BMW’s all-new X3 SUV has arrived in the UK, boosting its appeal with standout styling, an overhauled interior and a pared-back line-up of latest PHEV, petrol and diesel powertrains.
First launched over 20 years ago and now in its fourth generation, the brand’s ‘sports activity vehicle’ (SAV) was its best-selling model worldwide in 2023 and is also said to have played a crucial role in the increasing popularity of its X series SUVs.
Big news for the latest version is the absence of an all-electric model – the iX3 will be indirectly replaced by the brand’s next-generation electric SUVs, as previewed recently by the Vision Neue Klasse X concept.
Plug-in hybrid power however remains a staple of the new X3 line-up and gets a big boost with significantly longer range. Priced at £56,340, the new X3 30e xDrive PHEV teams up a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine partnered with an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic transmission, giving total power of 299hp. The 22.3kWh battery pack enables an electric range of 50-56 miles in the WLTP cycle while the onboard charger allows for AC charging up to 11kW as standard.
At the top of the launch line-up is the X3 M50 xDrive, priced at £64,990 and featuring a 3.0-litre M twin-turbo six-cylinder petrol, linked up with 48V mild hybrid technology and delivering 398hp. It’s the most powerful six-cylinder in-line petrol engine yet fitted in an M Performance model and is married up with an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission and xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive.
The X3 M50 xDrive is able to sprint from zero to 62mph in 4.6 seconds and features M Sport suspension with variable sport steering, M Sport brakes, 20-inch M light-alloy wheels and an M Sport differential integrated into the rear axle, all as standard. Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers is an option.
BMW has also fitted 48V mild hybrid technology in all other variants of the X3. The line-up starts with the 20 xDrive, priced at £46,800 and featuring a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol unit. It outputs 208hp and delivers an official 37.2-40.9mpg combined, 156-172g/km of CO2 and a 0 to 62mph acceleration time of 7.8 seconds.
The line-up also includes a four-cylinder 2.0-litre diesel in the X3 20d xDrive, with 197hp on tap, 43.5-48.2mpg WLTP and 153-171g/km. Priced at £48,210, it completes the 0 to 62mph sprint in 7.7 seconds.
All engines are linked with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission including shift paddles on the steering wheel as standard. There is also a Sport Boost function on M Sport models and on the new X3 M50 xDrive. They also come with xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system as standard while a re-engineered chassis offers enhanced driving characteristics and ride comfort.
The significantly revamped interior features the latest BMW iDrive with QuickSelect based on the new Operating System 9, the brand’s Interaction Bar, new seats and sustainable materials.
Boot capacity on combustion models is also boosted and now stands at 570 litres, expandable to 1,700 litres. A trailer coupling that extends and retracts electrically is available as an option. Maximum permitted trailer load is 2,500kg, depending on the model variant.
Standard specification across the range includes three-zone automatic climate control, acoustic glazing, Comfort Access, automatic tailgate, electric folding exterior mirrors, and BMW Live Cockpit Plus with navigation.
The interior also comes with newly designed electrically adjustable and heated sport seats in ‘Econeer’ upholstery made from recycled PET. Veganza and Merino leather upholsteries are both available as an option. The optional Luxury instrument panel is made from recycled polyester with a premium knitted texture.
Order books for the new X3 are open now and the first UK customer deliveries start in Q4 2024.
