The new G01 BMW X3 has just been unveiled at BMW’s Spartanburg plant in the United States. The third-generation X3 will for the first time gain an M Performance model (M40i) and also new semi-autonomous driving assistance system called the CoPilot.
Sitting on the CLAR platform just like the G30 5 Series, the X3 is now lighter, weighing 55kg less than before. BMW has sold over 1.5 million units over the course of the X3’s 14-year life, so perhaps that is to be blamed for the rather conservative styling tweaks this time around. The fascia, though very familiar, is entirely new, as is the rear with the new tail lamps and twin exhaust pipes. The signature double-kidney grille is slightly larger than before, in case you haven’t noticed it yet.
Inside, it’s an almost carbon copy of the G30 5 Series with the digital instruments, floating touchscreen panel and the steering wheel. New offerings include three-zone climate control and 40:20:40 split/folding rear seat backrests. The latter expands the X3’s standard 550 litres boot space to 1,600 litres. Available as options are heads-up display and BMW Display Key.
BMW Personal CoPilot is also standard for the X3 and comes packaged with the latest version of active cruise control, steering and lane control assistant and lane change assistant.
At launch, the new X3 can be had in three different variants: xLine, Luxury Line, and M Sport. All three have their own distinctive trimmings inside and outside, beginning with the more rugged xLine. The Luxury line, as the name implies, is the one with all the luxurious touches while the M Sport is for those who seek a sportier and an aggressive outtake of their ride.
Powertrain options for the G01 BMW X3 include a range of turbocharged petrols and diesel engines, summarised in the table below. All models are all-wheel drive, except for the X3 sDrive 20i (rear-wheel drive) variant that is strictly for markets outside Europe. The flagship X3 M40i variant will get M Performance bodykit, M Sport exhausts, 20-inch wheels and an eight-speed automatic with launch control.
| Name | X3 xDrive 20i & sDrive 20i | X3 xDrive 30i | X3 xDrive 20d | X3 xDrive 30d | X3 M40i |
| Engine | 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol | 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol | 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel | 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbocharged diesel | 3.0-litre six-cylinder TwinScroll turbocharged petrol |
| Transmission | Eight-speed Steptronic automatic | ||||
| Max Power | 184 hp | 252 hp | 190 hp | 265 hp | 360 hp |
| Max Torque | 290 Nm | 350 Nm | 400 Nm | 620 Nm | 500 Nm |
| 0 – 100 km/h | 8.3 seconds | 6.3 seconds | 8.0 seconds | 5.8 seconds | 4.8 seconds |
| Top Speed | 215 km/h | 240 km/h | 213 km/h | 240 km/h | 250 km/h |
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_rDqzjaPY0
The third-generation BMW X3 will go on sale in Europe later this year, whereas its Malaysian debut will take place sometime next year. Maybe for the first time, we stand a chance to get the M40i that will rival the Mercedes-AMG GLC43. Yes?
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