THE NEW BMW X3 WILL ARRIVE IN Australia for customer deliveries early next year.
The fourth generation of one of BMW’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 significantly increased standard specification.
All engines feature 48-volt mild hybrid technology to increase efficiency.
BMW Australia will offer the new X3 in two variants at launch – the 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-seconds 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 from 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 1920mm 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 – 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, are also 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 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.
An instrument panel made from recycled polyester with a high-class knitted texture makes its debut on a BMW model and can be optioned for both X3 variants.
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.
Local pricing and specification
The fourth-generation BMW X3 features an increase in standard specification alongside upgrades to powertrain, technology, safety and convenience features.
Standard equipment highlights are below, with new additions listed in bold:
X3 20 xDrive
- 48V mild-hybrid engine technology
- 19-inch M light alloy wheels (w/run flat tyres)
- BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system
- 3-zone automatic climate control
- 6-speaker 100-watt Hi-Fi system
- Acoustic glazing
- Adaptive LED headlights
- Adaptive Suspension
- Automatic tailgate
- BMW Digital Premium (90-day trial)
- BMW Iconic Glow illuminated kidney grille
- BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant
- BMW Live Cockpit Professional with 14.9-inch + 12.3-inch BMW Curved Display, featuring Operating System 9
- Comfort Access and Digital Key Plus
- Driving Assistant Professional inc. Steering and Lane Control System, Active Cruise Control inc. Stop&Go and Blind Spot Monitor
- DAB+ Digital Radio
- Electric Seat function, front row
- BMW Head-Up Display
- M headliner in anthracite
- M Sport Package
- M Sport leather steering wheel
- Mirror package, inc. anti-dazzle function
- Parking Assistant Plus, inc. Surround View camera, Reversing Assistant
and Drive Recorder - Remote Software Updates
- Seat heating, front row
- Tyre pressure monitoring system
- Upholstery, Veganza
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Wireless smartphone charging
Standard specification highlights of the performance variant are below, with new elements in bold:
X3 M50 xDrive
- Metallic paint
- 48V mild-hybrid engine technology
- 21-inch M light alloy wheels (w/standard tyres)
- 15-speaker, 750-watt harmon/kardon surround system
- Quad exhaust outlets
- Panorama glass roof (fixed)
- M specific kidney, mirror caps and aerodynamic elements
- Privacy glass
- Roller blinds for rear side windows
- M Sport Pro package
– M braking system, featuring red callipers
– M seat belts
– M Shadowline headlight and extended contents
- Steering wheel heating
- Seat ventilation for driver and front passenger
- Seat heating for rear (outer) seats
Equipment program and packs
| Enhancement | 20 xDrive |
| – Metallic paint
– Alarm System – Panorama glass sunroof – harmon/kardon surround sound |
$6000 |
Note: Pack is $4800 for 20 xDrive when combined with Alpine White non-metallic paint
| Comfort | 20 xDrive |
| – Seat heating for 2nd row passengers
– Roller sunblind for rear side windows – Active seat ventilation – Heated steering wheel – Privacy glass with sun protection glazing – Luggage compartment separating net |
$4000 |
| M Sport Pro | 20 xDrive |
| – High-gloss Shadow Line with extended contents, inc:
• Radiator grille frame and struts |
$3000 |
| Single options | 20 xDrive | M50 xDrive |
| – Trailer tow hitch
Maximum towing capacity 2,200kg |
$2200 | $2200 |
Exterior finishes
Non-metallic
- Alpine White (no cost option)
Metallic ($2000 for 20 xDrive; No cost option for M50 xDrive)
- Black Sapphire
- Arctic Race Blue
- Sophisto Grey
- Dune Grey
- M Brooklyn Grey
- Fire Red
BMW Individual
- Tanzanite Blue
$4000 for 20 xDrive; $2000 when ordering with Enhancement pack and $2000 for M50 xDrive - Frozen Pure Grey metallic
- Frozen Deep Grey
$6000 for 20 xDrive; $4000 when ordering with Enhancement pack and for M50 xDrive
Alloy wheel program
- 19-inch M light alloy wheels Y-spoke style 1035 M Bicolour
Standard on 20 xDrive with runflat tyres; snow chains can be fitted - 20-inch M light alloy wheels Double-spoke style 1036 M Bicolour
$2000 for 20 xDrive; not available with runflat tyres and snow chains cannot be fitted - 21-inch M light alloy wheels Star-spoke style 1037 M Bicolour
Standard for M50 xDrive - 21-inch M light alloy wheels Star-spoke style 1037 Jet Black
No cost option for M50 xDrive
Seat upholstery, ‘Veganza’
- Black
- Calm Beige
- Espresso Brown
- M Alcantara/Veganza combination
All no cost options for both variants
Seat upholstery, BMW Individual Leather ‘Merino’
- Black/Atlas Grey
- Amber/Atlas Grey
$4000 for both variants
Interior trims
- M interior décor Fine-Brushed Aluminium
- BMW Individual Magnolia fine-wood trim with fine print
No cost options for both variants
Interior trim upgrade
- Knitted textile instrument panel with material extending into upper door panels
$1200 for both variants
2025 BMW X3 line-up
| Powertrain and drive | Max. Power (kW) |
Torque (Nm) |
0-100km/h (secs) |
Price |
|
| 20 xDrive | 2.0L TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder petrol engine with 48V mild-hybrid; 8-speed Steptronic Sport; xDrive | 140 | 310 | 8.5 | $84,500 |
| M50 xDrive | 3.0L TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder petrol engine with 48V mild-hybrid; 8-speed Steptronic Sport; xDrive | 293 | 580 | 4.6 | $126,900 |
Prices plus on road costs