The F25 BMW X3 has been around for more than a year here in Malaysia and yet, here’s a refreshed F25 BMW X3 LCI being introduced by BMW Group Malaysia. With the growing demand which led BMW Group Malaysia to assemble the X3 in Kulim, Kedah since January last year more than 500 units of the pre-facelifted X3 have found homes in this country.
QUICK FACTS
| Name | BMW X3 LCI xDrive20i | BMW X3 LCI xDrive20d |
| Segment | Compact SAV | Compact SAV |
| Engine | 1,997cc 4-cylinder, turbocharged petrol | 1,995cc 4-cylinder, turbocharged diesel |
| Max Power | 184 hp @ 5,000–6,250 rpm | 190 hp @ 4,000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 270 Nm @ 1,250–4,500 rpm | 400 Nm @ 1,750–2,500 rpm |
| Price | RM 328,800.00 | RM 348,800.00 |
As the middle child of BMW’s X-family range of Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), BMW Group Malaysia offers the X3 in two variants, the petrol xDrive20i and the diesel xDrive20d. The Life Cycle Impulse (LCI) changes are mild but just enough to keep the X3 up-to-date against its rivals.
EXTERIOR
Externally the easiest way you can spot the X3 LCI is from the front. There’s a new nose with headlights that are now merged to the kidney grilles and a more aerodynamic bumper. The signal light that used to reside on the front fender has migrated to the side mirror too.
The X3 LCI comes standard with the xLine package that features matt aluminium strips in the bumpers all around. Both xDrive20i and xDrive20d rides on 18-inch light alloy wheels but each variant comes with its own design. A set of Y-spoke wheels are fitted to the former while the latter gets double-spoke wheels.
INTERIOR
The xLine package continues on the inside. It includes the stainless-steel loading sill protectors, and xLine-specific leather upholstery with decorative seams and embossed xLine wordmark. A choice of Leather Nevada Mocha or Leather Nevada Black can be specified on both X3.
Both variants get multi-function sports steering wheel with shift paddles and the new iDrive Touch Controller is now featured as well. There’s an xDrive status display for compass, body roll and pitch, and Navigation System Professional that also feeds data to the transmission control unit for a pre-programmed gearbox shift patters based on the road conditions ahead.
Specifically designed for the xDrive20d, a new acoustic package is installed to reduce exterior noise from entering the cabin. The xDrive20d also gets more toys, including the Panorama Glass Roof and a reverse camera.
PERFORMANCE
The xDrive20i retains the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol mill from the pre-facelifted X3, which produces 184 hp and 270 Nm of torque. The xDrive20d however features the latest 2.0-litre 4-cylinder diesel mill which generates 190 hp and 400 Nm of torque.
Both are fitted with the favourite 8-speed automatic with ECO PRO mode with coasting function that decouples the drivetrain from the engine at speeds between 50 to 160 km/h when the driver steps off the throttle, reducing the fuel consumption.
The xDrive20i clocks a 0-100 km/h time in 8.2 seconds while the xDrive20d is 0.1 seconds faster at 8.1 seconds. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.2 l/100 km for the xDrive20i and 5.2 l/100 km for the xDrive20d.
WHAT ELSE?
The xDrive20i and xDrive20d come in Alpine White, Black Sapphire and Mineral Grey, but another two colours are reserved only for the the xDrive20i, Space Grey and Sparkling Brown. The xDrive20i is priced at RM 328,800.00, the xDrive20d is priced at RM 348,800.00, and both comes with BMW Service + Repair Inclusive (BS+RI). Both will be available in showrooms from 23rd August onwards.
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IMAGE GALLERY
