The new BMW X3 reinforces the model’s position as the class leader

The new BMW X3 reinforces the model’s position as the class leader, with an unbeatable combination of driving dynamics, style, efficiency and practicality.

Thanks to BMW’s new generation of TwinPower Turbo diesel engines, excellent performance is available across the entire range, and yet both fuel economy and CO2 emissions have seen further improvements with remarkable results.  As an example of this engineering prowess the BMW X3 sDrive18d achieves a combined fuel consumption figure and CO2 emissions of 60.1mpg and 124g/km. Meanwhile, the opposite end of the range, the new xDrive35d can reach 152mph flat out and sprint to 62mph from rest in just 5.3 seconds, while still achieving over 47mpg.

The new BMW X3 can be identified by careful revisions to its expressive styling, new colours, and revisions to the interior design and trim options. All models now feature an increase in the amount of standard equipment, while customers can also choose a new xLine model to further personalise their X3.

Design and functionality

The new BMW X3 is immediately identifiable as a member of the successful BMW X family, and possesses a striking presence on the road. Aside from its length, which has grown by a single centimetre, it has the same compact, usable dimensions of its successful predecessor.

However, the new BMW X3 features a host of design changes. At the front end, new twin circular headlights – available in optional full LED specification along with optional LED front fog lamps – combine with the prominent BMW kidney grille and its new surround. Both the front and rear bumpers have gained new contours, while the LED indicators are now housed in the new exterior mirrors. Four new exterior paint shades and five new light-alloy wheel designs broaden the scope for individualisation.

Inside, the new BMW X3 remains a compelling proposition, with its carefully selected materials, understated chrome applications, a centre console with optional automatic climate control system (with high-gloss black panel) and wood panelling with pearl chrome highlights. New cupholders, with a sliding cover, can be found in the centre console, and a leather steering wheel is amongst the standard equipment. Customers can also choose from four new upholstery colours and four new interior trims. The new BMW X3 continues to lead the way in its segment in terms of both interior spaciousness and rear load capacity, offering 550 litres with the seats up and 1,600 litres with the seats folded.

New xLine joins SE and M Sport variants

The new BMW X3 is available in SE, xLine and M Sport trim levels. SE models already have an extensive standard equipment list including Nevada leather upholstery, two-zone air conditioning, Cruise control, DAB radio, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, 17-inch alloy wheels, front and rear PDC, Drive Performance Control, Rain sensor and automatic headlights.  This has now been increased with the inclusion of the BMW Business navigation system, heated front seats and an automatic tailgate.

Moreover, an optional new SE Plus package adds Harman-kardon loudspeakers, Sun protection glass, Adaptive Headlights, High-beam Assistant and a one-inch increase in alloy wheel size for an additional £2,850.

The new xLine models can be identified from the outside by gleaming metallic inserts in the bumpers, Satin Aluminium side cladding and bars in the air intakes, simulated underguards at the front and rear and exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the new model features exclusive xLine leather upholstery, Dark Copper trim and a Sport leather steering wheel. Nevertheless, xLine variants command only a £1,500 price premium over the SE model.

For those customers looking to further boost the superb dynamic qualities of the new BMW X3 there is the M Sport variant. These models feature M aerodynamic styling and BMW Individual High-gloss Shadowline exterior trim to maximise the car’s sporting presence, along with newly upgraded 19-inch light alloy wheels (previously 18-inch). Inside, there’s a BMW Individual rooflining in Anthracite, Sport seats, M Sport leather steering wheel and Aluminium Hexagon trim; technical highlights include Performance Control and M Sport suspension. M Sport models carry a further £1,500 price premium over the xLine variants.

An additional new package is also now available; M Sport Plus. This adds a new 20-inch M Sport bi-colour alloy wheel, Xenon headlights, Sun protection glass and Harman-kardon loudspeakers for £2,920.

A range of other innovative options adds further to the functionality of the new X3. The Comfort Access with smart-opener, for instance, makes accessing the load compartment that much easier; a short movement of the foot below the rear bumper causes it to open or close the tailgate automatically. A storage package including a reversible floor section, folding box, partition elements and a range of different luggage nets allows objects of any kind to be stowed away easily, safely and tidily. The 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats enables maximum flexibility. The optional auxiliary heating system guarantees a pleasant on-board climate at all times, even in wintry conditions.

Powertrain: cutting edge diesel engines with excellent economy and low emissions.

The new BMW X3 features an all-turbo-diesel line-up, using the latest BMW TwinPower Turbo technology to ensure outstanding performance combined with minimised fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. All of the engines meet EU6 regulations as standard.

The new-generation, all-aluminium, 2.0-litre diesel engines use common-rail direct injection with solenoid valve injectors and work with increased injection pressure of 2,000bar. This pushes the output of the X3 xDrive20d from 184hp up to 190hp, with the maximum torque available also rising from 380 to 400Nm. The increase in performance cuts the zero to 62mph acceleration time by 0.4 seconds to just 8.1 seconds. At the same time, the fuel consumption of the X3 xDrive20d, when partnered with the eight-speed automatic gearbox, drops by 7.1 per cent compared to the outgoing model, and CO2 emissions are down to only 138g/km.

Furthermore, with a new optional 17-inch aero wheel and fourth-generation reduced-rolling-resistance tyres, CO2 emissions are cut by a further 7g/km. In this configuration, the X3 xDrive20d – in which the new 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine premieres – delivers class-leading figures: fuel consumption is just 56.5mpg with CO2 emissions of only 131g/km.

The new 150hp X3 sDrive18d, with rear-wheel-drive, a six-speed manual gearbox and reduced rolling resistance tyres, is even more frugal. The optional 17-inch aero alloy wheel records the lowest fuel consumption, just 60.1mpg, and CO2 emissions, at 124g/km, of any model in this market segment.

The range-topping variants of the new BMW X3 are powered by further developed versions of BMW’s much lauded 3.0-litre, six-cylinder in-line, turbo-diesel engine. The X3 xDrive30d delivers sparking performance, with zero to 62mph taking just 5.9 seconds, and yet achieves a combined fuel consumption of 47.9mpg and CO2 emissions of 156g/km. It develops 258hp with a peak torque of 560Nm.

The flagship model in the range is the X3 xDrive35d, offering an impressive 313hp and up to 630Nm of torque. Reaching 62mph from rest in just 5.3 seconds it has a combined fuel consumption of 47.1mpg and CO2 emissions of 157g/km – both reduced over the outgoing X3.

Two- or four-wheel drive.

The BMW X3 18d is available in sDrive form, while all other models come with xDrive as standard. The intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive system delivers optimum traction, with power sent where it is most needed, further improving on-road dynamics and driving safety. In models equipped with xDrive, a new xDrive status display (featuring three-dimensional graphics) in the Control Display keeps the driver informed of the car’s body roll and pitch, while a compass display is also shown in the instrument cluster.

Depending on the engine variant specified, the new BMW X3 can be ordered with a sporty, precise, six-speed manual gearbox or a highly effective eight-speed automatic (standard on the xDrive30d and xDrive35d), which also allows the driver to change gear using optional shift paddles on the steering wheel. An eight-speed Sport automatic gearbox - with shift paddles included as standard - is also available as an option.

BMW EfficientDynamics

The standard BMW EfficientDynamics package ensures that the driving pleasure available with the new BMW X3 goes hand-in-hand with low emissions and impressive economy. Engines with maximised fuel economy, intelligent lightweight design and optimised aerodynamics combine with the latest-generation Auto Start-Stop, Brake Energy Regeneration, Optimum Shift Indicator and on-demand operation of ancillary units to deliver the lowest fuel consumption and emissions figures in the segment.

Moreover, the optional 17-inch aero wheel and fourth-generation reduced rolling resistance tyres shave another 7g/km off the CO2 emissions, and can be ordered for all models except the xDrive35d.

Safety, comfort and infotainment, with BMW ConnectedDrive

With the new BMW X3, BMW ConnectedDrive continues at the forefront of technology to link-up the driver, the car and the outside world. Among the outstanding new features is the latest, enhanced-capability generation of the Professional Multimedia navigation, complete with ECO PRO route guidance and an iDrive Touch Controller with integrated touchpad. The touchpad allows drivers or passengers to use their finger to write letters for text inputs such as a navigation destination, for example.

Another highlight is the full-colour Head-up Display, which projects all-important driving information and the assistance systems displays into the driver’s field of view.

Among the other systems available are the anti-dazzle High-beam Assistant and Driving Assistant Plus, which includes features such as Lane Departure Warning and preventive pedestrian protection, plus Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function. An aide to comfort and convenience, meanwhile, is the Surround-view camera systems, which provides a 360-degree view of the vehicle for when parking or manoeuvring. BMW ConnectedDrive Services & Apps also make mobility services and smartphone applications available inside the car via the central Control Display, and innovations such as Information Plus and RTTI (Real Time Traffic Information) system can also be accessed.

The BMW Emergency Call function is now fitted as standard. This system springs into action automatically (although it can be activated manually) as soon as the crash sensors report an airbag deployment. Emergency Call uses an integrated SIM card to send the car’s exact location along with all key information to the BMW call centre, enabling rapid and effective assistance at the scene of the accident.

The new BMW X3 goes on sale in June 2014, priced from £30,990 OTR for an X3 sDrive18d SE.