Entry four-pot diesel and a high-po six-cylinder petrol will kick off new model’s early 2025 arrival.

POTENTIAL for petrol hybrid editions of the latest BMW X3 reaching here remains uncertain, with the distributor saying that it will launch only with a base four-cylinder diesel and a high-powered six-cylinder petrol flagship.

BMW New Zealand has been quick to confirm an early 2025 national availability of the radically revised fourth-generation car - the new look was only unveiled internationally overnight.

Touted as one of BMW’s most successful models in sales volume, the new model combines an all-new look both inside and out, a high-quality interior with sustainable materials and technology, sharpened chassis dynamics and increased standard specification.

BMW NZ has so far only committed to the X3 20d xDrive and M50 xDrive, with full local specifications and pricing being withheld until next month.

The latter replaces the M40i variant of old and is set to be a performance stand-in until an X3 M arrives.

Under the bonnet is a turbocharged straight six, a 3.0-litre of course, and it’s augmented - like all engines in the X3 - by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Peak power is quoted as 297kW, backed up by 580Nm of torque, enabling a 0-100kmh time of just 4.6 seconds.

The 20d xDrive has an existing twin-turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder. It produces up to 147kW/400Nm and emits 153g/km. There will be six-cylinder diesel engine options in time.

On top of those, BMW is producing two petrol hybrids, but neither has been mentioned in BMW NZ’s information share.

The top choice is a plug-in hybrid version, the X3 30e xDrive, with an official electric range of up to 90 kilometres. Based around a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine, it has peak outputs of 223kW and 450Nm.There’s also an X3 20 xDrive to consider, powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine with mild-hybrid assistance. It has 155kW and 330Nm.

All versions of the X3 come with xDrive four-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The M50 additionally has an electronically-controlled M Sport differential for the rear axle, along with beefed-up suspension and brakes. NZ-market editions take a M Sport Package Pro, which includes M lights Shadowline, M seat belts and M Sport brakes finished in high-gloss red.

BMW has enforced the new car reflects a stronger focus on sustainability than before to reduce its carbon footprint. 

A reduction in ornamentation on the body is not just for a cleaner appearance; it also helps with recycling of the car at the end of its life. 

The interior also steps up on using more recyclable materials. There is no leather in the car as standard and the entry-level upholstery - called Econeer - will be made from ‘recyclable secondary material’. The X3 is also the first BMW that can be fitted with a dashboard made from recycled polyester.

The new two-piece kidney grille features a similar treatment to the recently-unveiled new BMW 1 Series in the use of horizontal and diagonal lines within. NZ has ticked off for the ‘Iconic Glow’ feature that outlines each section of the grille with bright LED light. 

There are several different variations on the internal design of the headlights, but they all use a new L-shaped take on BMW’s characteristic twin-lamp style.

Flush-fitting door handles help give the side profile a clean look, though the X3 does get subtly bulging wings and a rising waistline drawing the eye to the usual ‘Hofmeister kink’ shape of the side glass. 

The surround of the glass is split in two and while it’s all-black on some versions, the lower section has a silver finish on others, matching the style of the door mirrors. Nerd fact: The motif of the front grille repeats in the side sills.

Around the back, the new X3 looks distinctly sportier than before thanks to its curving roofline, smooth roof spoiler, wide and expressive new LED lights and the movement of the number plate to the bumper. The M50 gets visible exhaust outlets.

Although the new X3 sits on the same wheelbase as before, it’s 34mm longer, 29mm wider and 25mm lower, while the front and rear tracks have increased by 16mm and 43mm, respectively. Visually, the result is a more sporting stance.

Because the wheelbase doesn’t alter, there’s little difference between the new and old in terms of passenger space. BMW has lowered the internal floor to ensure that the reduced height of the car doesn’t impinge on headroom, while the boot capacity has increased a little across the board. The variants heading here accommodate up to 570 litres with the rear seats in use, rising to 1700 litres with them folded. The PHEV and mild hybrid have reduced capacity.

While the X3 adopts the now-familiar wide-double-screen layout of all BMW dashboards, it gets plenty of its own touches, plus the ‘Interaction’ bar concept previously seen in the 7 Series and 5 Series.

Regular models feature a two-spoke steering wheel with a thick rim, similar to that first seen in the BMW iX, while M Sport treated cars take a sportier flat-bottomed design.