BMW X3 | BMW X3 New Model Launch

BMW X3 | BMW X3

The Latest SAV with Improved Fuel Efficiency!

BMW has fully redesigned the SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) BMW X3 for the first time in approximately seven years, commencing sales on March 29th.

By Masao Oh

A Wider, More Dynamic Design

BMW's X series began with the first-generation X5 in 1999, followed by the more compact first-generation X3 in 2004. Subsequently, with the X6 and X1, BMW established its unique SAV concept, distinct from SUVs, and created a new segment. The X3, in particular, gained global popularity due to its maneuverability and high driving performance, stemming from its body size. Now, the X3 has undergone a full model change for the first time in seven years.

The new X3 features a more dynamic design compared to the previous model. The upright, voluminous kidney grille is accented by six lines on the engine hood. The side view showcases a waistline that dynamically sweeps upward from behind the front wheel arches to the rear of the vehicle. The lines here emphasize the wider fenders, creating a sense of visual stability. Of course, the traditional BMW Hofmeister kink is present in the rear side windows. Compared to the previous model, which had a somewhat elongated impression, this design is more grounded and stable, with pronounced contours. The adoption of LEDs for the small light rings in the headlights and LED light bars for the taillights clearly identifies it as a BMW, even at night.

Moving to the interior, the instrument panel, topped by an 8.8-inch wide, high-precision color display for iDrive, is structured with continuous flowing lines, making the cabin feel more spacious. The actual interior space has also been expanded compared to the previous model; rear legroom has increased by approximately 20mm, and the space between rear seat occupants on either side has been widened by the same amount. The luggage capacity has increased by 70 liters to 550 liters. By completely folding down the rear seatbacks, the storage space can be expanded to 1,600 liters. Furthermore, the parcel rail system for flexibly securing cargo continues to be offered.

The Fusion of Fuel Efficiency and Driving Performance

The new X3 incorporates numerous technologies based on the "BMW EfficientDynamics" philosophy, including an 8-speed automatic transmission, Valvetronic, Brake Energy Regeneration, and electric power steering. Additionally, the adoption of the engine auto start/stop function, which automatically shuts off the engine when stationary, further reduces unnecessary fuel consumption during stop-and-go city driving. Through the implementation of these technologies, the X3 xDrive35i reportedly achieves a 13 percent increase in output while improving fuel consumption by approximately 45 percent compared to the previous model.

The drivetrain features BMW's signature chassis with a nearly 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution, a newly designed five-link rear suspension, and the intelligent all-wheel-drive system "xDrive," which instantaneously varies torque distribution between the front and rear according to road conditions, adopted across all models. Furthermore, by employing variable sport steering, which avoids overly sensitive steering response near the neutral position during high-speed driving while amplifying steering angle during sharper turns at low to medium speeds, it achieves both stability at high speeds and maneuverability in low to medium-speed cornering. Additionally, Performance Control and Dynamic Damping Control are available as options.