Aside from refreshed looks and more tech, the 2024 BMW X3 also has its entire powertrain lineup gain hybrid power
2024 has been a busy one for BMW as they’ve been updating models in their lineup including the M3 and 2 Series. They’re back at it again, this time with the introduction of the fourth-generation of the X3. While the overall silhouette is still that of the X3 we’re familiar with, it’s gotten a pretty hefty overhaul inside and out.
BMW have given a fresh perspective for the 2023 X3’s design and they’ve toned down the aggressive creases and lines for a smoother, yet just as sleek look. That being said, the wheel-arches have gained a bit of muscle. Most of the attention is up front where they’ve clearly taken some inspiration from the X1 and XM with large kidney front grilles. They’re flanked by sleek swooping LED headlights with L-shaped DRLs. The new M50 version adds more aggression with large air dams all over. The XM inspiration is more apparent at the rear with its quirky Y-shaped LED tail lamps.
Inside, there is a minimalist, yet futuristic vibe with cool U-shaped lighting elements around the front doors and lower centre console that blend with the dashboard nicely. The limelight stealer is of course BMW’s Curved Display that combines a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display and a 14.9-inch infotainment system. It comes with the latest OS9. Other niceties include a 15-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, a wireless phone charger, 360-degree camera, ADAS, a panoramic sunroof, and tri-zone climate control.
Another significant change comes under the hood as the entire powertrain lineup, except for the obvious 30e PHEV setup gains mild-hybrid assistance. Also, BMW have removed the ‘i’ designation from their petrol models. So the lineup starts with the 208-hp 2.0-litre turbo-petrol X3 20 xDrive and 197-hp 2.0-litre diesel X3 20d xDrive variants.
Next up, is the X3 30e xDrive PHEV making 299 hp via a 2.0-litre-turbo-petrol engine and an electric motor working together. Topping the lineup is the X3 M50 xDrive, putting out a peak 398 hp from the combination of 381-hp 3.0-litre, six-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine and 13-kW ISG, enough to hit 0-100 km/h sprint in 4.6 seconds. All powertrains are paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. BMW have also tweaked the geometry of the X3 and given it a stiffer body structure to improve its cornering prowess.
Back home, the X3’s predecessor is sold at prices ranging between Rs 68.50 lakh to Rs 87.70 lakh (ex-showroom). Expect the next-gen model to show up either towards the end of 2024 or early 2025 and rekindle its rivalry with the likes of the Audi Q5 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC.
