2025 BMW X3 (G45) REVEALED.

 The German car manufacturer, BMW, has taken the covers off the fourth generation of their X3 Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) for the 2025 model year. Yes, BMW somehow calls all their SUVs "SAVs" unlike most other manufacturers. The newcomer hosts a lot of intensive changes, both in the interior and on the exterior.

 First off, from the front, the new X3 features entirely new headlights hosting a new style for the daytime running lights which divert from the usual BMW "angel lights" that have gradually changed over the years. These new ones are designed to a double "L" shape with two in each light cluster. The lights themselves are adaptive LEDs with matrix high beams which as we know by the matrix light technology, are supposed to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers by blanking out part of their beam. In between those headlights is the ever-increasing in size, BMW kidney grille. It has gotten so big compared to the predecessor that even BWM themselves describes it as "The large BMW kidney grille".  You will definitely feel it's presence as the grille is also illuminated. Something that is becoming common with manufacturers these days.

Moving on to the side, the new X3 maintains a silhouette similar to that of the previous generation BMW X3, new wheel designs are introduced and buyers can now get 21 inch wheels on the X3. The standard X3 variants will get 18 inch wheels as standard but buyers will have the option to go with bigger wheel sizes with 19 inch and 20 inch wheels.

The same could be said for the rear but there seems to be a lot of "blank space" on the tailgate because of the rather minimalistic design with very few body lines.  The taillights feature a T-shape graphic similar to the predecessor's. Additionally, BMW has this time around deviated from their tradition when it comes to exhaust tailpipes, for all models with the exception of the X3 M50, the tailpipes are hidden away behind the rear apron. There is no fake tailpipe outlets integrated into the rear apron, or an imitation of exhaust tailpipes if you prefer. The X3 M50 is treated to four exhaust tailpipes, as is the expectation of any performance vehicle these days.

The difference between the two trims is quite extreme, one could assume that the X3 M50 is full blown BMW M model.

Getting inside, the fourth generation BMW X3 hosts a new interior design in line with the car maker's current design language. The newcomer features the 27.2 inch BMW Curved Display housing the brand's operating system 9. The latest version of BMW's iDrive infotainment system. The huge screen is into two parts, 12.3 inch display for the driver and 14.9 for the central display. A new steering wheel design is introduced with both the standard variants and the M50 variant spotting a flat bottom steering wheel, though the M50 gets a much sportier looking steering wheel in line with the car's position in the X3 lineup. The infotainment system comes with Apple Car Play and Android Auto as standard and buyers can also personalize their X3 with the BMW ID and the My BMW App to their prefered user experience, the system can be used either by touch or by voice controls. A host of other features like the Driving & Parking Assistance, Lane Departure warning, electrically adjustable and heated sport seats, ambient lighting, wireless charging, 4 USB-C pots, two 12V socket and a whole lot more features.

Pictures used for this article are of the X3 M50.

Moving on to the powertrains, the G45 BMW X3 is offered with four (4) engine options being, the X3 20 xDrive, X3 20d xDrive and the range topping X3 M50. All variants are equipped with the 8-Speed steptronic automatic transmission and 48V mild-hybrid system for increased power output. Specifications for the powertrain offerings are as follows:

X3 20 xDrive:  2.0L 4-Cylinder turbo petrol with a total system output of 153 kW/208 hp and 330 Nm of torque. A 0-100 km/h sprint can be achieved in 7.8 seconds and the combined fuel consumption is claimed at 6.9L-7.6L/100km.

X3 20d xDrive:  2.0L 4-Cylinder turbodiesel engine with a total system output of 145 kW/197 hp and 400 Nm of torque. A 0-100 km/h sprint can be achieved in 7.7 seconds and the combined fuel consumption is claimed at 5.8L-6.5L/100km.

X3 M50 xDrive:  3.0L 6-Cylinder turbo petrol engine with an total system output of 293 kW/398 hp and 580 Nm of torque. A 0-100 km/h sprint will be achieved quicker with the M50 in just 4.6 seconds. The combined fuel consumption is claimed at 7.7L-8.3L/100km. 

Additionally to the internal combustion options, a plug-in hybrid X3 30e xDrive is available which makes use of a 2.0L 4-Cylinder working with a 19.7 kWh electric motor which is integrated into the 8-speed steptronic automatic transmission. The total system output is rated at 220 kW/299 hp and 450 Nm of torque and it will have an electric-only range of about 81-90 kilometers. AC Charging at 11 kW comes as standard on the 30e xDrive trim.

Also note, a 6-Cylinder diesel engine will be introduced next year to the X3 lineup. 

The new BMW X3 SAV will be built at the BMW Group Plant Spartanburg (USA) and Plant Rosslyn (South Africa) and the market launch will be in the fourth quarter of 2024 in Europe and USA with other markets following later next year January 2025.

Pictures sourced from: BMW Media.

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Written By: Khumo Kgologolo.

#BMW #BMWX3 #BMWX