Cheaper X3 to arrive next year

BMW has launched its all-new X3 in Australia this week, but the redesigned mid-size prestige SUV arrives without an entry-level manual or two-wheel drive variant.

Priced from $68,900 plus on-road costs, the all-automatic all-wheel drive X3 line-up starts with the xDrive20d. The 2.0-litre diesel-powered model arrives $5000 dearer than the X3’s previous price leader, the petrol xDrive20i, and more than $1000 pricier than the diesel model it replaces.

BMW cites supply constraints as the reason behind the new X3’s high-spec introduction, but says it will add a more affordable price-leader to the range from March next year.

“We’ve got different variants coming,” explained BMW Australia head of product and market planning, Brendan Michel. “At the moment we’re launching [the X3] without a 20i. We’re going to be getting that in the first-quarter of next year, so we’ll have four variants by the end of March.

“The reason it’s taken so long is because of the ramping-up of production – but that is also is a good thing because you get to highlight the vehicle again; and from a customer perspective, it’s about having the awareness that a new model is here,” he added.

Michel said BMW Australia wouldn’t be missed from launch because, as is the case with other BMW models and the previous X3, most buyers tend to want mid- and high-spec grades.

“If you look at what we did on the F25-series [X3], 50 to 60 per cent of sales were the xDrive20d, even though we have the 20i,” he emphasised.

“I think the way we structure our line-up means the value and the extra spec on the next level up means a lot of customers tend to go for that level.”

It’s expected the sDrive20i (a rear-wheel drive 2.0-litre turbo-petrol model) will be priced close to its predecessor, which retailed from $63,800 plus ORCs – undercutting chief rivals like the Audi Q5 (from $65,900) and Mercedes-Benz GLC (from $67,500).

Full specifications have not yet been detailed, however, motoring.com.au understands the base variant will output 135kW/270Nm - the same as its predecessor.

For now, the X3 line-up begins with the xDrive20d, an all-wheel drive 2.0-litre turbo-diesel making 140kW/400Nm and consuming 5.7L/100km.

It is topped by the mid-grade petrol-powered X3 xDrive30i ($75,900 plus ORCs) developing 185kW/350Nm (7.6L/100km) and the X3 xDrive30d ($83,900 plus ORCs) which makes 195kW/620Nm (6.0L/100km) -- 5kW/60Nm more than the outgoing namesake.

A high-performance 265kW/500Nm ‘M’ version of the X3 dubbed M40i will join the range towards the middle of 2018.

With a 0-100km/h time of just 4.8sec, it will take on the likes of Audi’s SQ5, the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 and even Porsche’s sizzling Macan S.

Increased aluminium componentry, particularly in the engine and suspension, and aluminium front doors and bonnet have reduced the X3’s kerb weight (1715-1820kg) by as much as 55kg – and this despite an increase in overall size.

The X3 now measures 4708mm long (+51mm), 1891mm wide (+10mm), 1676mm tall (+15mm) and rides on a 2864mm wheelbase (+54mm), making it larger than the original X5.

In spite of the increases, cargo capacity remains unchanged at 550-1600 litres. A 40:20:40-split folding rear seat is standard.

The boot is accessed via a now-standard electric tailgate with concealed struts. There are, however, small gains in cabin space with front headroom growing by 12mm.

Styled by Australian designer, Calvin Luk, the new X3 sports an active three-dimensional double kidney grille that sits proud of standard LED headlights (adaptive on 30i/30d).

The bumper aids a coefficient of drag as low as 0.29Cd while short overhangs, and a strong shoulder-line, move to accentuate larger wheel-arch openings over bigger 19- and 20-inch alloy wheels (all with run-flat tyres).

At the rear, the X3 features a wider rear window to improve outward visibility, the horizontally-themed styling of the bumper and sheet-metal topped with L-shaped LED tail-lights.

BMW says the X3’s interior was sculpted to maintain interior space and comfort without compromising oddment storage. It takes design cues from the recently-released 5 Series luxury sedan, and mixes what BMW says are “sophisticated surfaces” with galvanised trim garnishes (on 30i/30d variants). Up to three leather upholstery combinations are available.

Standard equipment for the X3 xDrive20d includes BMW’s xLine exterior trim with 19-inch alloys, driving assistant with lane-departure warning, electric sport seats trimmed in combination cloth and leather, folding mirrors, head-up display, navigation with real-time traffic and speed limit information, parking sensors front/rear, reversing camera, roof rails and wireless phone charging. It also includes a 6.5-inch infotainment array with digital radio.

Higher grade X3 xDrive30i and 30d models add 20-inch alloys, BMW’s Comfort Access system (keyless entry), Driving Assistant Plus, high-beam assist, leather upholstery, Parking Assistant Plus and transmission shift paddles. The infotainment array steps up to a 10.0-inch display, while the instrument panel becomes a 12.0-inch digital screen (in place of analogue gauges).

“This third-generation BMW X3 sets a new bar in the medium SAV [SUV] segment,” said BMW Group Australia CEO, Marc Werner.

“With an intelligent lightweight design, leading-edge infotainment systems and a spacious, family-friendly cabin environment, we expect the BMW X3 to be at the forefront of our brand for many years.”

All BMW passenger vehicles come with a three-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and condition-based servicing schedule.

The BMW X3 has found more than 1.5 million homes globally since its original debut in 2003. Locally, and in spite of its age, it continues to sell well, ranking third in its sales segment behind the Land Rover’s Discovery Sport and the GLC so far this year.

2017 BMW X3 pricing (plus ORCs):
xDrive20d – $68,900 (+$1100)
xDrive30i – $75,900 (new model)
xDrive30d – $83,900 (+$2900)

2017 BMW X3 key option package pricing:
M Sport Package – $4550 (20d), $3800 (30i/30d)
Innovations Package – $2500 (20d only)
Exclusive Package – $3800 (all variants)
Rear Comfort Package – $1820 (all variants)