In announcing pricing for its two model lineup, BMW NZ also suggests two sourcing points.

PROVISION of extensive options packs that especially stand to elevate the base car’s sticker price has effected with the next BMW X3, arriving early next year.

As previously indicated, BMW New Zealand is launching only with a base four-cylinder diesel, the 20 xDrive, and a high-powered M50 xDrive six-cylinder petrol flagship.

The brand announced today that these will hold recommended retails of $109,900 and $148,900 respectively.

The cheaper car, though can be further extensively configured with additional kit that comes in specific packages, for extra cost, ultimately around $21,200 if fully taken advantage of.

Some items that add to the diesel’s sticker, such as several metallic paints and a different design of its 21-inch wheel, are no-cost options on the M50. Put a tow bar on either and it’s a $2600 hit.

The radically revised car looks to be set to ultimately arrive from two sourcing points, Spartanburg in South Carolina, the United States, has long been the production hub for almost all X models. However, a plant in Rosslyn, South Africa, also begins production in 2025. It is not clear what variant the latter will produce.

BMW New Zealand had confirmed it’s choices of the radically revised fourth-generation car, announcing them within 24 hours of the car’s international unveil on June 18.

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.

The M50 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 for this market is quoted as 293kW - so, 4kW shy of the Europe-market calibration - 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 145kW/400Nm and emits 153g/km. There will be six-cylinder diesel engine options in time.

On top of those, BMW is producing two more intensified petrol hybrids, but seemingly not for here.

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. This is a $3000 option for the diesel.

Also adding to expensive are some special paint finishes; Tanzanite Blue is $4000 for the entry car, dropping to $2000 (the price it holds for application to the M50) if included with a $6000 enhancement pack that also delivers an alarm, a sunroof and a better sound system.

Frozen Deep Grey is the premium hue; it’s a $6000 cost for the 20 xDrive, or $4k with an Enhancement pack. It’s also $4k for the M50.

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.

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.

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.