New BMW X3 (2024): First test drive

The X3 is BMW’s best-selling and should remain so. For this reason, combustion engine versions are a must, at least for now. We have already tested prototypes of the new BMW X3 (2024) as a hybrid xDrive30e and M50 during their first test.

BMW has so far sold 3.5 million X3s in three generations. As an internationally valued brand ambassador, the Bavarian cash cow is probably worth more than Oktoberfest and Leberkäs combined. The fourth generation BMW X3 (2024) comes again in two packs, but different from before. From early autumn 2024, the new X3, called the G45, will hit German roads with wheels measuring at least 18 inches.

A year later, it was time for the completely redesigned electric X3, again called the iX3. It differs not only in its oil-free engines, but also for the first time on a completely different platform. This design, called the New Bridge, is reserved for BMW’s full-time electric vehicles. The IX3 will also stand out more from the combustion engine in terms of style. So is the G45 really just a facelift? Our first test shows: maybe not.
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Leslie & Cars drive the BMW i5 (2023) in the video:

Test drive: new BMW X3 (2024) only as a hybrid

The development work was aimed at making the new BMW X3 (2024) better in all respects. There was a need for action in some aspects, such as the range and charging speed of the plug-in hybrid. Some versions have improvements at the top level already. BMW is not releasing any hard data yet. But the electric range of the plug-in hybrid is expected to double to around 100 km. The X3 xDrive30e should also charge faster, though not necessarily with direct current. So far, the juice has gone into the lithium-ion battery at a maximum of 3.7 kW. Restrictions in the trunk volume of this version must also be a thing of the past. Of course, reducing the use was on the tests. The upcoming X3’s combustion engine will therefore only be available with electric machines, either as a hybrid or a plug-in hybrid. Pleasant effect: BMW promises increased performance for all variants, despite increased efficiency.

The exact measurements are still a secret. However, the design of the X3 is a shade lighter than before, with a slightly increased length. This also benefits the air resistance coefficient, which is important for fuel consumption. This drops from 0.29 to 0.27. That sounds manageable, but it requires a lot of work in the wind tunnel, which primarily affects the underbody covered by the upgraded D-pillar. Many pieces under the metal sheet testify to the quiet search. With revised material cross-sections, new front and rear axles, a wide track, parallel-axle steering and, as an option, adaptive cruise control, the new BMW X3 (2024) aims to manage the balancing act between comfort and performance without . muscle tension.

X3 xDrive30e (2024), running the economy cycle

The only original plug-in hybrid in the series combines the familiar 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a transmission-mounted electric motor. System output increases to 292 hp (215 kW). However, we noticed this only to a small extent on the first test drive with the prototype. The truth is: the combination of a small transmission and a large electric motor also creates enough traction for powerful acceleration. The Munich sound studio even taught it to beat six cylinders. Handling is good on the winding roads of Provence – the plug-in hybrid is a little rear-heavy. And the fact that there will be no air suspension for the new BMW X3 (2024) turns out to be meaningless.

In tight bends it becomes clear that the plug-in hybrid has better steering than the M50. It is also slightly flat, but not as bent as in the performance version. As is typical for BMW, the seating position in the new X3 is quite sporty. When it comes to burning on the test group, the resistance-optimized Goodyear Eagles in the form of 255 45/20 front and 285 40/20 rear (optional) also show significant grip savings. The hybrid also knows how to please at moderate speeds. He cleverly avoids the problem area of ​​brake measurement. The X3 performs well even on moderately hard terrain, emphasizing its all-round qualities.

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The X3 M50 (2024) is limited to 7000 rpm

According to our first test car, the further development of the performance version, the new BMW X3 M50 (2024) with a creamy six-cylinder, can also be considered a success. The 3.0-liter turbo is said to be given more basic aggressiveness. At least on the handling course at BMW’s test site in Miramas, southern France, there is no apparent burst of performance in the model. But the predecessor was not considered weak either. The updated B58 engine pulls almost without vibration, feels like it hits the limit very early at 7000 revolutions and emits a pleasant noise through the four-pipe exhaust when you lift the accelerator. One wanted the powertrain, coupled with a standard six-cylinder inline, to go further than the eight bars specified by the automatic transmission.

The all-wheel drive has no problems with traction and can also rely on assistance from the electronically controlled rear slip differential. When turning quickly, the bite force of the Conti SportContact 7, which optionally has a size of 20 inches, is impressive. The automatic usually works hard to select the right gear. Manual intervention is not necessary. Steering alone doesn’t do this anymore. It’s as if the Hofmeister kink has been invited into the interior: The thick and attractive steering wheel is actually laid flat on the ground as usual. This can be in line with the spirit of the times and even the sacred wishes of the customers. Ergonomically speaking, it’s nonsense.

Be that as it may, as long as you don’t have to keep the balance all the time, you can still let it fly in the new BMW X3 M50 (2024). Suspension comfort has no problems as a result. Even in sports mode, the dampers, which are electronically controlled at an additional cost, respond with attention. Seated heavily in the comfortable sports seats, you quickly get the feeling that your fingers are in contact with the front wheels – despite the balance in the steering wheel. Since the demise of the petrol-guzzling Porsche Macan, the X3 M50 may be one of the hottest flagships in the family-friendly SUV fleet. And if its estimated 390 hp (287 kW) isn’t enough: the big finale could come in 2025, in the form of the X3 M.