General News
14 August, 2024
Bigger, faster BMW X3 SUV
THE fourth generation BMW X3 will arrive in Australia early next year.
The X3 is one of BMW’s most successful models in sales volume and comes with a 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. BMW says it can reach 100km/h in 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 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 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 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 21in 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.
Adaptive suspension, which is standard on both variants for Australia, sharpens the handling of the new X3 at the same time as increasing its ride comfort. Interior highlights include the high-definition BMW Curved Display, BMW Interaction Bar, a flat-bottomed steering wheel and a new-look gear selector lever.
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 20 xDrive is $84,500 plus on-roads while the M50 xDrive is $126,900.
