The New BMW X3 Revealed

Boasting greater sporting appeal, visual impact and versatility than ever, the new BMW X3 assumes the mantle of talented all-rounder for everyday use, leisure activities and trips away in the brand’s core segment. A new design language gives the fourth generation of the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) for the premium midsize segment much enhanced exterior presence and an aura of dynamic grace. High-quality materials, a far more generous standard specification, advanced digitalisation and the new BMW iDrive with QuickSelect based on BMW Operating System 9 set the tone for the premium ambience inside the progressively designed cabin. Driving pleasure, safety and long-distance comfort in the new BMW X3 also all benefit from the exceptionally precise tuning of the overall vehicle setup and a wide selection of semi-automated driving and parking systems.

The new BMW X3 heralds major improvements in efficiency and dynamic performance with its wide-ranging model line-up. The portfolio of powertrains comprises not just highly efficient petrol and diesel engines, but also a latest-generation plug-in hybrid system that enables the new BMW X3 30e xDrive (consumption, weighted and combined: 24.0 – 22.3 kWh/100 km and 1.1 – 0.9 l/100 km [256.8 – 313.9 mpg imp]; CO₂ emissions, weighted and combined: 26 – 21 g/km in WLTP cycle; fuel consumption with battery empty: 7.9 – 7.2 l/100 km [35.8 – 39.2 mpg imp] in WLTP cycle; CO₂ classes: with battery empty G – F; weighted and combined B) to achieve an electric range of 81 – 90 kilometres (50 – 56 miles) in the WLTP cycle. With a hike in drive power to 293 kW/398 hp and dynamic performance capabilities to eclipse its rivals, the new BMW X3 M50 xDrive M Performance model (fuel consumption, combined: 8.3 – 7.7 l/ 100 km [34.0 – 36.7 mpg imp]; CO₂ emissions, combined: 189 – 175 g/km in WLTP cycle; CO₂ class(es) G – F) offers a compelling proposition.

The new edition’s aura of modernity and enhanced product substance provide the ideal basis for adding another chapter to the BMW X3 success story – one that first began 20 years ago. Since first establishing the SAV segment in the premium midsize class, it has been instrumental in the steady growth in popularity of the BMW X models and, indeed, became the brand’s best-selling model in 2023. The new BMW X3 will be built at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg (USA) and Plant Rosslyn (South Africa) using a production process focused on conserving resources and circularity. Its market launch will get underway in Europe and the USA in the fourth quarter of 2024, progressing across numerous other markets from January 2025.

New design language shines the spotlight on distinctive proportions.

A new design language for the exterior helps to give the fourth generation of the BMW X3 an almost monolithic overall appearance with distinctive BMW X model proportions. Generously proportioned surfaces combine with just a few, crisply defined lines to produce a clearly structured exterior that has been reduced to the essentials. The new BMW X3 is 34 millimetres longer than its predecessor at 4,755 millimetres, while width has increased by 29 millimetres to 1,920 millimetres. Together with the 25‑millimetre drop in vehicle height to 1,660 millimetres and the wider tracks, this produces a very powerful and sporty look.

The large BMW kidney grille in the upright front end of the new BMW X3 gives off an air of assured presence. A new structure for the grille interior, comprising vertically and diagonally arranged bars, adds a fresh touch. The optional BMW Iconic Glow contour lighting forms a continuous line around each element of the grille. The daytime driving lights, side lights and turn signal indicators in the LED headlights are now all produced by L-shaped, overlapping light sources. Adaptive LED Headlights with non-dazzling matrix high beam, urban light and cornering light functions, plus blue design detailing are optionally available, as are M Shadowline lights.

Bold side skirts and a roofline extending deep into the rear end are the distinguishing features of the new model’s sporty silhouette. The prominently flared wheel arches create the impression of considerable width at the rear. The flush-mounted rear window is bordered by a long roof spoiler and the adjoining side air deflectors. All model variants aside from the BMW X3 M50 xDrive come with exhaust tailpipes integrated out of sight in the rear apron. The fresh interpretation of the characteristic T-shaped graphic and a satinated horizontal bar with integral turn signal indicators help to give the rear lights a very modern appearance.

There is a choice of one solid and eight metallic shades for the exterior paintwork of the new BMW X3, including the new Dune Grey metallic finish. Models produced at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg will additionally be available with BMW Individual paint finishes, including two matt shimmering Frozen options, as well as over 15 BMW Individual special paint finishes.

The new BMW X3 is equipped as standard with light-alloy wheels measuring 18 inches in size (BMW X3 30e xDrive: 19 inches), with a selection of 20-inch and 21-inch items also available as factory-fitted options. The optional M Sport package creates an exceptionally dynamic look with features such as 19-inch M light-alloy wheels and bespoke design cues for optimising airflow and aerodynamic balance. The M Sport package Pro builds on this content by adding, among other things, the Iconic Glow contour lighting and M Sport brakes with red-painted callipers.

Sporty premium ambience and generous amounts of space.

The cabin of the new BMW X3 blends robust SAV functionality with ample spaciousness and a premium ambience full of individual style. The BMW Curved Display, BMW Interaction Bar, steering wheels with a flat-bottomed rim and the new-look gear selector lever are the defining elements of the cockpit’s modern take on hallmark BMW driver-focused design. Other model-specific highlights include light elements in a contrasting colour in the centre console and door trims. This new design feature is located towards the front of the driver’s and front passenger doors, where it forms a border around function buttons, ventilation controllers, air vents and the robust door openers typically found on BMW X models.

The interior’s individual ambience goes hand in hand with generous amounts of space and modern versatility. Load space can be increased from 570 to a maximum 1,700 litres (BMW X3 30e xDrive: 460 – 1,600 litres). A trailer coupling that extends and retracts again electrically can be specified as an option. The maximum permitted trailer load is 2,500 kilograms, depending on the model variant.

The new BMW X3 is fitted as standard with newly designed electrically adjustable and heated sport seats upholstered in Econeer, with surfaces and cushioning made from secondary material. Veganza and BMW Individual Merino leather upholsteries are both available as an option. Making its debut for a BMW model is the optional Luxury instrument panel made from recycled polyester with a high-class knitted texture.

Plug-in hybrid with significantly longer electric range.

The drive system in the BMW X3 30e xDrive plug-in hybrid is made up of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine partnered with an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic transmission. These join forces to generate system output of up to 220 kW/299 hp.

Helped by latest-generation BMW eDrive technology and adaptive recuperation, the new BMW X3 30e xDrive achieves an electric range of 81 – 90 kilometres (50 – 56 miles) in the WLTP cycle, which is considerably longer than its predecessor could offer. Its Combined Charging Unit enables AC charging at 11 kW as standard. The plug-in-hybrid model also comes prepared for smart charging with the Connected Home Charging option.

BMW X3 M50 xDrive with standout performance qualities.

The range-topping model, the new BMW X3 M50 xDrive, features the most powerful six-cylinder in-line petrol engine yet fitted in an M Performance model. The 3.0-litre M TwinPower Turbo unit links up with 48V mild hybrid technology. Its maximum output of 293 kW/398 hp is channelled to the road via an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission and BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive. The BMW X3 M50 xDrive powers to 100 km/h (62 mph) from rest in 4.6 seconds.

This stunningly potent powertrain combines with the bespoke chassis technology to deliver a compelling blend of agility, dynamism and handling precision. M Sport suspension with variable sport steering, M Sport brakes, 20-inch M light-alloy wheels and an M Sport differential integrated into the rear axle all come as standard. There is also the option of adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers. M-specific design features, the M kidney grille with horizontal bars and BMW Iconic Glow contour lighting, and the quartet of exhaust tailpipes all serve to underline the status of the BMW M model as the most powerful version of the new BMW X3.

Systematic electrification for petrol and diesel engines, eight-speed Steptronic transmission and BMW xDrive all-wheel drive as standard.

48V mild hybrid technology also endows all other variants of the new BMW X3 with enhanced efficiency and rapid power delivery. It enables the 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol unit in the new BMW X3 20 xDrive (fuel consumption, combined: 7.6 – 6.9 l/100 km [37.2 – 40.9 mpg imp]; CO₂ emissions, combined: 172 – 156 g/km in WLTP cycle; CO₂ class: F) to generate maximum output of 153 kW/208 hp. This translates into a 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration time of 7.8 seconds.

The four-cylinder diesel engine, also with a displacement of 2.0 litres, under the bonnet of the new BMW X3 20d xDrive (fuel consumption, combined: 6.5 – 5.8 l/100 km [43.5 – 48.7 mpg imp]; CO₂ emissions, combined: 171 – 153 g/km in WLTP cycle; CO₂ classes: F – E) posts maximum output of 145 kW/197 hp. The diesel model completes the 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint in 7.7 seconds. A six-cylinder in-line diesel engine will be added to the line-up for the new BMW X3 in summer 2025.

All the power units link up with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission including shift paddles on the steering wheel as standard. There is also a Sport Boost function for exceptionally rapid bursts of speed in models specified with the M Sport package and in the new BMW X3 M50 xDrive. All model variants also benefit from fully variable distribution of drive power via the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system as standard.

Agility and ride comfort up their game.

All model variants of the new BMW X3 boast driving qualities offering a clearly noticeable increase in agility, cornering stability and long-distance comfort over the outgoing model. A body with lower weight but increased rigidity and the wider rear track both play a role here, as do the high-quality chassis components and control systems tuned for this specific model. Modifications to the kinematic and elastokinematic properties of the double-joint spring strut front axle and five-link rear axle have increased precision when turning into corners, while the 19 per cent increase in the caster offset of the steering axle is a boon for straight-line stability. Near-actuator wheel slip limitation and the integrated braking system likewise form part of the standard package of chassis technology.

Customers looking for even more dynamic prowess can choose the optional M Sport suspension including sport steering and M Sport brakes (both standard for the new BMW X3 M50 xDrive). Adaptive suspension – also to be found on the options list – sharpens the agility of the new BMW X3 at the same time as increasing ride comfort.

Driving Assistant and Parking Assistant as standard.

The new BMW X3 offers a far more extensive range of standard and optional systems for semi-automated driving and parking. It is equipped as standard with front collision warning, Lane Departure Warning and Speed Limit Info, along with the Driving Assistant including Lane Change Warning and manual Speed Limit Assist. The Parking Assistant (also standard) incorporates features such as the Reversing Assistant and a Reversing Assist Camera.

Among the highlights on the list of optional systems are the Steering and Lane Control Assistant, as well as automatic Speed Limit Assist and route speed control when using Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function. The optional Parking Assistant Professional allows parking and general manoeuvres to be controlled from outside the car using a smartphone.

More generous standard specification for greater comfort and driving pleasure.

Besides the extra assistance systems, the far more generous standard specification compared to the outgoing model offers a wealth of other features that help boost comfort and driving pleasure in the new BMW X3. These include three-zone automatic climate control, acoustic glazing, Comfort Access, automatic tailgate operation, an electric folding mechanism for the exterior mirrors, an alarm system and BMW Live Cockpit Plus complete with the cloud-based BMW Maps navigation system. The new BMW X3 also comes as standard with ambient lighting featuring a Welcome and Goodbye Animation, a tray including wireless charging function for compatible smartphones, a Bluetooth interface, four USB-C ports, a 12V power socket in the centre console and another in the luggage compartment.

The optional BMW Live Cockpit Professional adds not only the BMW Head-Up Display, but also the Augmented View function in the control display. In addition to this, new equipment packages are available for targeted customisation of the car. The Premium Package features lumbar support, the Harman Kardon surround sound system, the Travel & Comfort System and Adaptive LED Headlights. And the Comfort Package adds sun blinds for the rear side windows, active seat ventilation in the front and seat heating in the rear. Also to be found on the options list are a fixed panoramic glass sunroof featuring a large transparent surface without any cross struts to break it up, steering wheel heating, sun protection glass in the rear and a pre-heating function. The new BMW X3 30e xDrive, meanwhile, comes with the BMW IconicSounds Electric for special sound effects.

BMW Operating System 9, BMW iDrive with QuickSelect and BMW Digital Premium.

The new BMW X3 comes with the latest version of BMW iDrive with QuickSelect to provide intuitive, easy control. Its new home screen shows vertically arranged function icons on the same level. The QuickSelect feature allows functions to be activated directly without having to enter a submenu. The new BMW iDrive is geared squarely to touch and voice control. It is based on BMW Operating System 9, which also paves the way for a customisable selection of additional digital services. These can be made available over the air, both via the BMW ConnectedDrive Upgrades facility and thanks to an ever-expanding variety of third-party apps offered as part of the optional BMW Digital Premium package.

BMW Digital Premium allows in-car use of the specific apps available in each country on a subscription basis. Besides music streaming, the portfolio includes a wide choice of video streaming options (DTS AutoStage Video Service powered by TiVo™) on the control display too. The video app in the new BMW X3 therefore offers customers a large number of media libraries and streaming services. The range of in-car gaming with the AirConsole game platform also includes the popular quiz “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?”. BMW Digital Premium additionally covers the necessary data usage for the featured digital services. This option also expands the functions of the navigation system and the selection of both My Modes and lighting effects for the Welcome and Goodbye Animation. In certain countries, BMW Digital Premium also allows digital payment of parking fees from the comfort of the vehicle.

Smartphone integration using Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ is available as standard. The BMW ID and My BMW App make it easy to personalise the user experience in the new BMW X3. There is also the option of using the My BMW App to set up the BMW Digital Key Plus with ultra-wideband radio technology for compatible smartphones running iOS or Android or for an Apple Watch.