BMW used the Paris Motor Show to officially unveil the latest X3 compact SUV.
The new X3 is much more dynamic in appearance with a pronounced low front end/raised rear giving a strong wedge shape. Even the bonnet is much more complex with six contour lines pointing to the latest version of the hallmark ‘twin-kidney’ BMW grille.
Power comes from two engines – the X3 xDrive20d diesel gets more performance with 135kW (a five kW gain) while fuel consumption drops by 14 per cent to average 5.6l/100kms.
The X3 xDrive35i retains its 225kW six-cylinder petrol engine but scores BMW’s eight-speed automatic (optional on the xDrive20d). For the first time, this engine/transmission combination gets Auto Start-Stop for reduced fuel consumption.
BMW’s compact all-wheel-drive also boasts a brand new suspension system – a double-joint spring-strut front axle and five-link rear end. The new X3 also gains BMW’s electric power steering system (EPS) – its forst application on an X model.
As well as the new look, the new X3 addresses criticism of the current model by boosting interior space with luggage capacity up to 1,600 litres.
