It doesn’t just put ‘SPORT’ in ‘sport utility vehicle,’ it puts it in all-caps
BMW wasn’t always a mainstream brand. Back in the 60s and 70s, they were known more for sporty coupes like the 1600, 2002, and the first-generation 3 Series (E21). That all changed when the magicians from Munich made the second-gen 3 Series (E30) available as a four-door sedan in the mid-80s. Sales of the propeller brand skyrocketed. People simply wanted the Bavarian brand’s legendary driving dynamics, but in a more versatile four-door form.
Fast forward two decades—when the shift from sedans to SUVs began—and BMW launches the SUV equivalent of the 3 Series, the X3. It was, quite literally, a 3 Series sedan in fine-handling SUV form. 
And now, another two decades later, BMW has launched its all-new fourth-generation X3 (G45). And it’s now available at your local BMW dealer.
The biggest news is that, while there is only one variant of the G45 available locally (for now), it’s the have-your-cake-and-eat-it-too plug-in hybrid version—the P4,790,000 X3 30e xDrive M Sport.
I call it that because this particular X3 delivers the best of both worlds—quintessential BMW driving dynamics with amazing fuel economy and driving range (on a full tank and a full charge).
More than that, this latest X3 looks absolutely stunning and while having grown bigger than ever (BMW now classifies it as a midsize SUV; roughly the same size as the first-gen X5), it beautifully retains the sublime handling that has set BMW apart for over a century.
The latest X3 has an almost monolithic appearance with distinctive BMW X model proportions. Smooth and miniumalist surfaces combine with crisply defined lines to present a truly cutting-edge design perfectly in tune in this age of AI.
The large BMW kidney grille in the upright front end gives off an air of assured presence. A new structure for the grille interior, comprising vertically and diagonally arranged bars, adds a fresh touch. The BMW Iconic Glow contour lighting forms a continuous line around each element of the grille. The daytime driving lights, side lights and turn signal indicators in the LED headlights are now all produced by L-shaped, overlapping light sources.
Bold side skirts and a roofline extending deep into the rear are the distinguishing features of the new model’s sporty silhouette. Prominently flared wheel arches create the impression of considerable width at the rear. The flush-mounted rear window is bordered by a long roof spoiler and the adjoining side air deflectors. The new X3 features tailpipes integrated out of sight in the rear apron. The fresh interpretation of the characteristic T-shaped graphic and a satin horizontal bar with integral turn signal indicators help to give the rear lights a very modern look.
The new X3 comes in seven colors: the new Dune Grey metallic, Arctic Race Blue metallic, Sophisto Grey metallic, Black Sapphire metallic, Alpine White, and M-specific colors M Brooklyn Grey metallic and M Fire Red metallic.
The M Sport package creates an exceptionally dynamic look with features such as 20-inch M light-alloy wheels with M Sport brakes and blue-painted calipers and bespoke functional design cues for optimizing airflow and aerodynamic balance.
Inside, the very sporty cabin you’ll find robust SUV functionality with ample spaciousness and a premium ambience. The new BMW X3 comes newly designed power-adjustable and heated sport seats upholstered in M Veganza and Alcantara, with surfaces and cushioning made from secondary material.
The BMW Widescreen Display, BMW Interaction Bar, flat-bottom steering wheel and the new-look gear selector lever are the defining elements of BMW’s driver-focused design. Other model-specific highlights include light elements in a contrasting color in the center console and door trims. This distinctive new design feature is located towards the front of the driver’s and front passenger doors, where it forms a border around function buttons, ventilation controllers, air vents and the robust door openers typically found on BMW X models. The rear cargo area space can be increased from 460 liters with the rear seatbacks up to a maximum of 1,600 liters with the rear seatbacks folded down.
Of course, the defining aspect of every car with “Motor” as its middle name is found under the hood. The BMW X3 30e xDrive M Sport is powered by the award-winning B48 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine partnered with an electric motor. These join forces to generate system output of 299hp and 450Nm. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 215 km/h.
Aided by the latest-gen BMW eDrive technology and adaptive recuperation, the all-new X3 30e xDrive M Sport can travel up to 90 kilometers on pure electric mode (in the WLTP cycle). Its Combined Charging Unit enables AC charging at 11 kW as standard. BMW claims a combined (city/highway) fuel consumption of 7.0 liters per 100 kilometers (approx. 12.6 km/l).
The powertrain links up with an 8-speed Steptronic gearbox with shift paddles on the steering wheel. There is also a Sport Boost function for exceptionally rapid bursts of speed. The new X3 also benefits from fully variable distribution of drive power via the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system.
As expected, the new X3 offers across-the-board improvements over its predecessor in agility, cornering stability and long-distance comfort. Lower weight, increased rigidity, and a wider rear track all play a role here, as do the high-quality chassis components and control systems tuned for this specific model. Modifications to the kinematic and elastokinematic properties of the double-joint spring strut front axle and five-link rear axle have increased precision when turning into corners, while the 19-percent increase in the caster offset of the steering axle is a boon for straight-line stability. The variant also comes with adaptive suspension, which sharpens agility while increasing ride comfort.
The new X3 easily keeps up in this age of ADAS, offering a far more extensive range of systems for semi-automated driving and parking. It’s equipped with Front Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning and Speed Limit Info, along with the Driving Assistant including Lane Change Warning and manual Speed Limit Assist. The Parking Assistant Plus incorporates features such as the Reversing Assistant and a 360-Degree Assist Camera.
Among the highlights on the list of systems are the Steering and Lane Control Assistant, as well as automatic Speed Limit Assist and route speed control when using Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function.
The new X3’s more generous equipment set includes three-zone automatic climate control, acoustic glazing, Comfort Access, automatic tailgate operation, electric folding side mirrors, an alarm system, ambient lighting featuring Welcome and Goodbye Animation, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, a tray including wireless smartphone charging, a Bluetooth interface, four USB-C ports, a 12V power socket in the center console, and another in the luggage compartment.
The BMW Live Cockpit Professional, complete with the cloud-based BMW Maps navigation system, adds not only the BMW Head-Up Display, but also the Augmented View function in the control display. The Premium Package features lumbar support, a Harman Kardon surround sound system, the Travel & Comfort System, LED Headlights, and sun blinds for the rear side windows. The X3 30e xDrive M Sport comes with the BMW IconicSounds Electric for special sound effects.
The new X3 comes with the latest version of BMW iDrive with QuickSelect for intuitive, easy control. Its new home screen shows vertically arranged function icons on the same level. The QuickSelect feature allows functions to be activated directly without having to enter a submenu. The new BMW iDrive, which is based on BMW Operating System 9, is geared squarely to touch and voice control, while the BMW ID and My BMW App make it easy to personalize the user experience.
The all-new BMW X3 30e xDrive M Sport comes with a portable flexi charger, a 5-year comprehensive BMW warranty (or 200,000 kms., whichever comes first), and an 8-year warranty for the electric battery (or 120,000 kms., whichever comes first).
Know more about the all-new BMW X3 30e xDrive M Sport at www.bmw.com.ph/models/new-bmw-x3/ or follow BMW’s social media channels.
