The fourth generation of the BMW X3 arrives with a new design and technologies, as well as more efficient engines

With SUVs as the main protagonists of the market, it’s only natural that each brand has one it considers important, and when we talk about BMW, that model would be the X3, a premium SUV that we already knew was about to unveil its new fourth generation, and which we finally have here, and which will also soon reach the various European markets.

It no longer surprises us that each new generation of a model grows in size compared to its predecessor, and the BMW X3 was no different, with a length 34 mm greater that now stands at 4,755 mm and a width 29 mm also greater to reach 1,920 mm. On the other hand, it is curious that its height is reduced by 25 mm to now stand at 1,660 mm, which undoubtedly helps the new X3 present a more imposing image, because yes, the design is obviously new too.

As for the design, I need more time for it to grow on me, because I don’t quite see it yet. For now, the outgoing generation looks more attractive to me, and it’s that this new front end, with much smoother lines, contrasts too much with the grille, kidney grilles that are of course enormous, combining a pattern of vertical and diagonal bars. The entire front light cluster is LED, and the headlights now have a L-shape that is much more pronounced, which is reflected in the new light signature it features.

It is from the side view where we will best appreciate the increase in size of the BMW X3, although despite this it will still have a silhouette that blends elegance and sportiness, with the sills and roofline as its main assets, also contributing to a large extent the widened wheel arches with a flared shape and under which the 18-inch alloy wheels fitted as standard are housed. At the rear we find an upper section with a prominent spoiler with side deflectors that increase in size, framing the rear window; a little lower, a new light cluster and rear bumper with more visible lines than the front, in which, unfortunately, the exhaust outlets are integrated invisibly in its lower part, except for the sporty M50 xDrive version.

The cabin of the new BMW X3 changes substantially and adapts to the brand’s latest presentations, completely modifying its dashboard to integrate the BMW Curved Display, consisting of a 12.3-inch screen and another 14.9-inch screen under a single frame, both running under the new BMW iDrive driven by the BMW Operating System 9. This means that many buttons are eliminated, expanding the functional possibilities of the infotainment system, thus leaving only the strictly necessary ones and showing a cleaner design for the central console.

In terms of design, the new steering wheels with a flattened lower section also stand out, as do the new gear selector lever and the ambient lighting that runs along the central console and contrasts with that located on the door trim at the front, surrounding the function buttons, climate controls, air vents and handles. As standard it comes equipped with heated sport seats with electric adjustment upholstered in Econeer, with Merino Veganza and BMW Individual upholstery available as options. It is worth noting that the boot has a capacity of 570 litres, expandable to 1,700 litres if the seats are folded down.

Mechanically there are no extremely important novelties, but there are some. As for the petrol engines, the BMW X3 will continue with a well-known range of power outputs ranging from 190 hp to 398 hp in the sporty M50 xDrive; while the diesel option will be handled by the 2-litre engine with 197 hp. All of them use 48 V mild-hybrid technology, as well as the eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels along with xDrive traction.

Where we will indeed have significant changes is in the 30e xDrive plug-in hybrid version, in which, although a four-cylinder 2.0-litre engine is still used together with an electric motor integrated into the Steptronic gearbox, generating a combined output of 229 hp, the all-electric range increases, specifically reaching between 81 and 90 kilometres thanks to the use of a higher-capacity battery.

As I mentioned above, we will not have to wait long to learn the prices and equipment of the range that will arrive in Spain for the new BMW X3, since the brand confirms that its arrival at dealerships will take place during the fourth quarter of this year.

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverBMW X35 versions · from 65,050 €