BMW X3 IV 2024 | One by one

Storage Test 17.04.2024

It was introduced in 2003 and has been sold more than 3.5 million times since then: In 2023, the BMW X3 was the brand’s highest volume model, ahead of the 3 Series (whose body variants are counted separately).

Since the second generation of the model, it has been built in Spartanburg, USA, and in the future plug-in hybrids will come from the South African plant in Rosslyn. At the test site in Miramas, we get an insight into the fourth generation of the model of what is perhaps the most important model of the brand in a slightly hidden design, which will be available to order from June, launch the assembly line from August and reach customers. in Europe in September. In addition to plug-in hybrids, the standard gasoline and diesel engines remain, although the top model, which will now be called the M50, will increase in output to around 380 hp (280 kW).

Camouflage hides stylistic details, but not proportions. And they change significantly: the new X3 will be three centimeters closer than the current model, and the track will be extended by the same amount. The drag coefficient improves from 0.29 to 0.27 in the cheaper variant – thanks to lower panels, aero wheels and aero elements on the rear roof pillar. The M50 gets a storage lip on the front. The range of rims range from 18 to 21 inches, with optional equipment even up to 22 inches. The X3 M50 we drove is fitted with Continental tires sized 255/40 R 20 at the front and 285/45 R 20 at the rear.

We enter. The X3 also gets the wide, slightly curved screen that’s been installed in all new BMW models and it certainly fits better here than on the M2. On the test site, we first test the excellent emergency brake assistant with a car, motorcycle, bicycle and pedestrian dummies, and it is quite convincing: The system, taken from the new 5 and 7 Series, initially braked gently and could over estimate. well how dangerous it is; The driver remains an acting party for as long as possible. The sudden behavior of previous support systems is a thing of the past.

BMW uses two sensors on the side of each bumper, a camera at the top of the windshield and a sensor at the top of the front grill. The assistance system matches the driver’s driving behavior; When driving in a sporty way, a short distance to the opponent is tolerated. More than 9,000 cases have been observed and, according to the engineers, bad breaking really does not happen anymore. By the way, new sensors also improve automatic parking.

More interesting than the assistance systems, however, is how the car drives in its natural state and without artificial intervention. And there are positives to report here too. The new Bosch APA drive can withstand higher forces, and therefore the body, bearings and axle control arms can be rigid. Preloaded springs allow the stabilizer to act more directly and the optional adaptive chassis increases the range of driving modes even further.

When driving fast on a handling track, the X3 holds the line perfectly without worrying. With a controlled rear axle differential installed only on the M50, the SUV gains a significant advantage in agility. In Game mode it can switch from low to high in a controllable manner. By the way, the X3 also shines off-road – even with 20-inch road tires. We were able to see this for ourselves on a rocky slope with a gradient of 50 percent. Support systems also help here and ensure traction.

Driven and improved in every way: With the new X3, that’s for sure, BMW will have a winner again in its stability.