Amid the swarm of Chinese metal at the ongoing Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS) lies one new German car of interest, and that is the latest G45 BMW X3. The fourth-generation compact executive SUV was launched in Thailand last month with a choice of either a diesel engine or a hot M Performance petrol variant.
Prices start at 3,799,000 baht (RM495,400) for the X3 20d xDrive (the variant naming scheme has been changed for this generation), with the X3 M50 xDrive retailing at a cool 4,499,000 baht (RM586,700). Both cars are CKD locally assembled in Rayong.
The X3 is motivated by a pair of mild hybrid engines – the 20d utilises the 2.0 litre B47 four-cylinder turbodiesel that produces 197 PS and 400 Nm of torque, with the 48-volt electric motor providing an additional 11 PS and 25 Nm in accelerative boost.
Meanwhile, the M50 graduates to a 3.0 litre B58 turbo straight-six that punches out 381 PS and 540 Nm; the mild hybrid system has also been upgraded and adds 18 PS and 200 Nm. Both are mated to the ubiquitous ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox and xDrive all-wheel drive.
As expected, the G45 has grown quite a bit compared to its predecessor. Measuring 4,755 mm long and 1,920 mm wide, the car is 34 mm longer and 29 mm wider, but the height has been reduced by 25 mm to 1,660 mm to give the SUV a sportier stance. The X3 uses an evolved version of the existing Cluster Architecture (CLAR) and it shows – the wheelbase has grown just one millimetre to 2,865 mm.
The G45’s design draws plenty of inspiration from the larger all-electric iX, with details such as the pronounced angular fender flares, clean body side surfacing, an upswept window line and chrome door mirror spars. At the front, you’ll find the latest BMW front face that incorporates triangular headlights with L-shaped daytime running lights, flanking a large double kidney grille.
The characteristic nostrils feature vertical and diagonal slats – a styling cue first seen on the new 1 Series – and for the first time in a long while, they are now fully separated, encircled by the optional Iconic Glow illumination. To facilitate this design, the radar sensor has been moved from the centre of the grille to the left nostril, giving the car a much cleaner look. There’s also a split front air intake lined with a U-shaped metallic strip, while vertical inlets bookend the bumper.
Elsewhere, the flush pull-up door handles clean up the side profile and aid in aerodynamics, while the rear end gets T-shaped taillights and a number plate recess pushed downwards into the bumper – the latter being a first for an X model that’s not a “coupé”. Visible tailpipes have been ditched for this generation, with the exception of the M50’s quad tips.
Inside, the X3 is a sea change from recent BMWs, with a wraparound design bookended by triangular panels in the doors. These house the side air vents – the first time Munich has placed air-con outlets in the doors since the E39 5 Series. The curved widescreen display panel, which houses a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, is nestled on a sort of enclave on the dash.
Lighting has been taken to the next level here – the Interaction Bar from the 5 and 7 Series is now broken up into strips of lighting around the aforementioned door panels, centre air vents and even the surround for the Qi wireless charger.
Both models come with the M Sport package, which adds a bodykit, a flat-bottomed three-spoke steering wheel and 20-inch double-spoke Style 1036M alloy wheels; the M50 gains 21-inch star-spoke Style 1037M rollers. Standard kit in Thailand includes keyless entry, push-button start, triple-zone climate control, power-adjustable and ventilated sports seats with driver’s side memory, faux leather upholstery, a panoramic glass roof, adaptive dampers and a 15-speaker, 750-watt Harman Kardon sound system.
The M50 gets the same kit but adds Merino leather upholstery. In terms of driver assists, the Thai X3 gets the Driving Assistant Plus, providing Level 2 semi-autonomous driving; the M50’s Driving Assistant Professional adds automatic lane changes and, in certain countries, the ability to drive hands-free.
Is the new X3 coming to Malaysia? To our understanding, the car has yet to be confirmed for our market, but its appearance in Thailand does raise the possibility significantly. If it is, expect it to arrive sometime this year, before it is joined by the all-new and unrelated Neue Klasse iX3.
G45 BMW X3 20d at the 2025 Bangkok International Motor Show
G45 BMW X3 M50 at the 2025 Bangkok International Motor Show
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