This is the fourth generation BMW X3
Fresh from unveiling the new F70 generation BMW 1 Series, the German automaker has now revealed the all-new generation of its bestselling BMW X3.
Codenamed as the G45, the fourth generation BMW X3 comes seven years after the previous G01 generation was first unveiled. With that, it gets larger, new powertrains, and is much more modern than before.
On the outside, it’s not surprising that BMW has given the new X3 a larger iteration of the signature kidney grille which gets a V-pattern or horizontal lines depending on the variant. The headlights get a sharper looking design with L-shaped daytime running lights.
On the side, it gets similar door handles as those you’ll see in their newer products, and rides on alloy wheels with sizes ranging from 18- to 21-inches. The rear on the other hand 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.
Under the hood of the all-new BMW X3, you’ll find options for four different turbocharged and electrified powertrains—four-cylinder gasoline and diesel mild-hybrid engines, a six-cylinder mild-hybrid engine, and a four-cylinder plug-in hybrid.
The X3 20 xDrive and 20d xDrive variants get a 2.0-liter TwinPower turbo engine (gasoline for the 20 and diesel for the 20d), paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This former produces 208 horsepower and 330 Nm of torque, while the latter produces 197 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque.
On the X3 M50 xDrive, there’s a 3.0-liter Inline 6-cylinder TwinPower turbo gasoline engine also with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This produces 398 horsepower and 580 Nm of torque.
Lastly, the X3 30e xDrive gets a 2.0-liter TwinPower turbo gasoline engine paired to BMW’s eDrive system composed of a 135 kW electric motor and a 392-volt lithium-ion battery. This makes 299 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque, and can drive on fully-electric power for around 90 kilometers.
These powertrains are all mated to BMW’s 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, with all-wheel drive as standard as well.
Driver-assistance is composed of front collision warning, lane change warning, lane departure warning, and parking assistant as standard. It can also be equipped with Parking Assistant Professional which makes it possible to use a smartphone to control getting in and out of parking slots.
The all-new BMW X3 will be built in the United States and South Africa. It is set to go on sale in North America and Europe by the fourth quarter of 2024, with other markets, hopefully including ours given its popularity here, to follow by 2025.
