HomeNewsX Marks The Spot: The All-New BMW X3 Is Here

X Marks The Spot: The All-New BMW X3 Is Here

Is there a new BMW SUV?

You’re right! Earlier today, BMW Malaysia launched the all-new third generation BMW X3 in Malaysia! The X3 has been following a seven-year product life cycle, with the previous generation F25 introduced way back in 2010. The model code for this all-new X3 is designated G01.

 

What’s special about the new X3?

As of launch, the new X3 is available in one variant, the X3 xDrive30i Luxury. The new X3 is also the first to be locally assembled. Of course there are many other things the new car has to offer compared to the previous gen – from design cues, size, coefficient, quality and technology, the new X3 is undoubtedly better.

 

How is the new design compared to the previous?

Watch the video below for a quick all-round comparison of the old versus new X3.

 

In essence, the new design is bolder at the front, with a larger three-dimensional kidney grille, while the rear is inherently sharper with the new three-dimensional lamps with full-LED units to give a signature look both at day and night.

 

Is the new X3 larger than the predecessor?

Yes it is! The size isn’t just a design trickery. The new X3 is 60 mm longer, 10 mm wider and 2 mm shorter than before. Thanks to the increase of 54 mm for the wheelbase, the interior rear passengers should be roomier. Yet, with the increased size, BMW has managed to reduce the weight up to 55 kg lighter than the previous and improve the aerodynamic coefficient to just 0.29 Cd. In comparison, the Porsche Macan has a 0.35 Cd.

 

What’s the power like on this X3?

The local variant features a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder BMW TwinPower Turbo engine outputting 252 hp and 350 Nm of torque paired to an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission. Century sprint is a mere 6.3-seconds. How fast is that? Well, the current Volkswagen Golf GTI’s century sprint is 6.4-seconds. In short, the new X3 has a century sprint time comparable to that of a hot hatch.

 

What is xDrive?

It is BMW’s intelligent all-wheel drive system. According to driving conditions, the xDrive system is able to detect and send full power to either the front or rear axle of the car. Together with Automatic Differential Brake, the system can also brake the slipping wheel to send power to the opposite wheel for optimum traction and power. Together with a 50:50 weight distribution, the new X3 is a joy to drive.

 

Can the new X3 go through terrain and flood or is it just for show?

The X3 isn’t just an SUV for urbanites, as with the brand’s other X cars with the xDrive system. While we don’t think most new X3 owners will try to conquer the jungle with their cars, the new X3’s water wading level of 500 mm and decent entry and departure angles should be good enough for the occasional floods faced by those in the Klang Valley.

 

Interior?

The quality has certainly improved, in line with BMW’s direction for their latest range of cars. Designers have offered more storage space than before while maintaining a similar layout across the brand’s new cars.

 

You have exclusive BMW X embossing on the B-pillar and the front door and dashboard end, Leather Vernasca with contrast stitching sports seat with an eye-catching shoulder section, a free standing centre display, Dark Oak fine wood interior trim with Pearl Chrome accents; and at dusk, six-ambient light colour tones for mood lighting.

 

It is quite practical too, the rear cargo is 550-litres expandable to 1,600-litres through the 40:20:40 folding rear seats. Oh and there’s the Comfort Access for you to operate the tailgate without your hands.

 

Features and technology?

For the driver, the new Multifunction instrument display with Black Panel technology has different colour schemes and graphic styles according to driving modes, and is also capable of showcasing information like navigation.

As for the 10.25-inch free-standing Central Information Display, the unit is touch based, housing all the vehicle’s infotainment system and data on top of BMW’s ConnectedDrive.

 

Rear camera is in-built, with a Parking Assistant for automatic parking into parallel and perpendicular parking spaces.

 

When can I view it at showrooms?

The new X3 will be available at all BMW dealerships nationwide from 25th April 2018, with deliveries commencing in July 2018. Colours for the X3 is Terra Brown, Black Sapphire, Glacier Silver and Alpine White paired to either a Leather Vernasca Black or Mokka interior.

 

What does ownership provide?

The new X3 has BMW’s 5-year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Program, a 24-month Tyre Warranty Program for the Run Flat Tyre offering and services, BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline, BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App and BMW White Card and BMW Service Online.

 

What is the price?

The BMW X3 xDrive30i is priced at RM 320,000 on the road without insurance.

 

Have you checked out the first-ever BMW X2? Click here to find out more!

 

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