Fourth-Gen BMW X3 Revealed

BMW has revealed the fourth-generation X3 SUV and it gets a fresh design, a new interior, upgraded powertrains and new features. The new X3 is now only available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain and a turbo-petrol powertrain. 

The new BMW X3 gets large kidney grilles with vertical and diagonal slats on the hybrid and horizontal slats on the M50 variant. Furthermore, the grille also has illuminated surrounds which is similar to the new 7 Series and 5 Series. The fourth-gen X3 also gets a new LED DRL signature with two L-shaped elements and they also act as indicators. The shape of the greenhouse is largely similar to its predecessor but the belt line now extends upwards in the middle of the rear door rather than after. The taillamps are now slimmer with more angular lighting elements. 

The dimensions of the new X3 have also increased. The fourth-gen model measures 4755 mm in length, 1920 mm in width, 1660 mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2865 mm. Compared to the third-gen model, it is 34 mm longer and 29 mm wider. However, it is 25 mm shorter than the outgoing X3. 

Inside, the new X3 has a minimalistic design language. It gets a new flat-bottom steering wheel, a new drive selector and ambient lighting. Front and centre is BMW’s curved display with a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. It also gets BMW’s iDrive 9 operating system with a new QuickSelect feature that creates shortcuts for the most used functions. The new X3 also gets features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, panoramic sunroof, ADAS, six airbags and more. 

The fourth-generation BMW X3 gets a choice of four powertrains. The X3 30e xDrive is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine mated to an electric motor and combined, it produces 295 bhp and 450 Nm. The X3 20 xDrive also gets a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with 205 bhp and 330 Nm. The X3 20d xDrive is the only diesel variant of the SUV with a 2.0-litre engine with 194 bhp and 400 Nm. Finally, the X3 M50 xDrive is powered by a 3.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with 393 bhp and 580 Nm. All engines get a 48V mild hybrid system with an integrated starter generator. 

BMW currently sells the third-generation X3 in India, priced at ₹72.50 - 87.70 lakh (ex-showroom, India). Expect the new model to come to India sometime soon and will be priced at a slight premium compared to the outgoing model. It will compete with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLC (₹75.90 - 76.90 lakh), Audi Q5 (₹65.51 - 70.80 lakh) and Volvo XC60 (₹68.90 lakh).