This all-new BMW X3 comes with hybrid power and monolithic looks
The cabin gets overhauled with premium materials and more standard tech than ever
An imposing design theme appears to be a mainstay in every new unveil from BMW in recent years. The latest one to join the bandwagon is the all-new fourth-generation BMW X3. Barring the sporty yet monolithic visual appeal, the all-new BMW X3 claims to be built with high-quality materials and a far more generous standard specification to “assume the mantle of a talented all-rounder for everyday use and leisurely activities”.
New Monolithic Design
The new BMW X3 has grown in dimensions, both in length and width but now sits 25mm closer to the ground. The rounded and angular front end of the previous generation makes way for an upright, imposing and monolithic visual appeal in the new fourth generation. Like all new BMWs, the kidney grille is larger than its predecessor and the new X3 comes with contour lighting as an optional extra. The headlights now feature a new slimmer L-shaped setup for the DRLs and can be further configured with blue accented matrix high beams called M Shadowline lights.
The sides feature bold side skirts and more pronounced wheel arches to create the impression of considerable width at the rear. The taillights are still a wraparound unit but now exhibit a new T-shaped graphic, inspired by the older X5 sibling’s design. All model variants aside from the BMW X3 M50 xDrive come with exhaust tailpipes integrated out of sight in the rear apron but opting for the performance-centric M50 xDrive would equip the X3 with quad tail-pipes to lend it a sportier profile.
Revamped cabin with premium materials
BMW has incorporated an all-new layout for the new X3’s cabin. Gone are two separate units for the instrument cluster and the infotainment unit as they now get integrated into BMW’s Curved Display. Also making a debut on the new X3 is the BMW Interaction Bar, a new flat-bottomed steering wheel, a new gear selector lever and light elements in a contrasting colour in the centre console and door trims.
Newly designed electrically adjustable and heated sport seats upholstered in Econeer now get offered as standard, with surfaces and cushioning made from secondary material. For the first time in any BMW model, the instrument panel can be optioned to be made from recycled polyester with a high-class knitted texture.
The X3 now gets hybrid power
Both petrol and diesel engines are on offer with the all-new X3 along with a plug-in hybrid iteration. It’s a 299hp power plant combining a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor that’s integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic transmission. Tagged as the BMW X3 30e xDrive trim spec, this iteration claims to achieve an electric range of up to 90 km.
The rest of the trims, comprising a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol and a 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, get hybrid assistance with a 48V mild hybrid system. The former is a 208hp power plant while the latter is a 398hp unit that also happens to be the most powerful six-cylinder in-line petrol engine yet fitted in an M Performance model with a 0-100kph sprint time of 4.6 seconds. A 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel unit is also on offer with a 197hp power output. A six-cylinder in-line diesel engine will be added to the line-up for the new BMW X3 in summer 2025.
BMW offers a plethora of creature comforts as standard. A three-zone automatic climate control, acoustic glazing, ambient lighting, and BMW Live Cockpit Plus complete with the cloud-based BMW Maps navigation system are offered as standard. Driver assistance systems including front collision warning, Lane Departure Warning and Speed Limit Info are also embedded as a standard feature.
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