Bold New Fourth-Gen BMW X3 Officially Revealed

Here's a proper look at the new G45-gen BMW X3 premium compact SUV - or 'SAV', if you prefer BMW's lingo.

After leaking online last week, we now get our first proper look at the new fourth-generation BMW X3 compact premium crossover SUV – or ‘SAV’, if you prefer BMW’s lingo for this genre. As expected from the leak mentioned, the X3 now dons an all-new and bolder look.

Notable too is the new naming scheme seen in the debut variants – 30e xDrive, 20 xDrive, 20d xDrive, and M50 xDrive. Essentially, BMW has dropped the ‘i’ lettering here, which is now reserved for fully-electric (EV) models only moving forward.

Christened with a new ‘G45’ chassis code, the new X3 still underpin BMW’s rear-biased CLAR chassis platform, but it has been overhauled significantly. The latter includes 23 MM wider track, stiffer roll bar mounts up front, and reinforced rear axle, all promising enhanced stability.

Swapped out too is the dual-pinion steering system, which now sees a new belt-driven setup. Buyers also still get the choice to replace standard-equipped passive dampers with active ones. Altogether, the new chassis promises a broader range of driving characteristics and ride comfort.

Available at launch are a slew of MHEV and PHEV petrol powertrains that also includes familiar 4-cyl and 6-cyl mills. For Europe, BMW have also readied a diesel option too.

At launch, BMW have readied a host of new mild- (MHEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) petrol powertrain options, along with a diesel choice for Europe, all paired with an 8-speed automatic box too.

Included here is the marque’s familiar 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo petrol mill that offer up to 208 PS (MHEV) and 197 PS (diesel). The PHEV setup is rated at a meatier 299 PS, and even boasts up to 90 KM of WLTP-rated electric-only range.

The latter is a result of the new X3’s adoption of a sizeable 19.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which can be plugged-in and draw up to 11 kW AC inputs.

Sitting a the very top of the range here is a 3.0-litre in-line 6-cyl turbo petrol that powered the M50 xDrive performance flagship variant. Boasting up to 398 PS, 0-100 KM/H dashes take just 4.6 secs with this variant, which is also laced with M Sport goodies – differential, dampers, brakes, wheels.

On to design, the new G45-gen X3 dons a new look that’s both bolder and sharper, but it continues to retain the Bavarian marque’s signature massive pair of kidney grilles up front that can be optionally lit-up. Other changes include new alloy wheel designs, and a new Dune Grey hue.

As for dimensions, the new X3 has grown a little too. It’s now 34 MM longer at 4,755 MM in length, but wheelbase sees just a 1 MM bump to 2,865 MM. Besides that, the new X3 is also 29 MM wider now at 1,920 MM, and it also sits 25 MM lower with its new 1,660 MM maximum height.

On board, the new X3 sees its cabin don a new minimalist and tech-driven outlook. Signature elements retained include the BMW Curved Display and BMW Interaction Bar modules, whilst the very latest BMW iDrive suite with QuickSelect marks its production model debut here.

Notable too is the heightened basics as things like three-zone automatic climate control, acoustic glass, wireless charging pad and USB-C ports are now standard. Interestingly, there’s now a slew of new cabin ambient lighting present as well.

Typical of the Bavarian marque, the new G45-gen X3 also comes brimmed with a slew of ADAS features to enable high-degree of semi-autonomous driving. On top of which too comes BMW’s Parking Assistant suite, which is now standard kit.

Sales of the new G45-gen X3 in both North America and Europe are slated to begin sometime later this year before other selected markets follow suit. And before you ask, a totally separate all-electric iX3 twin, previewed in concept form recently, will debut at a later date.

In the meantime, are you folks digging the new fourth-gen BMW X3? As usual, share your take in the comments below, as well as on our social media pages…