BIMS 2025 | Here’s what we can expect from the soon-to-be launched BMW X3 for PH

BMW Philippines, under the distributorship of SMC Asia Cars Distributors Corporation, has just released a teaser for what is undoubtedly the all-new G45 generation of the X3 compact crossover.

Its fourth since the nameplate was first introduced in 2003, this generation X3 was revealed last year. While we don’t know yet what exactly we’ll be getting, what we saw at the 46th Bangkok Motor Show (BIMS) gives us an idea of what to expect.

For starters, the variants. The Thai market gets the 20d xDrive and higher-performance M50 xDrive. Given that BMW Philippines is starting to move away from diesels, it is unlikely we’ll get the former. As for the latter, we’re expecting an M Sport package instead of a dedicated M trim.

The G45 BMW X3 goes for a sharper appearance with a larger iteration of the signature kidney grille which gets a V-pattern or horizontal lines depending on the variant. The headlights follow with L-shaped daytime running lights. The side gets door handles similar to those you’ll see in their newer products, while the rear gets T-shaped taillights.

Inside, the BMW X3 now draws away from its former traditional BMW looks in favor of a more futuristic design with hidden airconditioning vents and BMW’s Interaction Bar on the center stack and door panels. Most variants get a two-spoke steering wheel while the M50 gets a three-spoke M Sport steering wheel.

A center console tray houses a wireless phone charger and USB-C charging ports while a curved display panel houses a 12.3-inch information display and 14.9-inch touchscreen which uses the latest BMW Operating System 9 version of iDrive.

As mentioned, the entry-level powertrain for the BMW X3 in Thailand is a turbodiesel. This puts together a 2.0-liter (B47) TwinPower turbodiesel four-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This makes 197 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque, mated to an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels.

Meanwhile, the M50 xDrive gets a 3.0-liter (B58) inline six-cylinder TwinPower turbo gasoline engine also with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This produces 398 horsepower and 580 Nm.

Again, BMW Philippines is starting to move away from turbodiesels so it is likely for us to get a 2.0-liter TwinPower turbo gasoline four-cylinder engine instead. Also paired to a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, it makes 208 horsepower and 330 Nm.

With a teaser already released on BMW Philippines’ socials, it’s only a matter of time until we see the local spec version in the flesh. Are you excited for the latest generation of the X3 to arrive on our shores?

_{Photos by Julian Panlilio and Sam Surla}