The New BMW X3: A Rebooted Classic with Edge

Two decades ago, BMW cracked the code for the “everyday SUV” with the first X3. It was sporty but practical, premium but approachable, and—over time—it became a global favorite. Fast forward 20 years, and the best-selling BMW of 2023 is back with its fourth-generation makeover, sharper than ever. The 2024 BMW X3 isn’t just an update; it’s a full-blown reboot.

Think of it as the multitasker of the premium midsize segment: weekday city runs, weekend escapes, long-haul road trips—it’s designed to handle all of it, and look good doing so. This is BMW doubling down on its Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) DNA, while injecting more muscle, digital intelligence, and design drama than any of its predecessors.

Exterior: Clean, Bold, Unapologetic

The new X3 arrives leaner, longer, and wider, yet somehow manages to look even sportier. At 4,755 mm long and 1,920 mm wide, with a slightly lower stance than before, it has a monolithic presence—big surfaces, minimal fuss, and lines that look carved rather than drawn.

Up front, the signature kidney grille has been re-engineered with diagonal and vertical bars, and if you’re the type who wants your SUV to make an entrance, the optional Iconic Glow lighting frames the grille with a luminous outline. The LED headlights have also leveled up, now sleeker with overlapping L-shaped light signatures, with adaptive versions available if you want extra tech under the hood (think cornering lights, urban modes, and non-dazzling high beams).

The rear gets the modern T-shaped treatment, with slim horizontal bars and flush-mounted glass that ties into a longer roof spoiler. Exhaust tips are hidden for most models, keeping it clean—except for the performance-focused X3 M50 xDrive, which flaunts its quartet of tailpipes proudly.

You also get choices—lots of them. From the all-new Dune Grey metallic to over 15 BMW Individual shades, including matte Frozen finishes, this X3 doesn’t just fit into your lifestyle; it can match your moodboard. Wheels start at 18 inches (19 on the plug-in hybrid), but BMW knows you’ll probably eye the 20s or 21s. And if you’re feeling bold, the M Sport and M Sport Pro packages sharpen the aerodynamics and styling even further.

Inside: Space Meets Tech

The cabin has been designed to balance utility with an upscale, future-facing feel. BMW’s new Curved Display and Interaction Bar dominate the dashboard, alongside a reimagined gear selector and flat-bottom steering wheel. It’s sleek, but still driver-centric, with those classic BMW ergonomics intact.

Space is generous, too: 570 liters of cargo capacity that stretches up to 1,700 liters if you drop the rear seats. The plug-in hybrid trims down slightly, but still leaves you plenty of room for the gear you’ll inevitably haul. And if towing is your thing, this SUV can handle up to 2,500 kg.

Sustainability sneaks in through the materials: seats upholstered in Econeer (a textile made from secondary material) come standard, while Veganza and Merino leather are optional. A new “Luxury” instrument panel made from recycled polyester with a knitted finish makes its debut—proof that premium doesn’t have to mean wasteful.

Powertrain: Hybrid Brains, Performance Brawn

BMW is offering variety here, starting with petrol and diesel engines enhanced with 48V mild hybrid tech, and topping out with two headline models:

• The X3 30e xDrive Plug-In Hybrid: A 2.0L four-cylinder paired with an electric motor delivers up to 299 hp and an electric range of 81–90 km in WLTP testing. That’s nearly double the range of the outgoing hybrid model. AC charging is 11 kW as standard, and it’s smart charging-ready if you want to plug into BMW’s Connected Home setup.

• The X3 M50 xDrive M Performance: This is the wild one—fitted with a 3.0L six-cylinder M TwinPower Turbo engine and 48V mild hybrid system, pushing 398 hp. Zero to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds makes it the most powerful X3 yet. It comes with the expected performance gear—M suspension, variable sport steering, M Sport brakes, and a differential tuned for agility and grip. Oh, and those four tailpipes aren’t just for show.

For the everyday driver, the standard petrol and diesel engines are no slouches either, offering up to 208 hp (petrol) and 197 hp (diesel). A six-cylinder diesel joins the lineup in 2025 for those craving more torque.

Ride and Safety: Smarter and Sharper

BMW didn’t just add power—it refined the way the X3 drives. The chassis has been stiffened but made lighter, steering precision has been improved, and the wider track means better stability. Add adaptive suspension or the M Sport setup, and you’re looking at a ride that’s agile on winding roads but still comfortable over long distances.

Safety and convenience tech are plentiful: the X3 comes standard with Driving Assistant, front collision warning, lane departure alerts, and Parking Assistant (complete with reversing camera and the nifty Reversing Assistant, which remembers your last 50 meters and can retrace it automatically). Higher trims unlock semi-automated driving features, including remote-controlled parking via smartphone.

Digital Life: Operating System 9 Takes Over

Inside, the new iDrive system with QuickSelect runs on BMW Operating System 9, designed for intuitive touch and voice control. A vertical icon layout simplifies navigation, while optional BMW Digital Premium brings video streaming (yes, Netflix in your SUV), in-car gaming via AirConsole, and even “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” for when you’re waiting in the car.

Add the BMW ID and My BMW App, and you can personalize everything—from digital keys on your phone or Apple Watch to remote updates.

Built for the Next Chapter

Production for the new BMW X3 is happening in Spartanburg, USA, and Rosslyn, South Africa, with an eye on circularity and resource-conscious manufacturing. Launch begins in Europe and the US in late 2024, with other markets—including Asia—following in January 2025.

The takeaway? BMW hasn’t just refreshed the X3; it’s redefined it. It’s cleaner, smarter, and faster—without losing the versatility that made it a hit in the first place. The X3 started the SAV game 20 years ago, and if this reboot is anything to go by, it’s still the one setting the rules.