On June 19, the all-new BMW X3 made its global debut. As one of the most successful models in the BMW X family, the BMW X3 first appeared worldwide twenty-one years ago, creating the luxury mid-size sport utility vehicle segment. Now, the fourth generation BMW X3 has been fully upgraded, with more space, sportiness, and luxury than its predecessor, becoming a reliable companion for anyone with an adventurous spirit and a love for family life.
The first generation BMW X3 made its debut at the 2003 Frankfurt International Motor Show and became the first BMW X model to feature the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system. Since its launch, the BMW X3 has gained the trust of over 3.5 million users worldwide, dominating the sales in its segment for the past two decades. China is the largest single market for the BMW X3 globally, with the fuel and electric versions of the third generation X3 accounting for 43% of total sales in the Chinese market. In China, the BMW X3 remains the best-selling BMW SUV, with a total of 156,000 units sold last year, representing nearly 40% of the total sales of the BMW X family in China. Mr. Hoytonk, Senior Vice President of Design at BMW Group, said, “BMW is an innovator and leader in technology and design. Design represents the spirit of innovation, which is not fanciful, but a fusion of BMW’s century-old philosophy and the present era, a fusion of modern design and historical heritage. In the future, BMW’s design will become ‘more real, more modern, and simpler’ through inheritance. ‘Less is more,’ shaping personality with as few lines as possible, making a lasting impression, bringing the brilliant classic designs of the past 100 years into the next 100 years.” In short, BMW continuously integrates its core brand values with a pioneering spirit of innovation, bringing pure driving pleasure unique to BMW while pursuing aesthetics. Functionality first: Excellent aerodynamic design achieves ultra-low drag coefficient BMW driving pleasure revolves around every subsystem of the vehicle, with aerodynamics being key. Through a series of optimized aerodynamic designs, the all-new BMW X3 for overseas markets achieves a leading drag coefficient of just 0.27.
The all-new BMW X3 features aerodynamic design on the front bumper to reduce air turbulence around the wheels. Optimized grille improves engine cooling and reduces air resistance. Hidden door handles, smoother chassis, sleek roofline, and larger roof spoiler contribute to class-leading aerodynamics. Bigger size, stronger presence, and more elegant dynamics The all-new BMW X3 inherits the X family’s classic design elements and makes breakthroughs in size and design. Compared to its predecessor, the overseas version of the all-new BMW X3 is 34mm longer at 4,755mm, 29mm wider at 1,920mm, with a 16mm wider front track and 45mm wider rear track for a more powerful and sporty look. Lower height and center of gravity enhance its dynamic driving performance.
The whole vehicle is designed with a modern and minimalist style, creating a futuristic sense beyond the times. This strong futuristic sense is not only reflected in the appearance, but also in every detail, allowing customers to experience the power of technology and innovation while enjoying the beauty of simplicity. The new design makes the front of the car more powerful and confident. Thanks to BMW’s vertical aesthetic design, the front of the car presents a more three-dimensional and solid visual sense. The iconic BMW “angel eyes” headlights are highly expressive. The raised engine hood also adopts a simple and large surface design, with the characteristic lines of the BMW M high-performance models converging forward, precisely pointing to the BMW brand logo. As one of the classic design elements of BMW models, the kidney-shaped grille first appeared in 1933 with the BMW 303. Throughout the brand’s history, despite the constant changes in design, the kidney-shaped grille has always been inherited and continued. Today, the new BMW X3 features a larger and more eye-catching split kidney grille, not only giving owners more personality and daring character, but also expressing confidence in the brand’s long history and heritage. The grille panel is filled with vertical and diagonal lines that are highly artistic, creating an imaginative geometric sense of space, making the front of the car more expressive. The new car is equipped with BMW’s iconic illuminated kidney grille, which enhances the recognition of the imposing front face at night.
One of BMW’s classic designs is the “angel eyes” headlights, which have become a link between different BMW models from different eras. From the round headlights of the BMW 3.0 CS in the late 1960s to the halo rings of the BMW 5 Series in the late 1990s, and now the double diamond shape in 2020. On the new BMW X3, the classic “angel eyes” headlights have been reinterpreted, with the double L-shaped daytime running lights being more concise and sharp compared to the classic halo shape, exuding a more modern and vibrant look. The new BMW X3 inherits the classic body design of the BMW X family: the stretched body presents a poised posture; the square contours give the new car a masculine look; the large square-shaped wheel arches emphasize the presence of the four wheels, showcasing a sense of dynamism and power. Paired with a simpler and more modern design language, the entire vehicle appears as a solid and robust entity, strong and powerful.
The spacious and soft body surface blends seamlessly with the all-new BMW X3. The precise lines and clear contours create a gem-like appearance, naturally exuding an elegant and charming light and shadow effect. The doors and wheel arch covers are designed in the same color as the body, emphasizing the fashionable and minimalist modern style. The elongated roofline extends to the rear, giving the all-new BMW X3 a dynamic look. The window outline slightly rises in the rear door area, converging at the BMW brand’s iconic design – the Hofmeister kink, resembling a cheetah’s hind legs in a crouching position, ready to pounce at any moment. The body’s waistline rises at the rear, combined with the prominent, outwardly expanding trumpet-shaped rear wheel arches, visually creating a more powerful and sporty sensation. The rear of the all-new BMW X3 once again showcases a muscular and athletic figure. Thanks to the widened trumpet-shaped wheel arches and wider track, the broad rear reveals the high-performance potential of the M models. The use of horizontal lines widens the visual effect of the rear, successfully creating a majestic presence. The new 3D LED taillights seamlessly integrate with the rear, continuing the design language of the BMW X5 taillights. The double L-shaped light bands resemble arrow feathers, projecting a poised and powerful “X” shape effect. The all-new BMW X3 also features hidden exhaust design, complemented by vertically oriented rear reflectors and diffusers with M-style, showcasing a thorough sense of sportiness. Spacious and versatile driving space, luxurious texture overall enhancement In the cabin of the all-new BMW X3, the flexible and spacious driving space complements the modern versatility, creating a modern, warm, and high-quality luxury atmosphere. The integrated floating curved screen, new style sport steering wheel and seats, and redesigned center console are all the latest interpretations of BMW’s “driver-centered” brand.
The all-new BMW X3 is equipped with an integrated floating curved screen, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 14.9-inch central control display screen. The hidden air vents on the center console and door panels enhance the overall and minimalist feel of the front row. The biggest highlight of the entire cabin is the newly designed ambient interactive light strip. Unlike the straight style of the BMW 5 Series and BMW 7 Series, the ambient interactive light strip of the all-new BMW X3 extends from the center console to the sides, and the V-shaped ambient light strip on the door panels embraces the occupants like open arms. The ambient interactive light strip also extends downward for the first time, surrounding part of the front storage space and enhancing the overall feel of the center console. With the overall design language and dynamic ambient lighting, it creates a simple, floating, and tech-savvy cabin atmosphere, in line with the well-known modern interior design style. Additionally, the all-new BMW X3 also offers dazzling crystal-like interior components for the first time, significantly enhancing the visual effect and touch. In order to establish a better communication bridge between the driver and the vehicle, achieving a “harmony between human and machine,” the front row of the cabin fully embodies the design concept of “driver-centric.” Not only does the integrated floating curved screen tilt towards the driver at the best angle, but other control buttons are also designed within easy reach due to their scientific positioning. The dashboard and door panels are covered with the same high-quality materials and feature almost seamless design, creating a modern and harmonious atmosphere for the occupants. The innovative ring-shaped illuminated storage box is designed with an open concept, combining excellent “ergonomics” characteristics for easy placement and retrieval of items, while also showcasing the luxurious quality of the storage box. Additionally, the pattern design inside the storage box echoes the pattern design of the kidney grille, creating a visual art with a more geometric spatial sense and imagination.
The new steering wheel features a flat-bottom design with function control buttons at 3 and 9 o’clock, providing tactile feedback to the driver for safe and easy control of vehicle functions. The standard version has a dual-spoke design, while the M Sport steering wheel has a three-spoke design with a center marker at 12 o’clock for easier alignment. The all-new BMW X3 for overseas markets will be produced at BMW Group’s Spartanburg plant in the United States, set to debut in the US and European markets by the end of 2024 and globally in 2025. As one of the most representative models in the BMW X family, the BMW X3 has always led the luxury compact SUV segment with outstanding quality, unique driving pleasure, and comprehensive functionality. The fourth generation BMW X3 is more visually striking and versatile than ever before, blending sporty driving dynamics with comfort, making it a versatile vehicle for daily commuting, leisure activities, and long-distance travel. It offers confident and reliable customers a luxurious travel experience.