The wheelbase extended by 110mm, the all-new BMW X3 L is ready for production in China! Review the history of BMW X3!

BMW officially released the new generation BMW X3 long-wheelbase model official map a few days ago. Compared with the standard version released earlier, the body length has increased by 110mm, all of which are added to the wheelbase, which makes the new car's wheelbase increased from 2865mm to 2975mm and is on par with the Chinese Mercedes-benz GLC. As a replacement model (fourth generation), the all-new BMW X3 has undergone substantial upgrades in terms of exterior, interior, intelligence and power system. According to the official statement, the all-new BMW X3 is planned to be launched in the European and North American markets in the fourth quarter of 2024, and then gradually launched worldwide starting in 2025.

Brief review of the BMW X3

through the generations2003-2024

First generation BMW X3 xDrive30i (E83)

Before we talk about the all-new BMW X3, let's take a look back at the BMW X3 through the generations. The first-generation BMW X3 was born in 2003. It was the second SUV under BMW  (the first SUV was the BMW X5, launched in 1999) and the first to be equipped with the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system, which pioneered the luxury mid-size SUV segment.

Second Generation BMW X3 (F25)

The second-generation BMW X3 was launched in 2010, it iwas equipped with BMW's latest straight six-cylinder twin-turbocharged engine and ZF 8-speed manual-automatic gearbox. The 0-100km/h acceleration time reached 5.7 seconds, greatly enhancing the driving pleasure. It has bagged many awards, including the "Red Dot Award" in the design field; "Best Car Award 2021", "Off-road Vehicle of the Year", and "Most Valued Compact SUV", etc.

Third Generation BMW X3 xDrive M40i (G01)

The third-generation BMW X3 was launched in 2017. It retained the original design and driving fun without extending the wheelbase. The third-generation BMW X3 also introduced the M high-performance model, which was favored by many performance enthusiasts.

2023 BMW X3 xDrive30i Luxury Edition M Night Package

In its 21-year lifespan, the BMW X3 has sold more than 3.5 million units worldwide. The third generation of the BMW X3 is the best selling, making it the best selling SUV model for BMW. Each new generation has generated a buzz and has been a trendsetter. Can the brilliance continue with the introduction of a longer wheelbase for the fourth generation BMW X3? Let's take a look.

The Exterior highlights of New BMW X3 Long Wheelbase

Minimalist Sporty Style

In terms of exterior design, the all-new long-wheelbase BMW X3 continues the model's design. It adopts the latest family-style design and is still equipped with BMW's iconic "kidney" grille, but it’s larger and more dynamic, which is similar to the revamped models of other BMWs. The grille panel is filled with vertical and diagonal lines that create a geometric sense of space. In addition, it also features a ring-shining grille that, when illuminated, is more recognizable and hints at the style of electric vehicles.

Aside from the grille being a key upgrade in BMW's design, the design of the headlight groups on both sides has also attracted widespread attention. The new long-wheelbase BMW X3 adopts a dual "L" daytime running light design that is similar to the mid-term revamped BMW 5 series, and it is highly recognizable when turned on.

Overall, the new car's front face has a stronger sense of three-dimensionality and weight. It looks more upscale and atmospheric, and has a strong new energy vehicle style. The current model, on the other hand, has a flatter and lower front design, with richer lines, presenting a strong sense of movement.

From the side, the new long-wheelbase BMW X3 adopts a simpler design. The wheel arches are integrated with the body, the window contour line slightly rises in the rear door area, visually creating a more powerful sense of movement. Meanwhile, it also adopts a semi-hidden door handle design that is similar to the style of Xiaomi SU7. And it has replaced it with a new style wheel hub, equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels and offers 20-inch and 21-inch options that enhance its recognizability and freshness.

The rear design is also very simple. It is equipped with a new style of taillight group, the double L-shaped light strip echoes with the front headlight group, but the three-dimensional sense is not as obvious as the current model. The top of the car is equipped with a spoiler, the central horizontal bar creates a similar ducktail feel that enhances the visual width of the vehicle's rear.

It's worth mentioning that the new BMW X3 has taken into account aerodynamic design in its styling, with a drag coefficient of just 0.27Cd. In comparison, the current BMW X3, Mercedes-benz GLC both have a drag coefficient of 0.29Cd, while the Audi Q5L has a drag coefficient of 0.30Cd.

In terms of car body size, the length, width, and height of the new BMW X3 long-wheelbase are 4865/1920/1660mm respectively, with a wheelbase of 2975mm. Compared with the current model, the body length has increased by 128mm, the width by 29mm, the height has decreased by 29mm, and the wheelbase by 111mm. The official statement is that the reduction in height and center of gravity can improve its dynamic driving performance. Comparing the extended Audi Q5L and Mercedes-bez GLC horizontally, the new BMW X3 has no disadvantage at all.

Interior adopts dual screen layout

More prominent in technology | Equipped with 9th generation iDrive operating system

The interior decoration has also been completely renewed. It adopts the latest family design language and is equipped with an integrated suspended curved screen composed of a 12.3-inch digital instrument and a 14.9-inch central control display screen. It also uses a hidden air conditioning outlet design. At the same time, the steering wheel also adopts a new design. The standard version provides a dual-spoke design, and the M sports version is a three-spoke design, which has been replaced with a small-size shift paddle.

In addition to the new design, the materials used have also been improved. It is wrapped in a new interior material, and the atmosphere lighting strips in the center console and the doors are decorated with crystal to create a strong wrapping feeling. The control button at the door panel is replaced with a touch mode to improve the texture.

In terms of configuration, the all-new BMW X3 will be equipped with BMW's 9th generation iDrive operating system that supports QuickSelect, voice control, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone interconnection mapping, online navigation and other functions. It also comes with features such as ambient lighting, wireless charging for mobile phones, Harman Kardon stereo, electrically adjustable front seats, heating, ventilation, memory functions and rear seat heating, etc.

Equipped with high and low power 2.0T engines

Paired with a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission

As for the power, the entire new BMW X3 long-wheelbase version comes with a 2.0T four-cylinder engine, and is equipped with a 48V mild hybrid system. It comes in high and low power tuning, with the 25L xDrive model having a maximum power of 190 horsepower; the 30L xDrive has a maximum power of 258 horsepower, peak torque of 400 Nm, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The latter can accelerate to 100 kilometers in level 6 seconds.

It is worth mentioning that the new BMW X3 also offers the M50 xDrive model overseas, which is equipped with a 3.0T inline six-cylinder engine and a 48V light hybrid system. The maximum power is 398 horsepower, the 0-100km/h acceleration time is 4.6 seconds and the top speed is limited to 250km/h. In addition, it is equipped with features like adaptive M sports suspension, variable sports steering and M sports rear differential. This model is equivalent to the current M40i.