BMW X3 Overview

The BMW X3 is a luxury, 5 door, family-oriented compact executive SUV. It debuted in 2014 with its 2nd Generation (F25) in Malaysia as a CKD variant. Today, the 3rd generation (GO1) model is still being sold in Malaysia with a bolder look along with an improvement to its kidney grill design. Currently, the BMW X3 stands toe to toe against the likes of its luxury brethren including the Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA, Volvo XC60, and the Lexus NX.

General Information

Variants

There are 3 variants of the BMW X3 available for sale in Malaysia. These include the sDrive20i M Sport, xDrive30e M Sport, and the xDrive30i M Sport.

Pricing

Although the BMW X3 is sold here as a CKD, this German Marquess is on the pricier end. The price for a brand new BMW X3 in Malaysia is as below: 

• sDrive20i M Sport starts at RM315,800;

• xDrive30e M Sport at RM356,800;

• xDrive30i M Sport at RM358,800.

Colors Available

There are 4 colors available for the BMW X3. They can be had in Phytonic Blue metallic, Alpine White, M Brooklyn Grey metallic, and M Carbon Black metallic.

BMW X3 Basic Features

Interior

The compact executive SUV comes with a center-mounted, 10.25-inch infotainment screen previously only available for the range-topping models. The dashboard comes with an analog instrument cluster and a 5.7-inch multi-info display as part of the BMW Live Cockpit Plus. 

Furthermore, the xDrive30i unique is it’s paired with a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. The base spec, however, comes with its own BMW proprietary 12-speaker HiFi system. All variants have leather seats and upholstery

Exterior

The facelifted BMW X3 gets the LCI (Life-Cycle Impulse) or facelift treatment. Its iconic kidney grilles are enlarged for better engine cooling besides acting as a visual centerpiece. The facelifted model has slimmer trapezoidal headlights, all fitted with LEDs inside. The M Sport treatment also gives it a more aggressive look with towering 20-inch aluminum wheels. Paired up with the M Sport suspensions, you’ll take corners with ease.

Cabin Space

For a compact SUV, the BMW X3 is quite roomy. It features a length of 4,708mm with a width of 1,891mm width and a 1,676mm height. It has a wheelbase of 2,864mm and weighs around 1,790-2,065kgs. For its carrying capacity, it has a 550-liter boot volume.

Infotainment system

The range-topping xDrive30i gets the 12.3-inch upgrade for its infotainment screen with BMW Live Cockpit Professional and instrumental displays. With its BMW Operating System 7 linked up, users are able to customize their widgets and interface on the display.

BMW X3 Driving Performance

The BMW X3 is powered by a 2.0-liter hybrid, 4-cylinder turbo engine just like its predecessors. The petrol engine makes 184 PS and 300 Nm of torque. When complemented with its electric motor that churns out 109 PS, the 8-speed automatic transmission sends its power to all 4 wheels.

This 4-wheeled crawler hits 0-100kmph in 6.1 seconds and has a top speed of 210kmph. On pure electric, it can dish out at 135kmph.

BMW X3 Safety Features

As a luxury compact executive SUV, you can be assured that it has state-of-the-art safety features. All models come with 6 airbags, reverse camera, parking assistant, keyless entry, Dynamic Stability Control, Dynamic Traction Control, Cornering Brake Control, Antilock Braking System with brake assist, child seat mounting, run-flat tires, and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System with run-flat indicators. 

The BMW X3 is certainly one of those bang-for-the-buck vehicles. With a myriad of safety features and a powerful engine, it’s a perfect compact SUV for a large family while being fuel efficient with its hybrid motor. While the price may be steep, most Bimmer owners do not regret the hefty purchase for the ultimate driving machine.