The design of the new revised BMW X3 looks like more than a mid-life facelift, with a number of revisions that make it significantly different from the current model.
The new grille, with intersecting diagonal lines, the l-shaped LED front headlights (a narrow LED light bar at the rear), 18" wheels as standard and some very soft curves to side panels certainly combine to give the car a fresher look than we might have expected.
The car is also slightly longer and wider than before but its height has been reduced to give it a slightly more sporty profile. It now stands at 1.66 metres, a drop of 25 mm.
There are four versions on offer when the car goes on sale towards the end of the year (although order books are open now), starting with an entry level 2.0 litre petrol. It produces 208 horse power and its starting price is a significant €72,190. Next comes the 2.0 litre diesel, with 197 horse power, and a price tag of €74,540. This car certainly isn't for most of us.
All versions get full-time four wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Then there’s a PHEV version with a claimed electric range of between 80 and 90 km’s (usually caveats on claimed ranges apply) and it’s actually the cheapest in the line-up at €69,410. A fully electric version of the car will come next year when the current iX3 is replaced.
At the other extreme there’s an M50 sports version, which costs over €100,000!
As one expected, there’s a big emphasis on a revamped interior with lots of large screen space across the dashboard. There’s a 12.3" driver’s screen and a 15" central display.
There’s an extensive range of standard and optional systems for semi-automated driving and parking. Front collision warning, lane departure warning and speed limit information are all standard. The Parking Assistant (also standard) a reversing assistant function and a reversing camera.
The boot also gets an improved capacity, with 570 litres - up from 550 on the previous model.
