BMW has revealed the all-new X3 SUV. The fourth-gen X3 sits on a new platform, gets new looks inside-out, and a long list of features and tech. The new X3 will also spawn an all-electric iX3 that 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 fourth-gen BMW X3 (codename: G45) also gets the brand’s new naming pattern – it drops the ‘i’ from the xDrive30i and switches the positions of the number, becoming the 30 xDrive. The “i” suffix will now be left for BMW’s EV models only. This means the new BMW iX3, which was previewed by the Vision Neue Klasse X concept, will use the “i” suffix.
The new X3 is slightly longer and wider than its predecessor. As far as styling goes, the new-gen SUV has many fresh design cues, but also has a few common design bits from the latest-gen BMW X1. The new-look large-format kidney grille – illuminated on the flagship flagship M50 xDrive but 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. The top-spec M50 variant, however, gets them positioned horizontally.
Other design highlights on the new X3 include the new-look headlamps with L-shaped indicators, 19-inch alloy wheels standard, with 20- and 21-inch iterations available optionally.
On the inside, the G45 X3 gets the BMW’s curved display with the iDrive 9 infotainment setup first seen on the current X1. It also gets newly designed heated sport seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel and also the new BMW woven fabric instrument panel, that will be available for MY2025 models.
New BMW X3: powertrain options
Starting the proceedings is the X3 20 xDrive, which has a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and mild-hybrid system putting out a total of 208hp and 330Nm of torque. It enables a sprint to 100kph in 7.8 seconds and 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.
Next in the range is the BMW X3 30 xDrive that gets 2.0-litre four-pot with the same 48V mild-hybrid setup. This combination delivers 255hp and 400Nm of torque, and helps the SUV do the 0-100kph sprint in 6 seconds, going on to a top speed of 210kph.
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 standard AWD and BMW’s 8-speed automatic gearbox; there's with no other transmission options on offer.
BMW X3 India launch details
We expect the new X3 to make it to our shores by end of this year or early next year. Key rivals to the new X3 will include the Mercedes-Benz GLC and the Audi Q5, among others. BMW India is currently gearing up to introduce 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
