.
BMW Australia will offer the new X3 in two variants at launch – the X3 20 xDrive and M50 xDrive.
The latter features the most powerful six-cylinder in-line petrol engine fitted to an M Performance model.
The 3.0-litre M TwinPower Turbo unit of the X3 M50 xDrive produces 293kW and 580Nm and channels drive to the road via an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission and BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive. This assists in achieving a standard sprint time of just 4.6 seconds – an improvement of 0.2 second on the X3 M40i.
The new X3 20 xDrive is powered by a TwinPower Turbo inline four-cylinder petrol unit that delivers 140kW of power and 310Nm of torque. It can accelerate to 100km/h from rest in 8.5 seconds.
The new BMW X3 measures 4755mm in length – up 34mm on the third-generation model – while it is now 1,920mm wide, marking an increase of 29mm. It is 25mm lower, providing a low, squat profile that underlines its sportiness and driver appeal.
Track width at the front has increased by 16mm to 1636mm on the front and by 45mm on the rear to 1681mm.
The new design language of the BMW X3 features a large split kidney grille – which on Australian models has the BMW Iconic Glow contour lighting as standard equipment (talk about reinventing the wheel!) – as well as signature twin headlights with new L-shaped light elements. The headlights incorporate adaptive LED headlights with matrix high beam and blue design detailing.
The distinctive silhouette of the new BMW X3 includes short overhangs, a roofline extending deep into the rear end and flush door handles. It complements this with prominent front and rear wheel arches.
The LED taillights contain a T-shaped graphic and three-dimensional sculpted glass lenses. These combine with a new apron to provide a strong and distinctive appearance at the rear.
Multiple exterior paints enable customers to personalise their new BMW X3, with the range featuring newly introduced Dune Grey. BMW Individual paints, including Frozen options, will also be available.
Nineteen-inch alloy wheels will be standard on the X3 20 xDrive, while the X3 M50 xDrive comes with 21-inch M light alloy wheels.
The X3 M50 xDrive for Australia features M Sport Package Pro, which includes M lights Shadowline, M seat belts and M sport brakes finished in high-gloss red.
The new BMW X3 showcases notable improvements in agility, cornering stability and long-distance comfort.
This is thanks to a lighter but stiffer body, wider track at the rear and bespoke chassis and control systems.
Modifications to the kinematic and elastokinematic (it’s a new word for us, as well!) properties of the double-joint spring strut front axle and five-link rear axle increase turn-in precision, while a 19 per cent increase in the caster offset of the steering axle enhances straight-line stability.
Adaptive suspension, which is standard on both variants for Australia, sharpens the handling of the new BMW X3 at the same time as increasing its ride comfort.
The cabin of the fourth-generation BMW X3 blends functionality with ample space and premium ambience. Highlight elements include the high-definition BMW Curved Display, BMW Interaction Bar, a flat-bottomed steering wheel and a new-look gear selector lever.
It also has model-specific light elements in a contrasting colour in the centre console and door trims.
The interior’s individual ambience goes hand in hand with a high level of versatility. The cargo area can be increased from 570 litres to a maximum 1700, offering a solution for a wide variety of lifestyles and activities.
The new BMW X3 is fitted as standard with newly designed electrically adjustable and heated sport seats upholstered in Veganza, a material with supple properties that requires 85 percent fewer C02 emissions to produce than traditional leather.
A Luxury textile instrument panel made from recycled polyester with a high-class knitted texture makes its debut on a BMW model.
The BMW X3 features the latest version of BMW iDrive, underpinned by Operating System 9.
It incorporates QuickSelect, which enables functions to be activated directly without requirement to enter a submenu.
Advanced driver aid systems come as standard on Australian-delivered BMW X3 variants. Headline elements include front collision warning, Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Lane Departure Warning, Driving Assistant Professional and Parking Assistant Plus with surround view camera.
It also has Live Cockpit Professional, which features BMW Head-Up Display and the Augmented View function in the control display.
The two new BMW X3 variants destined for Australia will be manufactured at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in the USA in addition to production planned at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn, South Africa, commencing in 2025.
Pricing and specification details will be announced next month, with new vehicles arriving for customer deliveries in Q1, 2025.