More style and substance for new BMW X3
THIS is the new BMW X3 mid-size SUV Australians can expect to see in showrooms early next year. BMW shifted nearly 4000 X3s to Australian customers last year, making it the third best-selling premium medium SUV of 2016, behind only the Mercedes-Benz GLC and Land Rover Discovery Sport, just ahead of Audi’s Q5.
If we combine X3 and X4 sales, it is BMW’s best-selling model in Australia, so this third-generation offering will be a significant arrival. No price details or specific Australian specifications have been confirmed, but we can expect a start price close to the current entry of $63,800 for the 2.0 xDrive 20i.
The new model is a smidge longer and wider than the current X3, keeps its decent 204mm ground clearance and brings styling updates with a chunkier front grille and hexagonal fog lamps – a first for a BMW X model.
It looks more muscular at the rear thanks to a downward-sloping roof spoiler and twin exhaust exits, while optional full LED rear lights bring a three-dimensional look for greater visual impact.
Standard wheels for the new X3 will be 18-inch (up from 17-inch), but customers can option up to 21-inch rollers if preferred.
Three trims are on offer: xLine, M Sport and Luxury Line, depending on your preferred theme and how much you’re willing to spend. Some cool options borrowed from higher up the BMW tree are tri-zone climate control, Ambient Air package, active seat ventilation and a BMW Display Key featuring all your status information on a digital screen. Don’t drop that key in a puddle.
BMW is promising “far-reaching chassis modifications” to improve driving dynamics, stability and steering feel in the new X3.
On the engine front, Australia can expect a decent range of turbo petrols and diesels from those confirmed for European markets.
The headline is a 265kW/500Nm 3.0-litre twin-turbo six-cylinder petrol M40i – the first M performance offering in an X3. It is joined by a 185kW xDrive30i and 135kW X3 20i petrol models. On the diesel front, expect a 140kW X3 xDrive20d and 195kW xDrive30d.
All the engines will be mated to an eight-speed auto gearbox.