BMW’s fourth iteration of mid-sized SUV gains razor-sharp styling, improved efficiency, and tech lifted from the firm’s flagship models. But where has the all-electric
iX3 gone?
Don’t panic! It’s not what it sounds like… It’s true, the iX3 has been canned (for now), but a new all-electric X3 equivalent is on the way. Unlike the outgoing car which was rather hurriedly spun off the same platform as its ICE stablemates to meet market demands, the new one has been designed from the ground up as a dedicated electric 4x4.
While you’ll need to wait until next year for your first glimpse of that — as yet unnamed — electric X3, there’s plenty to talk about in the updated “regular” X3 range. In lieu of a pure EV option, BMW has ensured customers aren’t lacking choice in the powertrain department.
Powertrains
In the UK things kick-off with the 208-hp, 2.0-litre mild hybrid petrol (20 xDrive). Scholars of BMW’s often puzzling nomenclature will notice that the ‘i’ has been dropped from the badge — a company-wide decision to reserve the letter for electric offerings — and even the base model now gets the firm’s ingenious xDrive all-wheel-drive as standard. As we recently experienced in
hostile arctic conditions, that’s an addition you’ll be thankful for when the going gets slippery.
Image credit: BMW
Despite ditching diesel for its latest 1 series, BMW has given the fuel a stay of execution here in the X3. Granted, the wonderfully versatile six-pot diesel won’t arrive until next year, but a 197-bhp four-cylinder 20d should be plenty for most in the meantime. Offering 48 mpg and a 7.7 second 0-62 mph dash (marginally quicker than the comparable petrol), we think the 20d will continue to sell well in the UK.
Moving up the pecking order, the new X3 30e xDrive plug-in hybrid offers a significantly improved electric driving range of between 50-56 miles – no doubt aided by a reduction in rolling resistance from standard
Continental Eco Contact 6Q tyres. And, with 299 bhp on tap, performance should be spritelier than in the ICE-only models.
That is, with the exception of the range-topping M Performance variant. Pumping out 398 bhp from a 3.0-litre twin-turbo six-cylinder petrol, the M50 xDrive is the X3 for petrolheads and driving enthusiasts. Bespoke chassis and braking technology have also been incorporated to ensure that grunt is deployed more effectively. M Sport suspension with electronically controlled dampers, variable sport steering, M Sport brakes, and an M Sport differential all come as standard here.
Image credit: BMW