BMW has drawn back the covers on the all-new, fourth-generation X3. Due to arrive at the end of the year, prices will start at £46,800.
A smash hit with the public over many years, this latest version of the BMW X3 is set to continue that trend, although the headline story is that there’s no all-electric iX3 model planned. Instead, the new X3 will use mild-hybrid combustion engines and plug-in hybrid tech. All models have four-wheel drive and come packed with standard features.
The electric gap in the lineup is likely to be filled by BMW’s forthcoming Neue Klasse SUV, which we should see next year.
The new X3 will have plenty of rivals to contend with, including the Audi Q5, the Mercedes-Benz GLC and the Volvo XC60.
New 2024 BMW X3: price and release date
The order books for the new BMW X3 are open right now, with the first delivered due in Q4 of this year.
Prices start at £46,800 for the entry-level petrol-powered X3 20, with the cheapest diesel, the X3 20d, starting at £48,210.
The plug-in hybrid X3 30e costs from £56,340 while the top-spec M50 model starts at £64,990.
New 2024 BMW X3: interior and exterior
The new BMW X3 boasts striking looks using BMW’s latest design language. It features a more prominent grille that lights up on some models, and has new lights at both ends. The bonnet sits higher, and the whole car is slightly longer and wider than its predecessor. The roof, however, is lower to give a sportier look, complemented by bold sideskirts and flared wheel arches. Big 18-inch wheels are standard, with 19s on the plug-in hybrid model, and 20-inch and 21-inch wheels available as options.
Inside, everything is new. The dashboard has been largely shorn of buttons, with just about all features controlled through the latest version of BMW’s iDrive infotainment system. It can be controlled either through the central touchscreen, or through a rotary control between the front seats. Those who have seen inside the latest 7 Series may recognise the “Interaction Bar” that sits under the centre screen and is used to adjust the climate control.
The touchscreen is part of the “BMW Curved Display”, which integrates with a digital driver’s display behind the steering wheel.
The X3 comes as standard with electrically adjustable and heated seats upholstered in Econeer, a synthetic material made from recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) plastic.
Space-wise, there’s a 570-litre boot (up 20 litres from the previous X3) that can expand up to 1700 litres with the back seats folded down, or 1600 in the plug-in hybrid.
New 2024 BMW X3: engines and gearboxes
All models of 2024 get powerful engines, starting with the X2 20, which uses a 208PS engine with 330Nm of torque and reaches 62mph from standstill in 7.8 seconds. It promises a fuel economy of up to 40.9mpg, according to official figures.
The diesel equivalent is the X3 20d, with 197PS and 400Nm for a 7.7-second 0-2mph time, with a 48.7mpg fuel economy.
The plug-in hybrid model is the X3 30e, which uses a 2.0-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and battery. Combined, the system makes 299PS and 450Nm for a 6.2-second 0-62mph time, and it can drive on electric-only power for up to 56 miles.
For extra oomph, the performance X3 M50 model uses a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine with 398PS and 480Nm, giving it a 0-62mph time of 4.6 seconds. Fuel economy drops to 36.7mpg.
All models have xDrive four-wheel drive and use an eight-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox. All non-PHEV engines use 48V mild-hybrid tech to improve fuel economy.
New 2024 BMW X3: trim levels
The new BMW X3 will be available in xLine or M Sport trims. The xLine models include 18-inch alloys or 19-inch units on the 30e, while M Sport models have a sportier look inspired by BMW’s M performance cars. They come with 19-inch wheels as standard, and those with the M Sport Pro package also get “Iconic Glow” lighting (which means the grille lights up) and red-painted M Sport brakes, as well as M Sport suspension, which is optional for xLine customers.
Other standard features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, three-zone climate control, electric boot lid and satnav. There’s a wireless charging tray for smartphones, four USB-C ports and two 12V power sockets.
Because the latest X3 is bigger than the outgoing car, we're hopeful for extra interior space. We do know that the boot is larger than the old X3 by 20 litres.
While the last-generation BMW X3 had an all-electric verision – the BMW iX3 – there won't be an equivalent for the new X3. Instead, we should see another electric SUV from BMW next year with a different name.
The new BMW X3 will be available in Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Sophisto Grey, Tanzanite Blue, Arctic Race Blue, Brooklyn Grey, Frozen Pure Grey, Frozen Deep Grey, Fire Red and Dune Grey.
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