First Look: BMW X3 Gets a Makeover with Hybrid Power and Bold Design

BMW X3 full change revealed
Eye-catching significant changes starting from the exterior
The price starts at $50,675 

BMW is ramping up its market presence by unveiling the redesigned compact SUV, the X3. As a full-change model, significant updates have been made across the board. These include a revamped exterior design, updated interior infotainment systems, and a new hybrid powertrain, marking considerable improvements over the previous versions.

Specifically, the exterior of the BMW X3 features a notable change in the shape of the iconic kidney grille, a long-standing hallmark of BMW’s front design. The grille has been enlarged, and a new pattern has been applied, significantly altering its overall impression. However, consumer reactions to these changes have been mixed so far.

Kidney Grille Gets Bigger with New Diagonal Pattern

The newly applied headlamp box’s design stabs sharply toward both sides. Inside, an L-shaped lamp is applied. This lamp functions as a daytime running light and a turn signal light. What is different from before is that the end line of the headlamp box touches the central grille.

The larger grille’s pattern is divided into designs depending on specifications. The 30 xDrive is equipped with a diagonal and horizontal grille pattern. On the other hand, in the case of the M50 xDrive, a ㄷ shaped pattern is applied to emphasize the horizontal design further. The entire surface of the grille is covered with black garnish, and air curtains on both sides create a sleek look. A chrome line was placed as a point around the grille.

The New Hybrid System generates Up to 255 Horsepower

On the side, the BMW X3 features a door handle with a smooth inner finish. A character line begins at the front wheel arch and stretches upward toward the rear, enhancing the vehicle’s sense of elongated straightness. The line of the window belt also rises progressively, creating a sharp and dynamic look as it extends to the rear.

The X3 trim is available in two specifications: 30 xDrive and M50 xDrive. The 30 xDrive has a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine and operates as a 48V mild hybrid system. This generates a maximum output of 255 horsepower and a maximum torque of 40.79 kgf.m. It features higher output than before through the hybrid system.

Curved Display and New Steering Wheel Applied in the Interior

The M50 xDrive has a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine with a 48V mild hybrid system. It produces a maximum output of 393 horsepower and a maximum torque of 59.17 kgf.m. Both trims have an 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission and operate with four-wheel drive. In the case of the M50 xDirve, specifications that emphasize high performance are applied, such as M-specific kidney grille and illuminated grille, adaptive M sports suspension, M sports brakes, M-specific 20-inch alloy wheels, M sports rear differential, and quad exhaust pipes.

A curved display with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 14.9-inch display is applied for the interior. The iDrive 9 infotainment system was applied here to improve the convenience of operation. In addition, the new steering wheel with a D-cut at the bottom, a toggle-type gear selector, a spacious dashboard, and a simple layout with minimal buttons stand out. In terms of price, the entry-level trim, X3 30 xDirve, starts at $50,675. The cost of the X3 M50 xDrive is $65,275. They were increased by $780 and $2,380 respectively from the price of previous ones.