BMW has revealed the all-new fourth-gen X3 SUV that sits on a new platform, gets new looks inside and out, and a long features list. The new X3 will also spawn an all-electric version, the iX3, which will make its global debut next year.
- New X3 gets two engine options
- Gets illuminated grille on some variants
- India launch likely by the end of this year
BMW X3: design, feature highlights
The new BMW X3 (codename: G45) also gets the brand’s new nomenclature – it drops the ‘i’ suffix from xDrive30i and switches the positions of the number, becoming 30 xDrive. This means the new BMW iX3, which was previewed by the Vision Neue Klasse X concept, will use the “i” as a prefix.
The new X3 is slightly longer and wider than its predecessor, and has many fresh design cues, including a few common design bits from the latest-gen BMW X1. The new-look large-format kidney grille – illuminated on the flagship M50 xDrive (optional on the base 30 xDrive) – is similar to the ones we’ve seen on the new 7 Series, the XM flagship SUV and also on the upcoming 5 Series LWB in India. The new X3’s grille gets slats positioned in a tilted position on some variants, but in the top-spec M50 variant, it is positioned horizontally.
Other design highlights include the new-look headlamps with L-shaped daytime running lamps and 19-inch alloy wheels as standard – 20- and 21-inch iterations available as an option.
On the inside, the X3 gets BMW’s curved display with the iDrive 9 infotainment first seen on the current X1. It also gets newly designed heated sport seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel and BMW's new woven fabric instrument panel, which will be available on MY2025 models.
New BMW X3: powertrain options
The X3 20 xDrive, which has a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and a mild-hybrid system puts out a total of 208hp and 330Nm of torque. This helps it sprint to 100kph in 7.8 seconds, with a top speed of 215kph. Then there's the 20d xDrive, which is powered by a 2.0-litre diesel with a mild-hybrid system developing a combined 197hp and 400Nm of peak torque. The entry-level diesel accelerates from 0-100kph in 7.7 seconds.
BMW will also offer the X3 30e xDrive plug-in hybrid, which combines the 190hp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with a 184hp electric motor delivering a total output of 300hp and 450Nm. The 30e sprints to 100kph in 6.2 seconds and goes on to a top speed of 215kph. However, in EV-only mode, the plug-in hybrid SUV has a top speed of 140kph, and its 19.7kWh battery offers a range of up to 90km (WLTP).
The top-spec BMW X3 gets the 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder mill that churns out a healthy 398hp with 580Nm of torque, propelling the SUV to 100kph from a standstill in 4.6 seconds. Its top speed is electronically limited to 250kph with the optional performance tyres. When equipped with the standard all-season rubber, the X3 M50 xDrive has a speed limit of 210kph. All engine options get AWD and BMW’s 8-speed automatic gearbox as standard.
BMW X3 India launch details
We expect the new X3 to launch in India by end of this year or early next year. Key rivals will include the Mercedes-Benz GLC and the Audi Q5, among others. BMW India is currently gearing up to launch the new 5 Series LWB in our market.
Also see:
BMW iX xDrive50 review: More power, more range, more features
BMW 5 Series LWB India launch on July 24