The third-generation, G01 BMW X3 has made its debut with a full redesign, featuring new engines and fresh technology from its larger siblings. The mid-sized Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) can now be equipped with Driving Assistant Plus, which packages a host of semi-autonomous driving capabilities.
This is comprised of BMW’s steering and lane control assistant, which, as the name implies, aids the driver’s steering inputs in order to keep the X3 in the middle of its lane. Courtesy of the electric steering assistance, this system is intended to help the driver on longer, more monotonous highway stretches for “more convenience and comfort,” according to BMW.
Collisions can and do happen when one vehicle stops abruptly ahead of another, and here BMW’s Evasion Aid assistance helps the X3 driver avoid such an eventuality. When called into action, the system aids quick, evasive steering action, while focusing on maximising vehicle stability, says BMW, possibly with suitably calibrated suspension damper and stability control settings.
Driving Assistance Plus also helps when approaching intersections, with Crossroads Warning. In the event an oncoming vehicle turns across the X3’s path, Crossroads Warning primes the brakes for immediate application with more braking power, along with visual and aural warnings for the X3’s driver.
On its exterior, the G01 X3 can be specified with LED headlights and tail lights, with an adaptive LED setup for the front and a full LED setup with three-dimensional clusters at the rear. Inside, the X3 M40i receives a new-look multi-function M Sport three-spoke steering wheel and M design front sports seats.
Infotainment within the X3 is handled by BMW’s latest iDrive setup, featuring a touchscreen measuring 10.2 inches across. Commands can be input via the touchscreen, gesture control, voice commands or the physical iDrive controls. Also optional is a full-colour head-up display, along with a Remote 3D View setup which allows one to view the X3’s surroundings via a smartphone.
The G01 X3 adds luggage and accommodation conveniences such as a kick-motion sensing automatic tailgate and the remote rear seat back release, which enables the complete folding of the rear seats without intervention from the cabin. When the full 1,600 litres of luggage capacity (with seats folded) is called upon, the luggage cover stows in the underfloor compartment.
In the case of the X3 M40i pictured here, a turbocharged, 3.0 litre inline-six petrol engine produces 360 hp and 500 Nm of torque, which propels the SAV from 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds. The G01 X3 also comes with BMW Connected Plus, touted as a personal mobility companion which enables route planning and sending of estimated arrival times.
For a given journey, users can plan routes on their smartphones, and the planning assistant can also draw the X3’s current fuel status and suggest recommended fuel stops along the way, if necessary. The route planning information is then relayed to the X3.
BMW Connected Plus can also share a live trip status with selected contacts the X3’s current location, and estimated arrival time via a link to a dedicated webpage. Any changes to the trip status will be automatically updated to the page, so the driver can focus on driving.
GALLERY: BMW X3 M40i
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I hope when this new X3 is launched in Malaysia, these driving aids technology will be made standard, or at least optional in trims. Volvo Malaysia is the only company that truly advocates safety. Next the Hyundai Ionic also come with good level of modern safety features. The new 5 series is good but u need to fork out 400k. I have a 2011 Diesel X3. At that time, I paid 300k plus for a SUV that doesn’t have keyless entry, no reverse camera, no power tailgate, let alone these fancy safety features that Europe counterpart already enjoying it from day 1. The Merc GLC is desirable but that too has badly equipped safety features not on par with the money u pay. If Hyundai can make these good safety features in a 100k car, why for luxury cars they can’t? Keyless entry is not standard for Audi, Merc and BMW in Malaysia. A Bezza for 1/5 of their price has! What a shame. What makes luxury car a worthy buy then?
BMW X5 Hybrid > all
The X3 will be priced at RM300k plus. The higher spec and more advanced X5 40e Hybrid 2.0 is RM388k.
Most buyers will just pay a bit more to buy the X5. Far bigger, far better engine and the overseas price of the X5 Hybrid is DOUBLE the price of the X3
So, when you pay RM388k for the X5 40e, you are actually paying good value
If you like to save money on the onset and sell this at a drastically reduced price (it’s a hybrid) before having to pay a butt load of hurt for a replacement battery and you stay in a landed property… a hybrid maybe for you. For the rest of us, no. So stop with this drivel already and enjoy the deflation when you want to sell your car 4 years later at a lower price than a Honda Accord
Cool advice from those who find hard to afford. Those who can dont bother so much bro.
E200 at RM350K doesn’t have keyless entry as well, what a shame. The new 530i also lack of fancy key available overseas, lane assist(don’t see that, hopefully I am wrong) in Malaysia. The new XC60 could be a better choice?
Believe so if XC60 hybrid have the tax incentive. It could be a better choice for comfort driving.
Lexus NX200T, good safety features
Wait till u see what a toyota comes with for its price…
Established luxury brans tend to rely a lot on its branding and pedigree to win the hearts of its customers. Many a times, they short change their customers and become greedy. If customers buy their cars based on their true merits, they’ll notice that they are other makes out there that are offering more bang for their money.
u r 100% right, i have been waiting for a true price worthy conti mid size suv but till now there is non. The GLC is a total ripoff considering the price we pay for the tech, not to mention x3 and q5.
There is no rush into wasting money for junk like this, they should learn from volvo. I hope the new XC60 Like XC90 will make them think twice before launching.
Pls dont compare volvo with the german brand.
There’s always an option of reconditioned stock available at lower price.
BMW Malaysia throw prices & sell almost new pre-owned Bimmers,Great deals!
The key is 4.8 seconds! WOW!!
Sekali tapao GLC,Q5,NX and Macan.
Hekk eleh Wira VR6 gua 4.0s! WOW!!
Hi Jelly! 4.0s to start your engine issit?
Fail design, this is 2017!!!!
1.No 3rd row seat
2.No curvy seats
3.Not really flat floor when 2nd seat folded down
Sack the designer!
BMW designers are just plain lazy. Its really hard to tell the new from the old design. Contented maybe?
The more I see this car, the more I like it. The exterior design grows on you. The long bonnet side profile reminds me of the first gen X1, which I personally like. I like how it looks like from the rear, but the view of the front is a bit dull, even in the M40i line. Perhaps BMW is keeping sportier looking design options for a full on X3M model in the future. Hope they bring in the PHEV version to Malaysia quickly, cos it’s the only way it can be sold here at “affordable” price. Hopefully around the RM300k mark or lower. With the way people are buying SUVs now, to the detriment of sedans, the X3 may just replace the 3 Series as BMW’s most popular car. Maybe not during the G01’s generation run, but could happen for its replacement.
BMW X3 xDrive35e circa RM328k.