New BMW X3 Revealed

BMW has revealed the all-new X3 crossover for international markets. This update has been long due, the second generation X3 was launched for international markets way back in 2010 (August 2011 in India) and given a facelift in 2014, but it is the most dated in its category amongst competition like the Audi Q5, Volvo XC60, Range Rover Evoque, Mercedes-Benz GLC and Land Rover Discovery Sport.

The new BMW X3 now looks more hunkered down than before, taking design cues from big brother X5. The biggest change at the front is that the X3 is now the first 'X' car to ditch the company's signature round fog lamp placed high up in the fascia - instead, it gets a hexagonal unit.

While overall dimensions are similar to the outgoing X3 (59mm longer, 192mm narrower and 2mm lower) it has a wheelbase that has grown by 54mm. When looked at from the side, it is clear that the new X3 has more interior space, with the front and rear overhangs reduced significantly as compared to the older model. It also looks less 'on-stilts' like than the older X3.

All variants of the new X3 will be offered with 18-inch alloy wheels as standard, as compared to 17-inchers before. BMW is also offering optional alloy wheels with sizes of up to 21-inches.

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The new X3 can be had with full-LED tail-lamps, with a unique pattern which looks three-dimensional. An aggressive roof-mounted spoiler and twin exhausts on certain variants complete the new look on the outside.

Inside, the X3's design is more evolutionary than revolutionary. The highlights here are the larger 10.25-inch centre display on the dashboard and an updated three-spoke steering wheel. New equipment/features on the inside include three-zone climate control, ambient air conditioning, active seat ventilation, 40:20:40 split second-row seats and a panoramic sunroof. 

Many technological updates first seen on the all-new BMW 7 Series have made their way to the new X3 too. This includes the 'display key' - essentially a remote with a touch-screen colour display which can additionally be used to view the status of the car or operate some functions without getting into the car. The other fancy feature to trickle down to the X3 is the gesture control for the infotainment display.

In terms of engines, the new X3 will be launched with two diesel and three petrol motors worldwide paired exclusively with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Depending on the market, the X3 can be had in either rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive guises. 

Diesel variants include the X3 xDrive20d and X3 xDrive30d. Petrol variants include the X3 20i, X3 xDrive30i and the all-new M40i. 

The X3 M40i is the first M-Sport variant introduced to this series of X cars. Powered by a 3.0-litre, turbocharged 6-cylinder motor, the M40i's has a maximum power output of 360PS at 5500-6500rpm and peak torque of 500Nm at 1520-4800rpm. Power is sent to all wheels - the X3 M40i can go from 0-100kmph in 4.8-seconds and hit a top speed of 250kmph!.

BMW claims that the new X3 has improved dynamics, stability and steering feel. This is down to almost perfect 50:50 weight distribution, reduced weight (by about 55kg, apparently), improved aerodynamic drag. Optional chassis upgrades on the non-M variants include M Sport suspension, dynamic damper control, M Sport brakes and variable sport steering.

The new BMW X3 is also the first X model to feature BMW's new semi-autonomous driving technology. Called the BMW Personal CoPilot, it includes active systems like active cruise control, steering assist, lane control assist and lane change assist.

BMW India has not confirmed when the new X3 will make its way to India. Currently, the X3 is priced in the Rs 49 - 55 lakh range and is available in three variants (xDrive28i xLine, xDrive 20 D Expedition and xDrive 20 D xLine). The new X3 will be assembled at the company's plant in Chennai like the current model, expect a launch by end-2017 or early-2018.