The BMW X3 has been a success story. Launched in 2003, the brand's mid-range SUV – or SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) as BMW prefers to call it – has sold more than 1.5 million units over two generations.
A success story that is to continue? It depends on this new third generation. Featured in Spartanburg, USA, where this model is manufactured.
CLAR arrives at X3
Like the 5 Series and 7 Series, the BMW X3 will also benefit from the CLAR platform. Compared to its predecessor, the new BMW X3 grows in all directions. It is 5.1 cm longer (4.71 m), 1.5 cm wider (1.89 m) and 1.0 cm taller (1.68 m) than its predecessor. The wheelbase also grows by about 5.4 cm, reaching 2.86 m.
Despite the increase in dimensions, the internal dimensions do not seem to have evolved in the same direction. As an example, the luggage compartment capacity remains at 550 litres, also coinciding with the capacity of its main rivals: Mercedes-Benz GLC and Audi Q5.
The greater use of aluminum in components in the engine and suspension allowed the new BMW X3 to “slim”, despite the increase in its dimensions. According to the German brand, the new X3 is up to 55 kg lighter than its predecessor in equivalent versions.
0.29
Looking at the new X3, we would never say that it is a completely new model, as it looks like nothing more than a restyling of the predecessor.
It may be quite similar to the previous one, but we cannot point a finger at the effectiveness of its exterior design. The figure shown, 0.29, is the aerodynamic coefficient of the X3 which is nonetheless impressive for a vehicle of this size.
Let's not forget that this is an SUV, even though it is of medium size, so the value achieved is no different from what we can find in smaller and slimmer cars.
Engines: “old” known
Initially the BMW X3 will be available with two diesel engines and one petrol engine. The petrol version refers to the X3 M40i, which we'll look into in more detail. In Diesel, then we have:- xDrive 20d – 2.0 liters – four in-line cylinders – 190 hp at 4000 rpm and 400 Nm between 1750–2500 rpm – 5.4–5.0 l/100 and 142–132 g CO2/km
- xDrive 30d – 3.0 liters – six in-line cylinders – 265 hp at 4000 rpm and 620 Nm between 2000–2500 rpm – 6.6–6.3 l/100 and 158–149 g CO2/km
Later, gasoline versions will be added, xDrive 30i and xDrive 20i , which resort to a four-cylinder 2.0 liter turbo engine with 252 horsepower (7.4 l/100 km and 168 g CO2/km) and 184 horsepower (7.4–7.2 l/100 km and 169–165 g CO2/km). Regardless of engine, they will all come with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
even more dynamic
As you would expect, the new BMW X3 has a 50:50 weight distribution, creating the ideal foundation for the dynamics chapter. The suspension is independent on both axes, with its work benefiting from the weight reduction of the unsprung masses.
All versions (for now) come with four-wheel drive, with the xDrive system being interconnected with the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), which optimally manages the power division between the four wheels. Different driving modes will be available – ECO PRO, COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT+ (only available in 30i, 30d and M40i versions).
Wheel measurement has also grown, with the minimum size available now being 18 inches, with wheels up to 21 inches being available.
With regard to active safety equipment, in addition to the stability control already mentioned (DSC), it has traction control (DTC), curve braking control (CBC) and dynamic control (DBC), among others. For a more focused driving experience, optional M Sport suspension and brakes, variable dampening dampers and variable-assist sport steering.
According to BMW, the X3 is also ready for off-road adventures, although most of them never leave the asphalt. Ground clearance of 20.4 cm, with angles of 25.7º, 22.6º and 19.4º, respectively, attack, exit and ventral. The ford capacity is 50 centimeters.
Variants x 3
The German SUV will be available in three distinct versions: xLine, Luxury Line and M-Sport. Each of the versions will have a specific look, both outside and inside. All of them can be equipped with automatic air conditioning with three zones, Air Ambient package, ventilated seats and rear seat folding in three parts (40:20:40).
The new interior features a new infotainment system, comprising a 10.2-inch touchscreen with the possibility of gesture control. As an option, the instrument panel can also be fully digital and, optionally, features a color Head-Up Display with projection on the windshield (which is now made of acoustic glass).
Highlights are the technologies that allow semi-autonomous driving – BMW ConnectedDrive -, such as active cruise control, with integrated steering assistance technologies that allow us to stay in the lane, or (available at a later stage), to change a lane to another. BMW ConnectedDrive Services is synonymous with applications for mobile phones and smart watches, which should allow a smooth integration with the owner's “digital life”.
X3 M40i, M Performance was here
BMW wasted no time in unveiling the M-Performance version – the first, they say – of the X3. It is the only X3 with an in-line six-cylinder petrol engine. The supercharged engine delivers 360 horsepower between 5500 and 6500 rpm and 500 Nm between 1520 and 4800 rpm. Average consumptions are 8.4–8.2 l/100 km and emissions 193-188 g CO2/km.
This engine lets you launch the nearly 1900 kg of the X3 M40i up to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds. Unfortunately, the limiter will not let you go above 250 km/h. To get everything under control, as you'd expect, the M40i comes with M Sport suspension – stiffer dampers and springs, as well as thicker stabilizer bars. To stop as well as accelerate, the M40i also gets M Sport brakes, which include four-piston callipers on the front discs and two on the rear.
Increasingly strong rumors point to an X3M in the future, which would be an absolute debut in this model. In the opposite field, hybrid versions will also arrive – i performance -, as well as the arrival of a 100% electric X3 is increasingly certain.
The new BMW X3 should arrive in Portugal during the month of November, with a public presentation in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show.