New BMW X3 Revealed With Revolutionary Styling, Upmarket Interior And Host Of Greener Powertrains!

Quick Highlights

• The fourth-generation BMW X3 has been revealed globally. 

• Gets a completely updated design, takes design cues from the flagship XM.

• Comes with a new cabin featuring dual integrated displays. 

• Features a range of petrol and diesel engines to choose from. 

• A plug-in hybrid version and a performance oriented X3 M50 are also available.

• It will most likely be launched in India sometime in 2025. 

BMW has globally revealed the fourth-generation of the X3 ahead of its expected India launch down the road. The German carmaker has updated the X3 with a new design, an updated cabin and more powerful engine options along with a plug-in hybrid option as well. Let’s take a look at what’s new in the latest BMW X3:

BMW X3 Design 

BMW has ensured that this X3 looks like it’s a new-generation model and not just a mere facelift in terms of design. The new X3 gets revolutionary styling with some styling cues taken from BMW’s flagship model, the XM. 

The front-end of the BMW X3 looks like an angry person staring at you. This is courtesy of the new kidney grilles (with various inserts depending on the variant) and the sleek swept back LED headlights with L-shaped LED signatures. Right below it, the bumper features a giant airdam with sharp lines.
While the silhouette looks similar to the outgoing model, the lines are now smoother, giving it a sleeker look. That said, it features beefed up wheel arches for added muscle. It sits on 18-inch wheels as standard (X3 30e xDrive with 19-inch wheels), with the option of 20- and 21-inch wheels to choose from. 

The rear is where the reminiscence to the XM is at the highest, with thinner Y-shaped tail lights, which give it a more modern look than before. The tailgate has also been updated, and is more angular than before and the number plate housing now sits in the bumper. 

BMW X3 Interior And Features 

Moving to the interior, the X3 gets a funky and modern cabin which is feature loaded with all the latest tech which you would require. It features an updated infotainment system, which is a curved display with iDrive 9 infotainment setup. The lighting in the cabin forms U-shaped elements on the front doors and the lower centre console, which give the cabin a funky look. It also features new heated sports seats and a flat-bottom steering wheel.

The digital driver’s display is a 12.3-inch unit, and it also gets a 14.9-inch infotainment display.  Audiophiles will be satisfied by the Harman Kardon sound system with 15 speakers. Other features include ambient lighting with multiple colours, a wireless phone charger, cruise control, a panoramic sunroof, and a tri-zone climate control. Safety features include multiple airbags, a host of ADAS features, ABS, electronic stability control, hill descent control, a tyre pressure monitor, parking assist and a 360-degree camera.

BMW X3 Powertrain 

The new BMW X3 gets four different powertrain options to choose from, including a performance oriented M50 xDrive version. Here is a look at the different powertrains and the performance figures: 

All the above mentioned powertrains are paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox and get AWD as standard. 

India Launch and Rivals 

We expect BMW to launch the X3 in India by the end of 2024 or by early 2025, at an expected price of around Rs 70 lakh (ex-showroom). When launched in India, it will rival the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLC and the Audi Q5.