BMW Thailand recently hosted an exclusive driving experience event for media, showcasing the fourth-generation BMW X3. This luxury SUV combines M Performance sportiness with powerful performance and refined luxury. The event took journalists on a scenic drive from Bangkok to Chonburi, where they put the X3 through its paces on various terrains, including off-road trails and rugged mining roads.
Performance and Design
The new BMW X3 boasts a sportier design with a larger body (47mm longer, 29mm wider, and 16mm lower) and a wider wheelbase. The front features a large kidney grille with BMW Iconic Glow surround lighting, paired with adaptive LED matrix high beams and L-shaped daytime running lights. The sides are accentuated with sporty skirts and large wheel arches, while the rear has a wide stance with a spoiler and wind deflectors. The X3 xDrive20d M Sport Pro comes with 20-inch M Double spoke alloy wheels, while the X3 M50 xDrive features 21-inch M Star spoke wheels and dual exhaust outlets.
Inside, the X3 offers a spacious SAV-style cabin with a curved BMW Curved Display, BMW Interaction Bar, sporty steering wheel, and new gear selector. The seats are electrically adjustable with sporty styling, upholstered in Veganza material on the xDrive20d and BMW Individual Merino leather on the M50 xDrive. The X3 provides ample storage space, with a maximum capacity of 1,700 liters.
Powertrain and Technology
The BMW X3 xDrive20d M Sport Pro is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine producing 197 horsepower, accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 7.7 seconds. The X3 M50 xDrive features a 3.0-liter six-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine with 398 horsepower, reaching 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds. Both models come with a 48V mild hybrid system and 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, paired with xDrive all-wheel drive and Sport Boost mode for enhanced responsiveness.
The M50 xDrive also features Adaptive M suspension and M Sport brakes, providing agile handling and stability during cornering. Advanced driver assistance systems include Driving Assistant Plus (xDrive20d) and Driving Assistant Professional (M50 xDrive), along with Parking Assistant Plus and a rearview camera as standard.
Comfort and Infotainment
The new BMW X3 is packed with features like three-zone climate control, soundproof glazing, Comfort Access, and automatic tailgate operation. The BMW Live Cockpit Professional system delivers a premium driving experience.
Pricing and Availability
The BMW X3 xDrive20d M Sport Pro is priced at $104,100, while the X3 M50 xDrive starts at $123,400. Available colors include Alpine White, Black Sapphire Metallic, Brooklyn Grey Metallic, Tanzanite Blue Metallic, and the exclusive Dune Grey Metallic for the M50 xDrive.