The BMW X3 20 xDrive M Sport remains one of the best driving cars in its segment, but it’s not perfect.
The BMW X3 has risen from a side project assigned to Magna Steyr to being the one of the company’s best selling nameplates in under 2 decades.
The latest 4th generation ‘G45’ model brings its most radical shift yet, with inspiration for styling coming from the iX, the new X3 is more unconventional looking than ever.
The ‘heart’ of the product also changes this time around with the introduction of a mild hybrid system as the default powertrain. It’s still locally-assembled, so BMW Malaysia is still optimistic that the changes shouldn’t affect its popularity, but how did we find the BMW X3 20 xDrive?
Uncompromised Dynamics and Electrified Performance
The X3’s core strength lies in its performance, which still defines the BMW driving experience. Power comes from a 2.0L B48 turbo four-cylinder engine with 190PS and 310Nm of torque now supported by a 48V mild hybrid system with an 18PS and 200Nm electric output.
You’ll note that BMW in this generation has dropped the ‘i’ from the naming scheme, saving it for pure electric models. It’s a strange move considering the electrification of the default powertrain, but we’ll let them destroy one of the best laid out nomenclature systems in history if their marketing boffins want to.
The engine is notably set far back, contributing to balanced handling. Performance figures are competitive, with a 0-100km/h sprint done in 7.8 seconds and a top speed of 215km/h. These aren’t much better than the previous car, but you should notice an uplift in efficiency. With the X3, performance is more about subjective feel than objective numbers – it may not be the fastest thing out there, but it’s intuitive to chuck around and fairly ergonomic despite its layout.
The eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox is quick and responsive in auto mode. Critically, the suspension and steering are tuned just right, offering confidence in corners while maintaining enough softness to manage daily driving irritation.
The inclusion of the mild hybrid system proves practical, allowing the engine to remain off for extended periods, such as when idling during waits.
The X3 is fitted standard with all-wheel drive (xDrive) and rides on 19 inch Y-spoke M alloy wheels, which come across a tad small on this ‘premium’ SUV.
All-in-all though, I’d say the X3 20 is still marginally more fun to drive than many of its traditional and up-and-coming rivals. The question is whether driving pleasure is still a top priority for that many customers shopping for an SUV of this class.
Seamless Technology and Practical Size
BMW continues to master the integration of digital technology. The interior features a 12.3″ digital instrument display and a large 14.9″ infotainment touchscreen powered by the BMW Operating System 9.
This interface feels high-tech, yet remains intuitive and tactile, avoiding the boring or distracting interfaces found in rival premium brands. The vehicle supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a head-up display, and a Qi wireless charger.
Our only irritation with the system was the voice command system, that was automatically mis-triggered whenever ‘BMW’ was uttered in the cabin.
Dimensionally, the X3 is now properly sized for family use, measuring 4,755mm long with a 2,865mm wheelbase. The boot is very large, and the vehicle provides adequate space for a family, fitting the bill perfectly for an enthusiast who requires a single, well-handling SUV for a one-car garage. Safety is comprehensive, featuring the Driving Assistant Plus package (including lane centring assist, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, and autonomous emergency braking) and Parking Assistant Plus with a 360-degree camera system.
The Slippage in Subjective Quality
Despite the technical prowess, a subjective shift in build quality is noticeable.
The tactility of the door handles and latch is less than satisfying and the thud of the door slamming shut feels dull, subjectively making the action feel less premium.
Furthermore, the digitalization trend creates practical irritations, such as the auto recirculation automatically switching to take air in from the outside. This isn’t new – but because the setting for recirculation is buried under a layer of digital menus, it’s not immediately apparent that you’re sniffing diesel fumes until you drive pass something like a sewage treatment plant.
Past BMWs had a physical button for this with an LED indicator that at least made it easy to tell. In any case, European premium makes need to start paying attention to our part of the world where auto recirculation is NOT desired and should NOT be the default.
As for the switch to capacitive controls for air cond air vents – they work but they’re such an unnecessary complication and another point of failure for owners to be concerned about.
The Value Equation: Price and Audio Deficits
The new BMW X3 20 xDrive M Sport is priced at RM348,700 but the package feels incomplete. The biggest disappointment is the standard audio system, which is severely low-end: a six-speaker, 100-watt unit that is exceeded by many mainstream Japanese competitors.
Given the price constrictions maybe BMW Malaysia should have dropped the all-wheel drive system and focused on adding in a better audio system.
We’re not going to take marks off for the way the car looks despite it not gelling with our personal taste. Perhaps this is just what BMW needs to do to stand out in a sea of very good looking EVs from young and ambitous Chinese brands. That being said, we do feel that being this unconventional with a mass market product is a major risk, especially considering how conversative and handsome the outgoing X3 was.
On the plus side, the new X3 is a lot larger and practical than the last one, plus for the most part the tech and features feel a lot more advanced.
BMW X3 20 xDrive Specifications
Engine: 4-cylinder Twin Scroll Turbocharged Mild Hybrid
Capacity: 1998cc
Power: 188 hp @ 4,400rpm
Torque: 310Nm @ 1,500rpm
Transmission: 8-speed Automatic, AWD
0-100km/h: 7.8 seconds
Top speed: 215km/h
Price: RM348,700.00 inclusive Extended Warranty and Service Package
