The fourth generation BMW X3 is set to launch in Australia early next year.
It incorporates new design language, revised powertrains and the latest technology, while the luxury interior has a raft of new styling aspects and sustainable materials, says BMW Australia which will offer two powertrains at launch – the X3 20 xDrive and M50 xDrive.
Specification and pricing will be announced in July.
The new BMW X3 incorporates new design language, revised powertrains and the latest technology, along with engines featuring 48-volt mild hybrid systems for increased efficiency.
Length is increased by 34mm (to 4755mm) and width by 29mm (to 1920mm), while the BMW X3 is 25mm lower and the interior has many new styling aspects and sustainable materials.
The BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system is standard across the line-up, and the car features the latest version of BMW iDrive with QuickSelect and Operating System 9, says BMW Australia.
The three-litre six-cylinder in-line petrol M TwinPower Turbo unit of the X3 M50 xDrive produces 293kW and 580Nm and channels drive to the road via an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission and BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive.
BMW reckons it does a standard sprint in 4.6 seconds – a 0.2 second improvement on the X3 M40i.
The new X3 20d xDrive is powered by a TwinPower Turbo inline four-cylinder diesel unit providing 145kW power and 400Nm torque, and it can accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 7.7 seconds.
Track width at the front has increased by 16mm to 1636mm on the front and by 45mm on the rear to 1681mm.
Australian models will have the BMW Iconic Glow contour lighting as standard equipment – as well as signature twin headlights with new L-shaped light elements. The headlights incorporate adaptive LED headlights with matrix high beam and blue design detailing.
The new BMW X3 includes short overhangs, a roofline extending deep into the rear end and flush door handles, along with prominent front and rear wheel arches.
The LED taillights contain a T-shaped graphic and three-dimensional sculpted glass lenses. These combine with a new apron to provide a strong and distinctive rear appearance, says BMW.
Multiple exterior paints include the newly introduced Dune Grey, while BMW Individual paints, including Frozen options, will also be available.
Nineteen-inch alloy wheels are standard on the X3 20d xDrive, while the X3 M50 xDrive comes with 21-inch M light alloy wheels.
The X3 M50 xDrive for Australia features M Sport Package Pro, which includes M lights Shadowline, M seat belts and M Sport brakes in high-gloss red.
The new BMW X3 showcases notable improvements in agility, cornering stability and long-distance comfort, says BMW.
Adaptive suspension, which is standard on both variants for Australia, sharpens the handling of the new BMW X3 at the same time as increasing its ride comfort, it says.
The cargo area can be increased from 570 litres to a maximum 1700 litres.
The new BMW X3 is fitted as standard with electrically adjustable and heated sport seats upholstered in Veganza.
A luxury textile instrument panel made from recycled polyester debuts.
Advanced driver aid systems come as standard on BMW X3 variants. Headline elements include front collision warning, steering and lane control assistant, lane departure warning, driving assistant professional and parking assistant plus with surround view camera.
It also has live cockpit professional, which features BMW head-up display and the augmented view function in the control display.
The two new BMW X3 variants destined for Australia will be manufactured at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in the US in addition to production planned at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn, South Africa, starting 2025.
