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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The fourth generation BMW 1 Series, codenamed F70, has just seen its global unveiling. Market launch is scheduled for October 2024. Two models feature for the unveiling – the 120 in both base spec and M Sport trim and the fire-breathing M135 xDrive.

The 120 in both base spec and M Sport will feature a turbocharged 1.3-litre inline three-cylinder engine putting out 170hp and 280Nm of torque through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and driving the front wheels.

A 48-volt electric motor is integrated into the gearbox for braking regeneration, to assist while moving off and as a starter-generator to charge the mild hybrid battery pack. 0-100km/h is dispatched in a claimed 7.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 226km/h.

Presumably, there should be a 116 for Singapore’s market when it lands here. Details at a later date.

The M135 xDrive, on the other hand, sports all-wheel drive through its seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which is connected to a turbocharged two-litre inline four-cylinder engine putting out 300hp and 400Nm of torque.

The 0-100km/h sprint is done and dusted in a claimed 4.9 seconds, and the top speed is 250km/h. Boy racers rejoice!

Notice how the ‘i’ nomenclature after the model number has been dropped?

That’s because ‘i’ is now solely reserved for BMW’s electric vehicle line-up. This makes sense, since ‘i’ stood for fuel ‘injection’ previously, and since all internal combustion engines have been fuel injected for at least three decades, dropping it makes sense.

Length increases by 42mm to 4,361mm but wheelbase remains at 2,670mm. Width also remains 1,800mm while height increases by 25mm to 1,459mm. This should offer a bit more headroom on the inside.

The outside now looks sharper than the outgoing F40 model. BMW’s vertical LED daytime running lights (DRLs) and turn signals feature in the LED headlight housing, which now comes as standard. Adaptive LED headlights with glare-free matrix high beam and cornering light function will be optionally available.

Naturally, the M Sport 120 gets a more sporty look, with the hottest visual vibe reserved for the M135.

On the side, BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line includes a graphic number ‘1’ in the Hoffmeister kink, and comes as standard.

Two solid and seven metallic paint colours will be available as standard. One can also customise with four BMW Individual Paint options and a wide selection of BMW Individual special paint colours.

The 120 M Sport comes with side skirt accents in black and brake callipers in blue, while the M135 sports red callipers.

Two-part taillights that feature 3D effects and light pipes stand out in the rear end. The M Sport and M135 receive a diffuser element, with visible quad tailpipes for the latter.

A 10.25-inch instrument display and a 10.7-inch infotainment screen feature prominently in the interior of the 1 Series, as do backlit ambient lighting elements.

The base spec 120 comes with a standard sport steering wheel, while the M Sport sports a redesigned M leather steering wheel with shift paddles. The gear selector is also redesigned.

M135 receives the M leather steering wheel but with a red accent at 12 o’clock, and even more prominent shift paddles.

The interior of the new 1 Series is leather-free as standard, although leather can be optionally specified. Sport seats in Econeer fabric are standard, while the M Sport can be optioned with Veganza and Alcantara.

The latter is standard in the M135 with its sports bucket-type seats.

Boot space is also pretty decent. Owing to the 120’s mild hybrid battery, cargo capacity is 300 litres with the rear seatbacks up, or 1,135 litres with them folded down completely in a 40:20:40 split.

The M135 on the other hand, has 380 litres with the rear seatbacks up, and 1,200 litres with them fully down.

Naturally, these will be the launch specifications for Germany. Other markets would likely receive their own specifications including Singapore. More to come when the new 1 Series comes to town.

Photo Credits: BMW

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