Fourth-gen X3 to be sleeker and larger; likely to get new nomenclature for petrol line-up.
While the all-new fourth-generation BMW X3 is scheduled to be revealed in the coming weeks, some details have been revealed about the upcoming SUV. The new X3 will grow in size, be sleeker, and come with a variety of combustion-engined powertrains. Here’s what to expect from the upcoming X3, which is scheduled to be revealed in June this year, and go into production the month after.
- New BMW X3 drag coefficient lowered from 0.29 to 0.27
- Claimed to be more dynamic and comfortable than outgoing G01 generation
- To get petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrain options
New BMW X3: exterior, chassis highlights
While the images released by BMW show an X3 wearing quite a lot of camouflage, the brand claims that it has managed to reduce the SUV’s drag coefficient from 0.29 to 0.27, which should help improve its fuel-efficiency. Although the company has not yet revealed its dimensions, expect the new SUV to outgrow the older model’s 4.7m length and near-1.9m width.
The new X3 (codename: G45) is also said to adopt a wider track compared to the outgoing G01 generation, along with a reduced lift at the rear axle. In addition, the brand says rigidity has also increased, and the anti-roll bars have been upgraded to provide a more engaging drive, without compromising on ride quality.
BMW will offer an adaptive chassis featuring electronically controlled shock absorbers with new X3, albeit as an optional extra. The company says the there’s a more direct steering ratio for greater comfort, and the latest in safety and driver assistance technology on the new X3; BMW is confident the SUV will score high on Euro NCAP’s crash tests.
New BMW X3: interior, powertrain
Although the new X3 interior is still under wraps, expect fewer physical buttons than the outgoing model as, like most newer BMWs, most functions can be accessed via the infotainment touchscreen. Rumours online suggest that there won’t be a full-fat X3 M, but BMW is going to have a high-performance version, likely to be the M50, instead of the M40i. Also, there is a high likelihood of the new X3 being the first Bimmer to remove the ‘i’ from its petrol engine line-up; the diesels and plug-in hybrids will continue with the ‘d’ and ‘e’ suffixes.
Speaking of hybrids, the German brand says the new X3 plug-in hybrid (likely to be called the X3 (xDrive30e) has an upgraded battery pack for more all-electric range. The X3 EV, launched as the new iX3, is also due a generation change – it was previewed by the Vision Neue Klasse X concept, but it will arrive a year later. Unlike the new X3, which still uses BMW’s CLAR platform, the new iX3 will be underpinned by the Neue Klasse platform.
BMW X3 in India
After the facelift for the third-gen X3 was brought to India in January 2022 with just a petrol engine option, BWW added diesel variants and then discontinued the petrol variants in March last year, and then introduced the range-topping X3 M40i. The X3 is currently priced from Rs 68.5 lakh, and is available in xDrive20d xLine and xDrive20d M Sport form. There’s no word on when BMW India will introduce the new X3 here, but the brand is currently working on bringing the all-new 5 Series and i5 to the country in the coming months.
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