New BMW X3 introduced globally with new plug-in hybrid powertrain

The diesel and petrol-powered variants of the new X3 also get a 48V mild-hybrid system

• The X3 model range includes a plug-in hybrid version for the first time.

• The new X3 features a redesigned front grille and a sharper lighting setup.

• Inside, it has a flat-bottom steering wheel and dual curved screens

• Talking about equipment, it gets a 14.9-inch touchscreen, 3-zone AC and ADAS.

• BMW will introduce a more powerful inline-six diesel engine to the X3 lineup in 2025.

• The fourth-generation BMW X3 is expected to arrive in India in late 2024 or early 2025.

• Its price can start from Rs 70 lakh (ex-showroom).

The brand's best-selling vehicle, the BMW X3, was recently introduced in the fourth-generation version worldwide in 2023. While its design has been changed a lot, a plug-in hybrid powertrain option has also been added in the new 30e xDrive trim. The diesel-powered 20d xDrive and the petrol-powered 20 xDrive and M50 xDrive trims now feature a 48V mild-hybrid powertrain. Let's take a look at the 2024 BMW X3 SUV:

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In terms of design, the 2024 BMW X3 features a restructured kidney grille with different inserts depending on the variant chosen. BMW also offers customers an optional illuminated grille (standard on the M50 xDrive trim). The swept-back adaptive matrix LED headlights (with cornering function) have also been redesigned, with new L-shaped LED DRLs that also work as turn indicators.

On the sides, the wheel arches are now more prominent, while the alloy wheels range from 18 to 21 inches depending on the variant selected.

At the rear, it bears the most resemblance to the new BMW XM SUV, thanks to the Y-shaped LED taillights. In the M50 xDrive variant, the fourth-generation X3 gets twin exhaust tips.

The revised dimensions of the new generation BMW X3 are as follows:

Interiors

The new BMW X3 features a flat-bottom steering wheel, a new gear-selector lever and a curved display setup that integrates a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 14.9-inch infotainment system into a single glass pane. What stands out is the use of contrasting-colour ambient lighting elements that form a U-shaped pattern on the door pads and the lower part of the centre console. These lighting elements can also be seen around the door pads and the wireless phone charging dock.

Features and Security

The feature set of the BMW X3 has been slightly improved in its fourth generation, with the addition of 3-zone climate control, powered tailgate and ambient lighting with welcome and goodbye animations. It also gets connected car features. Its equipment set also includes a head-up display, a 15-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. Customers can also opt for a fixed panoramic sunroof and heated steering wheel.

In terms of safety, the SUV comes with a host of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including front collision warning, lane change warning, lane departure warning and park assist with reversing assist as standard.

Engine and Transmission

The plug-in hybrid system in the 30e xDrive gives it an electric-only range of 81-90 km claimed by WLTP and can be charged by an 11 kW AC charger. The entire lineup gets an all-wheel-drive (AWD) drivetrain as standard. BMW has also confirmed that it will introduce a more powerful inline-six diesel engine to the lineup in 2025.

Expected Launch

The fourth-generation BMW X3 is expected to arrive in India in late 2024 or early 2025. Its price may start from Rs 70 lakh (ex-showroom). It will compete with the Mercedes-Benz GLC and Audi Q5.

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Read More: BMW X3 Diesel