If you were to guess BMW’s most important model, you might instinctively say the 3 Series, the benchmark sports saloon that has shaped the brand’s DNA for decades. Or perhaps the 5 Series, given its versatility, spanning everything from executive sedans to high-performance M-badged monsters.

But no, the real sales king is the X3.

That’s right. In 2023 alone, BMW churned out 1,000 units of the X3 every. single. day. It is, by all accounts, the SUV that keeps BMW at the top of the premium automotive food chain.

And now, we have the latest iteration of BMW’s cash cow. It is new but not entirely new; BMW has retained much of what worked in the previous generation while refining key aspects to keep the X3 competitive in an increasingly crowded segment.

Yet, unlike before, there is no fully electric iX3 this time around. That role will be filled by a separate Neue Klasse EV crossover set to arrive in late 2025.

For now, the lineup starts with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance, while at the other end of the spectrum sits the more potent straight-six M50. Interestingly, rumours suggest there will be no full-blooded X3 M Competition in this generation, an omission that might leave some enthusiasts disappointed.

BMW has also done away with the traditional “i” suffix in its petrol models. So, what used to be the 20i and 50i are now just the 20 and 50.

Does it make sense? Not really. But then again, BMW’s naming conventions have been getting increasingly cryptic for years.

How New Is It, Really?

Technically, this is a full model change. The exterior is entirely redesigned, and the interior has been revamped with modern tech and fresh materials. But dig deeper, and you will realise that the chassis remains largely unchanged.

The wheelbase and overall dimensions have been carried over, albeit with some fine-tuning. The track is wider, underbody bracing has been strengthened, and steering precision has been improved.

A New Look, For Better Or Worse

There is no denying that the new X3’s design is divisive. Some see it as a toned-down version of the iX, while others find the flat, creased surfaces overly fussy and devoid of character. There is certainly a lot of metal on display, with a muscular stance that gives the X3 more road presence.

At the front, BMW’s signature kidney grilles now come with optional rim lighting, a party trick that looks either sophisticated or slightly excessive, depending on your taste. At least they are not cartoonishly oversized, unlike some of BMW’s recent designs.

The rear-end is arguably its best angle, featuring a flush-fitting tailgate and an estate-like silhouette that lends an air of sophistication. It is certainly solid-looking – monolithic, as BMW puts it. More importantly, the drag coefficient has been reduced to 0.27 Cd, which helps fuel efficiency and cuts wind noise at higher speeds.

How About The Inside?

At its core, the X3’s interior remains functional and spacious. The driving position is excellent, visibility is strong, and there is plenty of room for passengers.

However, material quality is not as premium as one might expect. There is an unfortunate abundance of hard plastics in areas where your hands naturally rest, such as the door handles, storage bins, and centre console trim. The ambient lighting strips, which look stylish in photos, come across as cheap, glow-stick gimmicks in real life.

But it is not all bad news. BMW has countered some of these missteps with a fresh new textured cloth trim on the dashboard, which feels more premium than it looks. The digital interfaces are crisp and responsive, and the tech itself is fast, intuitive, and feature-rich.

Best of all, BMW has retained the iDrive rotary controller, an endangered species in today’s touchscreen-obsessed world. With Neue Klasse models set to ditch physical controls entirely, this may well be the last generation of BMWs to feature the beloved dial. Enjoy it while you can.

There are still actual shortcut buttons and a logical climate control system, while driver assistance features are relatively straightforward to configure.

In terms of seating, comfort levels are high. The front seats are supportive, and rear passengers will find plenty of legroom, thanks to deep footwells. The middle seat, however, is compromised by the chunky transmission tunnel, a common issue in longitudinally mounted AWD vehicles.

Storage capacity remains one of the X3’s strong suits. A 570-litre boot expands to 1,700 litres with the seats folded.

While the Mercedes-Benz GLC has a slightly larger boot, the X3 still outperforms the Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60 in this regard.

It’s Not Punchy, But Extremely Smooth

The 2.0-litre petrol engine is a mixed bag. With 190bhp and a small dose of electric assistance, it is sufficient for daily use but lacks outright punch. Weighing in at 1.95 tonnes, the X3 asks a lot from its four-cylinder heart.

That said, the mild-hybrid system provides instant torque at low revs, effectively eliminating turbo lag. Acceleration is linear and predictable, meaning your throttle inputs deliver exactly what you expect. However, the engine’s tone is uninspiring, producing a flat drone that becomes intrusive under hard acceleration.

Ride quality is well-judged. The steering is accurate, and body movements are well-controlled, making it an easy SUV to place on the road. The hybrid system also regenerates energy seamlessly, simulating the effect of downshifting when approaching a junction.

With a careful foot, you can easily average double-digit efficiency figures in this, which is impressive considering its stature.

The biggest compliment I can give is to the car’s gearbox. Not sure what BMW has done to tweak the Steptronic system, but gear changes are butter smooth, even under hard acceleration. 

Risk = Reward?

For two generations, the BMW X3 has been a safe and competent choice. This time, it takes a few risks. While the interior quality could be better, the engineering remains solid, and dynamically, it is as capable as ever.

It may not be groundbreaking, but it is still a compelling option in the premium SUV segment. And if sales figures are anything to go by, expect to see more of these on the roads soon.

Technical Specifications

BMW X3 xDrive20 M Sport

Engine: 1,998cc in-line 4 TwinPower, Turbocharged
Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive
Power: 190bhp
Torque: 310Nm
Gearbox: 8-Speed (A) Steptronic
0-100km/h: 8.5 seconds (claimed)
Fuel Economy: 12.7/litre (claimed)

Price: S$357,888  with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Performance Motors / Eurokars Auto

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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Available in three variants (20 xDrive, 20 xDrive M Sport, and M50 xDrive) the X3 promises the same power and practicality that BMW enthusiasts have come to expect.

At first glance, the new X3 might seem a close cousin of its predecessor, with dimensions standing at 4,755mm long, 1,920mm wide, and 1,660mm tall.

However, a closer look reveals subtle but striking updates. The signature kidney grille now features diagonally arranged bars and contour lighting.

Wheel options start with 19-inch aerodynamic alloys as standard on the base 20 xDrive, while the 20 xDrive M Sport ups the ante with 20-inch M light-alloy wheels and exclusive design elements.

For the M50 xDrive, the M Sport Pro package adds an extra layer of finesse, featuring contour lighting and red-painted M Sport brake callipers.

For those seeking a bespoke touch, BMW Individual paint finishes are available on the 20 xDrive M Sport and M50 xDrive.

The rear compartment offers a generous 570 litres of storage, expandable to a cavernous 1,700 litres, perfect for everything from weekend getaways to big shopping hauls.

Inside, the X3 now has a driver-focused cabin anchored by the sleek BMW Curved Display.

Standard features include wireless connectivity, four USB-C ports, and a 12V power socket in both the centre console and luggage compartment.

Audiophiles will delight in the Harman Kardon surround sound system, which comes standard on the 20 xDrive M Sport and M50 xDrive.

The X3’s lineup caters to a range of driving preferences, but the M50 xDrive notably is equipped with the most powerful six-cylinder in-line petrol engine ever in an M Performance model.

This 3.0-litre M TwinPower Turbo unit delivers a staggering 393bhp. Paired with 48V mild hybrid technology, it rockets the SUV from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.6 seconds, a significant leap from its predecessor.

The entry-level 20 xDrive’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine produces 188bhp and achieves 0 to 100km/h in a respectable 8.5 seconds.

For a little extra thrill, the Sport Boost function, available in the 20 xDrive M Sport and M50 xDrive, provides an adrenaline-pumping burst of speed when you need it most.

The BMW X3 will make its official Singapore debut at the highly anticipated Singapore Motorshow, running from 9 to 12 January 2025 at the Suntec City Exhibition Centre.

With BMW promising its largest booth yet, this event is set to showcase the best of Bavarian engineering and design.

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BMW has just unveiled the fourth-generation X3. With a refined exterior and a host of upgrades, this new X3 is ready to turn heads and take on the competition.

The new X3 measures 4,755mm in length, 1,920mm in width, and 1,660mm in height. Translated, it’s 34mm longer, 29mm wider, and most crucially, 25mm shorter than its predecessor.

The front end now features angular headlights, with a kidney grille that features vertically and diagonally arranged bars, first seen on the new 1 Series hatchback.

Along the sides, the side skirts and prominently flared wheel arches contrast against the flush-mounted rear window and long roof spoiler. All variants will get integrated exhaust tailpipes, except for the X3 M50 xDrive, which flaunts them proudly.

Speaking of the X3 M50 xDrive, this new variant leads the lineup with 393bhp and 580Nm of torque from a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine.

Paired with an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, it sprints to 100km/h in just 4.6 seconds. That’s a significant boost over the previous X3 M40i, which previously offered 355bhp and 500Nm of torque.

For those more environmentally minded, the new BMW X3 30e xDrive plug-in hybrid combines a 2.0-litre engine with an 181bhp electric motor, resulting in a total output of 295bhp.

The 19.7kWh battery allows for an impressive electric-only range of 90km, a leap from the previous model’s 55km range.

But let’s be honest, local shoppers will likely gravitate towards the X3 20 xDrive, thanks to our road tax system. 

This variant comes with a 188bhp 2.0-litre engine, delivering 310Nm of torque and accelerating to 100km/h in 7.8 seconds. 

BMW promises noticeable increases in agility, cornering stability, and long-distance comfort across the X3 lineup. Thanks to increased body rigidity and a wider rear track, this SUV supposedly handles better than ever.

The double-joint spring strut suspension at the front and the five-link suspension at the rear contribute to its refined driving dynamics. And with a 19% increase in caster offset of the steering axle, expect improved straight-line stability.

For those craving even more sportiness, the M Sport suspension with a sports steering system and M Sport brakes (standard on the X3 M50 xDrive) and an adaptive suspension system are available as added options.

Inside, the X3 operates on BMW’s Operating System 9, displayed through a 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9-inch control display.

The Interaction Bar, new flat-bottomed steering wheel, and gear selector lever add a modern touch, while new lighting elements on the centre console and door trims create a welcoming ambience.

The new BMW X3 will be built at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in the USA and Plant Rosslyn in South Africa.

Expect the car to grace Europe and the USA in Q4 2024, with other markets like Singapore to follow in early 2025.

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