BMW X3

To diversify its range of SUVs already composed of the X5, BMW marketed the X3 in 2004. Smaller than its counterpart since 1999, it is launching the family crossover market. Back in 2024, the X3 is still present with a fourth generation that faces ever fiercer competition.

The look and dimensions of the BMW X3

Compared to the previous generation, the design of the X3 has become considerably more assertive, with taut lines, a piercing look and more imposing bumpers, while the grille (which can be illuminated) is closer to that of the 1 Series. At the rear, the lights are also thinner. To finish with the aesthetics, the handles are now flush, a sign that BMW has worked on the aerodynamics of its SUV. Moreover, the latter is only slightly larger than the old model. It stretches by 4 cm and reaches 4.76 m in length, while the wheelbase remains unchanged at 2.86 m. It is also 1.92 m wide and 1.66 m high.

The interior is up to date by following the trend of the moment. The dashboard of the BMW X3 incorporates the digital instrument cluster widely used in the rest of the range, namely a double panel with a diagonal of 12.3 inches. The latter can be optionally supplemented with a head-up display. Everything is now very clean and modern. The space is sufficient with a boot volume of 570 dm3. In the plug-in hybrid version, the carrying capacity drops to 460 dm3, the battery having to be housed under the boot floor.

The combustion engines of the BMW X3

BMW has cleaned up the engine range of the sixth X3, abandoning the famous letter "i" of unleaded models. The Bavarian SUV is offered with two petrol versions: 20 xDrive with four cylinders with 190 hp and M50 xDrive with its 3.0 six-cylinder engine with 398 hp, both equipped with a 48V micro-hybridisation through an 18 hp electric motor. Diesel is still in order, with a four-cylinder engine with 197 hp (20d). All the engines are combined with the 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and the xDrive all-wheel drive.

The BMW X3 30e plug-in hybrid version

To counter the Audi Q5 TFSI e plug-in hybrid, the X3 is also equipped with this technology. Under the hood is a 2.0 four-cylinder petrol engine with 190 hp coupled to a 184 hp electric motor for a combined power of 299 hp. As for the battery with a capacity of 19.7 kWh, it is supposed to allow the SUV to travel between 81 and 90 km in 100% electric mode. It takes 2 hours and 15 minutes to fill up with electrons on an 11 kW charging station.