All-new BMW X3 now in SE Asia, is PH next?

Several months ago, BMW officially launched the all-new X3. Now on its fourth generation, the sleek crossover SUV trades angular lines for smooth curves and now comes with a plethora of electrified engines.

Fast forward to the end of 2024, the next-generation BMW X3 has made its way to Southeast Asia. Making its regional debut in Thailand, the X3 gets the same exterior and interior design as the one revealed in Europe earlier this year. From the eye-catching LED taillights to the sleek LED headlights, as well as the massive dual kidney grille, the X3 gets a brand-new look indeed.

Size-wise, the all-new X3 measures 4755mm long, 1920mm wide, 1660mm tall, and has a 2865mm wheelbase. It also has a luggage capacity that spans from 570 liters to 1700 liters, depending on the rear seat arrangement.

Under the hood, the Thai-spec BMW X3 is available with a 3.0L six-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine for the X3 M50 xDrive. It generates 380 PS at 5200 – 6250 rpm with 540 Nm of torque between 1900 – 4800 rpm and is assisted by a 48V mild-hybrid system. This gives the X3 M50 xDrive a total system output of 398 PS and 580 Nm of torque. Power is then sent to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. 0 – 100 km/h is easily achieved in 4.6 seconds while top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.

Also available is a 2.0L turbo-diesel engine dubbed the 20d xDrive M Sport. This one makes 197 PS at 4000 rpm with 400 Nm of torque between 1500 - 2750 rpm and is also paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox. It can go from 0 - 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds and hit a top speed of 215 km/h.

When it comes to features, the X3 M50 xDrive for Thailand comes loaded. It gets adaptive LED headlights, an M Sport exterior, a panoramic glass roof, 21-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 255/40 series tires in the front and 285/35 tires in the rear, an illuminated front grille, gloss black exterior trim pieces, and an Adaptive M suspension with electronically adjustable dampers.

Hop inside and the M Sport kit carries over into the cabin, giving the crossover a sportier look. Fine-brushed aluminum accents are placed throughout the cabin which are complemented by piano black trim pieces. Merino leather upholstery comes as standard along with an M Design steering wheel, and Sensastec leather on the dashboard.

Other features such as BMW Live Cockpit Plus, BMW ConnectedDrive, power-adjustable front seats, three-zone automatic climate control, a wireless charging pad, a Harman Kardon sound system, LED ambient lighting, and a 360-degree camera system are also available in the new X3.

Pricing for the all-new BMW X3 will be released soon for the Thai market. But given that The Land of Smiles already has the next-gen X3, perhaps BMW Philippines could launch the fourth-generation X3 sometime next year. Heck, we might even get it with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.