BMW is making an open combustion engine announcement with the X3

When the new BMW. This time delay is coming BMW This isn’t a big deal, as most of the X3’s currently very satisfied customers are unlikely to be ready to switch to an electric-only model.

BMW has the X3 for fans of combustion engines – and the iX3 for fans of batteries

And so BMW continues to give its customers the freedom to choose a right-hand drive car. Although the new BMW iX3 is purely electric like the BMW Vision X-Class series model, much of the new X3 remains the same.

The platform of the current model was slightly changed for the G45, there were new axles, a new chassis and a completely new design. As before, the new BMW X3 is powered by everything customers want. In addition to the familiar four- and six-cylinder diesel units, the product portfolio will also include gasoline engines as well as plug-in hybrids and M power versions.

BMW X3 with diesel, PHEV and petrol engines

The new model with slightly larger dimensions and a drag coefficient of 0.27 emphasizes that this is not a significant improvement of the model; The upcoming BMW X3 is a completely new car. But since Bavaria relies more on electric models as a new class in the future, it was too expensive to build a new platform.

Combustion engines will still be available after 2030

Especially since the BMW X3, which is slowly being phased out, is also a success. With the new generation, BMW is extending the combustion engine generation at least until the beginning of the new decade – or even longer if customers like it. Even under the dark mats of concealment you can see that, apart from the beautiful space, nothing inside is the same as before. New seats, new control modules with a familiar display with a touch element that is slightly curved towards the driver, a head-up display and haptic switches where they make sense. In addition, the iDrive controller is saved.

M versions remain

The first ride in the model takes place with the new BMW X3 xDrive 30e plug-in hybrid, which is likely to have slightly increased performance compared to its predecessor. Production of the upcoming PHEV will take place at the Rosslyn plant in South Africa, while engines for the rest of the range will come from Spartanburg in the United States. Other local manufacturing is in China. A full battery at the bottom shows an electric range of 82 km in the lower right of the digital display when heading to French country roads.

A hybrid version with an electric motor and four cylinders

As known from the 5 Series and 7 Series, the various operating programs are now displayed as color theme islands in the main display. First of all, it is electronically controlled and very efficient, although the American Bavaria has an attractive design of 20 inches. As an option, coming On a hilly road without any traffic coming with pine trees on the right and left side of the road, switch in sports mode with constant pressure from the combustion engine; The familiar two-liter four-cylinder turbo, which sounds a little intrusive, remains unchanged.

Better than before: precise and not too smooth power steering, which, like the axles, has been completely redesigned. This is how it continues powerfully and thirstily through twisting bends, where the X3 is noticeably underpinned but not overly tight on the outside and gives the driver a good view of the road. Rear axle drive is not included on BMWs in this class. Instead, new kinematics, a wider track and revised suspensions bring noticeable operational benefits compared to the current generation.

Six cylinders in the M model of the X3

A second visit with BMW Even in a compact car, the sporty X3 shows why the six-cylinder is still the best choice in the new generation. This is powered by the larger 21-inch models and BMW even offers modern versions of the X3 with 22-inch models for an extra charge. Strong acceleration, quick sound and limited slip differential on the rear axle for important dynamics – fans can also expect this with the next X3. When it comes to driver assistance, however, the familiar package remains – the third level of highly automatic driving is left out, at least for now, despite the many sensors and cameras.

By Stefan Grundhoff