The BMW 0X3 has been dubbed as the purveyor of the premium midsize Sport Utility Vehicle segment. Back in 2003, this SUV (or Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), as BMW prefers to call it) had the class all to itself. Today, however, is a totally different story as competitors from just about every manufacturer are swarming the category.
BMW isn’t taking this sitting down, as it recently unveiled the third-generation BMW X3. Longer, wider, and lower, the latest X3 boasts a more modern take on a familiar face. The kidney grille, for instance, is larger, while the headlights are a tad slimmer and more angular. A striking new touch is the hexagonal LED foglamp design that give it a more sporty and less SUV vibe.
The rest of the exterior still retains the classic X3 profile, with the upswept rear window glass and the side character line. What’s new out back are the twin exhaust pipes that blend nicely with the classic L-shaped rear lights. Oh, and did we mention the front fender air breathers? Very sporty indeed.
Inside, the driver is treated to the familiar BMW cockpit, albeit in a modern rendition. This is courtesy of the cool 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster, along with a full color head-up display. These are complemented by a 10.2-inch touchscreen that controls various vehicle and infotainment functions. All this can be manipulated using optional Gesture Control or Intelligent Voice Assistant. One can likewise opt for the cool Display Key to remotely tinker with their ride.
While we’re talking about options and gizmos, BMW offers a wide range of tech goodies under the CoPilot options box. One can get stuff like Active Cruise Control and the Driving Assitant Plus that offers Land Change assistant, Steering and lane control, and side collision prevention, just to name a few. As with most new rides, this one practically drives itself.
The latest BMW X3 will be powered by a range of engines, including a pair of diesels: 2.0-literl, 188hp, 400Nm lump, and a 3.0-liter oil-burning mill with 261hp and 620Nm. For the first time, an M variant, the X3 M40i, will join the lineup with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo gas motor producing 355hp and 500Nm of torque.
These motors will be matched with an 8-speed Steptronic automatic, xDrive all-wheel drive, and 50:50 weight distribution for that trademark BMW drive. Those that want true BMW M performance can go for the aforementioned X3 m40i that boasts M Sport suspension and brakes, M Sport exhaust, and a more rear-biased setup.
The new BMW X3 will go on sale beginning in the fourth quarter of 2017.
