Since the inception of the BMW X3 back in 2003, the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) has made its way to more than 1.5 million homes around the world across two-generations. Just recently, BMW pulled the wraps off the third-generation G01 X3 and for those of you that have been eagerly waiting, sources have hinted to AutoBuzz.my that the all-new X3 will arrive to our shores as soon as the first half of 2018!
Globally, the X3 is available in a plethora of specifications and trims, ranging from the 2.0-litre four-cylinder 20i petrol to the fire-breathing 3.0-litre inline-six M40i – the first ever M Performance for the X3 model range. It remains unclear which variants will make its way to Malaysia, but it is safe to assume that only the petrol variants will make an appearance in our market.
QUICK FACTS
| Name | X3 xDrive 20i & sDrive 20i | X3 xDrive 30i | X3 xDrive 20d | X3 xDrive 30d | X3 xDrive M40i |
| Engine | 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol | 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol | 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel | 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbodiesel | 3.0-litre six-cylinder Twin Scroll turbo petrol |
| Transmission | 8-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; Top Speed | 8.3 seconds; 210 km/h | 6.3 seconds; 240 km/h | 8.0 seconds; 213 km/h | 5.8 seconds; 240 km/h | 4.8 seconds; 250 km/h |
The styling of the all-new X3, while familiar, is actually entirely new – larger kidney grille, headlamps, taillamps, bumpers and all that. All contributing to a more rugged appearance on the SAV. Besides the subtle design tweaks, the X3 is available in three distinct trim lines – xLine, Luxury Line and M Sport, each getting unique kidney grille finish, underbody protection trim, window trims and wheel options. The M Sport M40i gets further furnished with M Sport Brakes, M Sport Suspension and M Performance Aerodynamic kit.
Inside, depending on the trim selected, the X3 comes equipped with three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel, 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster, full colour heads up display, 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with gesture control, tri-zone climate control and ambient lighting. Boot capacity is rated at 550 litres or expandable to 1,600 litres with the 40:20:40 spilt rear-seats folded down.
Motivation comes from a range of petrol and diesel engines with outputs ranging from 184 hp to 360 hp. All engine choices are available with the xDrive all-wheel drive system however, the most vanilla 184 hp 20i variant can be had with sDrive rear-wheel drive that is strictly for markets outside of Europe.
For the first time ever, the range topping X3 is a full-blown M Sport variant, the xDrive M40i. Motivation comes from a 3.0-litre inline-six TwinScroll turbo petrol that outputs 360 hp and 500 Nm of torque. Drive is channelled to all-four corners via an eight-speed automatic and 0 to 100 km/h is clocked in 4.8 seconds. Top speed is limited at 250 km/h.
One thing is for sure, the 2.0-litre petrol version(s?) G01 BMW X3 will definitely make its way here to contest against the Mercedes-Benz GLC, Audi Q5 and Lexus NX. On a side note, the xDrive M40i squares-off against the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 which is on sale here in Malaysia with a half a million Ringgit price tag. We have a feeling that BMW Malaysia might just give the GLC 43 a run for its money with the xDrive M40i.
IMAGE GALLERY
BMW xDrive M40i M Sport
BMW xDrive 30d Luxury
