What's new in the car world today?
BMW has revealed everything there is to know about an all-new X3 SUV ahead of its world debut at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show. The new model is the first in a tidal wave of new X SUVs from the Bavarian car maker and it leads the charge with more space, less weight, improved efficiency, huge amounts of technology and, surprisingly, plenty of petrol power.
Right, let's start with that.
Propping up the range will be a new X3 xDrive 20i variant, powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. It produces 184hp at 5,000rpm and 290Nm of torque between 1,350- and 4,600rpm. BMW quotes a 0-62mph time of 8.3 seconds and a top speed of 134mph, along with combined economy of 39.2mpg and a CO2 emissions rating of 165g/km. But here's much more exciting news than that.
Don't leave us hanging...
Well, this generation of the BMW X3 will get an M Performance model, the M40i. It'll feature a turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six, as you'd expect, generating 360hp and 500Nm of torque. It'll do 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds and top 155mph. What's more, while BMW says that all launch versions of the new X3 come with xDrive four-wheel drive that is more rear-biased than ever, the M40i sends even more of its engine's output to the back wheels, which should make for an entertaining steer. It's priced from £51,280 on-the-road.
Ok, back to sensible diesels please.
Of course, the best-selling X3 is still expected to be diesel-fuelled for the foreseeable future, in the form of the xDrive 20d model. This retains the familiar 190hp/400Nm four-cylinder turbodiesel with vital stats that include 132g/km, 56.5mpg and 0-62mph in eight seconds dead. It'll be priced from £38,880 on-the-road.
We reckon the best all-round X3 will be the xDrive 30d model, powered by a 3.0-litre straight-six diesel. Power output is a chunky 265hp and that's backed up by a considerable 620Nm of torque. In a straight line sprint against the clock it's a second slower to 62mph than the M40i and can't quite reach the same top speed, but we'd expect it to feel quicker most of the time at part-throttle thanks to that torque output. It returns 49.6mpg, emits 149g/km and costs from £44,380.
So what do we get for our money?
BMW UK will offer the X3 in three different grades: SE, xLine and M Sport. The X3 SE features 18-inch alloy wheels, Vernasca leather upholstery, interior ambient lighting, three-zone climate control, Business Navigation, Park Assist (with a rear parking camera), a 40:20:40 split-folding rear seat, Real Time Traffic Information (RTTI), LED headlights and taillights, alloy roof rails and more.
The more rugged looking xLine version is more of a cosmetic upgrade than anything else, featuring 19-inch rims, tougher styling for the bumpers, a satin/aluminium radiator grille finish and other touches, while the sportiest looking car (M40i aside) is the X3 M Sport. The wheels still measure 19 inches in diameter, but they're a sportier design to complement the exterior makeover. Inside, the M Sport car features a bespoke leather steering wheel, sports seats, the BMW Professional Navigation system (with 10.3-inch touchscreen and gesture control) and plenty of trim upgrades to set it apart, too.
And finally, how practical is the new X3?
Even more so than before - and it was hardly cramped inside. A 50mm longer wheelbase means even more passenger space, while the rear seats can be upgraded to 'comfort seat' specification. This allows occupants to adjust the individual backrest angles. All folded down, there's up to 1,600 litres of luggage carrying capacity, and the boot holds 550 litres by default.
Remind me of the BMW X3's main rivals.
There's the new Audi Q5 for a start and the Mercedes-Benz GLC, plus the Jaguar F-Pace, Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery Sport. We should probably include the Porsche Macan, Alfa Romeo Stelvio and Lexus NX, too.
Finally, when does it launch in the UK?
BMW's dealers can start taking orders on 11 November this year.
Shane O' Donoghue - 26 Jun 2017
