The fourth generation X3 gets an edgier vibe for customers looking at an upper-mid-sized premium-badged SUV. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.
Ten Second Review
BMW's more boldly styled fourth generation X3 is a premium upper-mid-sized SUV that's a smarter and more sophisticated choice than the car it replaces, stacking up impressively against prestigiously-badged alternatives from Audi, Mercedes, Jaguar and Volvo in this sector. Like its rivals, dynamically targeted almost exclusively towards on-road use, it's another example of just how car-like a model of this kind can be.
Background
After years of evolution, this fourth generation BMW X3 gets a dose of revolution - on the more boldly-styled surface anyway. Underneath, things are rather different, this G45-era model continuing with the CLAR WE architecture of its predecessor and a familiar-looking range of combustion engines. Only combustion engines as it happens: the now-departed old Chinese-built electric iX3 will be reborn as a separately-platformed model based around the even more radical Neue Klasse X concept design.
The X3 is a hugely important car for BMW to get right, the previous three generations having amassed over 3.5 million global sales. The first two designs, the E83 of 2003 and the F25 of 2010, occupied market territory for more compact family SUVs now covered by the X1. The third generation G01 model of 2017 shifted up-market, a car that (like its predecessor and this MK4 model) is mainly assembled in the US at Spartanburg, South Carolina; only the MK1 X3 was European-built (in Graz, Austria). In this G45 range, only the PHEV version hails from a different factory - Rosslyn in South Africa.
Driving Experience
Though this fourth generation X3 is combustion-based, BMW hasn't spent too much time altering the previous model's engine line-up. The two main changes are predictable ones; more EV range for the Plug-in Hybrid xDrive30e (which was embarrassingly short in that department before). And greater output for the powerful six cylinder 'M-lite' petrol model, now badged 'X3 M50'. More surprising perhaps is that diesel drive, dumped for the 3 Series model this car is based on, retains its place here, the 20d xDrive with a 197hp unit, 2.0-litres in size, like all four cylinder X3s are. There'll be a six cylinder diesel too.
You're more likely though, to be pointed towards one of the 2.0-litre petrol models. Either the base 20 xDrive, which has a 48V mild hybrid 208hp petrol unit. Or the considerably pricier 30e xDrive, which pairs the same engine with a now-much larger 22.3kWh battery pack that powers an electric motor boosting total output to 299hp. EV range jumps to 56 miles. That only leaves the aforementioned petrol M50 xDrive, for now the flagship model until the M3-based X3 Competition variant arrives. The M50's twin turbo B58 unit should be fast enough for most, tuned to 398hp, spiriting the car to 62mph in 4.6s.
Have the drive dynamics across the range been updated? BMW says so. There's a lighter, stiffer structure with a wider rear axle and an almost completely redesigned suspension set-up (double-joint strut front axle suspension and 5-link rear). Adaptive damping continues as an option, but the brand has stopped short of fitting the air suspension and 4-wheel steering systems you'll find in some rivals. It wants these to be the preserve of the larger, more profitable X5. You should also notice more accurate steering, the old dual-pinion rack swapped for a new belt-driven set-up. The maximum permitted trailer load is 2,500 kilograms, depending on the model variant.
Design and Build
Well this is certainly a bolder-looking kind of X3, fully conversant with BMW's latest rather divisive design language. It certainly makes the previous version look rather conservative. And it's bigger too - 34mm longer (at 4,755mm) and 29mm wider (at 1,920mm). Plus (unhelpfully you might think for an SUV) it now sits 25mm lower to emphasise the lower roof and sportier silhouette. There are sleeker LED headlights flanking kidney grilles that can be specified with glowing surrounds. At the rear, there's a more sculpted tailgate and the number plate has been relocated to the bumper. Wheel sizes are between 18 and 21-inches.
The interior is an equally big step forward from the previous generation model, but you won't be surprised by it if you've tried any of the brand's other more recent models. The same large curved screen familiar from those reappears again here, incorporating a 12.3-inch driver's instrument display and a 14.9-inch central touchscreen. The latter runs the brand's latest OS9-generation infotainment system, though it can still be controlled by a rotary knob on the console, above which is an illuminated touch panel. Climate control is now adjusted by the kind of haptic 'Interaction Bar' we've lately seen on 5 and 7 Series models.
The steering wheel and gear selector have both been redesigned as part of the more sustainably-trimmed cabin's more contemporary feel. Interior ambience lighting changes with drive mode and there's the option of an upgraded Harmon Kardon sound system. Rear seat space is much as before - comfortable for a couple of adults but not ideal for three. There's a 20-litre increase in boot capacity though - to 570-litres with conventionally-engined models, extending to 1,700-litres with the seats folded. With the xDrive30e PHEV, the figures fall to 460-litres and 1,600-litres.
Market and Model
Prices open at just under £48,500 for the 20 xDrive: you'll need around £50,000 for the 20d xDrive. There's quite a price jump for the 30e xDrive petrol PHEV - to just over £57,000. And the M50 xDrive requires around £67,000 from you. These prices represent a bit of a step up from before but at least you get more kit for your money.
Standard features across the range include three-zone automatic climate control, acoustic glazing, 'Comfort Access' keyless entry, automatic tailgate operation, an electric folding mechanism for the exterior mirrors, and the 'BMW Live Cockpit Plus' twin-screen cabin set-up, complete with the cloud-based BMW Maps navigation system. BMW also includes ambient lighting featuring a Welcome and Goodbye Animation and a tray including wireless charging function for compatible smartphones.
The optional 'BMW Live Cockpit Professional' package adds a head-up display, and also an Augmented View function in the control display. Other optional equipment packs include the 'Comfort Package' which features lumbar support, a Harman Kardon surround sound system, 'Travel & Comfort System' front seat back attachments and Adaptive LED Headlights. The 'Comfort Plus Package' adds sun blinds for the rear side windows, active seat ventilation in the front and seat heating in the rear. Also found on the options list are a fixed panoramic glass sunroof, steering wheel heating, sun protection glass in the rear and a pre-heating function. The X3 30e xDrive comes with the BMW IconicSounds Electric for special sound effects.
Cost of Ownership
BMW isn't developing any more combustion engines but it's doing its best to improve efficiency on the fossil-fuelled units it already has. The four cylinder 48V mild hybrid petrol engine used by the 20 xDrive model is from the latest generation of BMW Group modular engines and delivers up to 40.9mpg on the combined cycle and up to 156g/km of CO2 emissions. As usual with mild hybrid tech, there's a tiny battery that stores energy from regenerative braking, which is then used to aid acceleration and run the engine stop start system.
The 20d xDrive manages up to 48.7mpg and up to 153g/km. And the 30e xDrive PHEV is rated at up to 313.9mpg and 21g/km, with up to 56 miles of EV range. Unusually, BMW has also given us an mpg figure for this Plug-in Hybrid model when the batteries are depleted: this is 39.2mpg. Its Combined Charging Unit enables AC charging at 11kW as standard. The Plug-in Hybrid model also comes prepared for smart charging with the brand's Connected Home Charging option. Finally, the M50 xDrive is rated at up to 36.7mpg and 175g/km.
On to the warranty package. BMW's warranty only lasts for three years but it includes an Emergency breakdown service and at least it isn't mileage limited - unlike the comparable package you'd get as standard with a rival Audi. You can of course extent the warranty with either monthly or annual payments. There's a three year paintwork warranty and the usual 12 year anti-corrosion warranty.
Summary
BMW has had a lot to do with the rise in popularity of mid-sized premium SUVs, having pioneered this segment back in 2003. Rivals have grabbed the headlines since, but with this fourth generation model, the Bavarians are out to redefine what a car of this kind should be. In many ways, this car does just that. Yes it's true that it doesn't offer much that's radically different to what we've seen before in this class, but everything it does do is so complete and polished that it's hard not to admire the end result.
Probably the most significant thing about this redesigned G45-era model is that it's given the X3 a luxury demeanour it lacked before, both in terms of its streetside presence and its classy cabin. It really is now the junior X5 we were always promised and quite a number of owners of that larger model might well be tempted to downsize into this one. It's also good enough to drive to ensure that up-sizing 3 Series drivers won't feel short-changed. Of course, no BMW X-model will take you very far off road - and this one certainly can't - but it doesn't deliver that kind of capability because it doesn't need to.
In summary, we think that buyers in this sector who can afford the asking price should find that this rejuvenated X3 adds up very nicely indeed. A vehicle this good ought to speak for itself. Try one and we think you'll find that it does.
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