A brand new 2024 BMW X3 is in the works. The German manufacturer decided to quickly refresh its flagship SUV. Usually, the sedans were the embodiment of the BMW brand, but not anymore. Its SUV cousins now arrive with style and performance to match. The sedans also used to be the most coveted type of car. But not anymore, the SUV mania has taken over. Therefore, manufacturers are infusing their SUV flagships with the style and performance of smaller cars. Between the tiny subcompact BMW X1 and the larger X5, this tiny SUV finds its “just-right” proportions to provide decent passenger and load room while still being entertaining to drive.
It will be interesting to see what type of powertrains are around this model year. There is usually more than one offer, and we believe this year won’t be an exception. We will probably see a steer toward partial or full electrification. This is mostly due to strict emission regulation laws and we all know how much gasoline is expensive at the moment. We can also expect a more luxurious interior with better technology. There is fierce competition in the SUV category so BMW has to step up its game. Let’s take a look at the new X3.
Interior Upgrades
The interior did receive some smaller updates, but the 2024 BMW X3 does resemble its previous version. Better seating cushions and materials are always a plus. There will be a 10.3 and 12.3-inch screen for infotainment, depending on the trim you choose. The dashboard and the gauge cluster are also digital. Which allows for better customization of the information you want to keep track of. There will be numerous safety features installed.
We get the iDrive 7 system which has all the goodies you could think of. Also, there is a lane change alert, front collision alert, automatic brakes, and many more. Hands-free driving isn’t yet confirmed but we are keeping an ear out for this one.
BMW X3 Facelift
On the outside, the 2024 BMW X3 has the classic look. Not much has changed for the crossover SUV. There is a new adaptive suspension to improve handling and steering. Locking differentials are the same as used before. Wheels are 19 inches as standard, but on higher trims, you can opt for a larger one.
They are lightweight aluminum to shave off some weight and improve power to weight ratio. There is a spoiler on the roof with a broken light. The body design has been modified to improve aerodynamics in the spirit of BMW’s sporty orientation.
Engine Specs
As usual, there are several engines on offer with the new 2024 BMW X3. They all serve different purposes and cater to buyers with different needs. There is a clear lack of electrification, but we are hoping that it will change in the future. Audi announced they are forgoing the traditional combustion engine after this Q generation. So it would make sense if BMW decided to follow suit and jump on the electric hype train as soon as possible. First up we have a sDrive30i trim with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. This powertrain can produce 250 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This is more than enough for the compact SUV to zoom around at good speed.
Next up we have the xDrive30i trim with the same engine and the same exact specifications. The only thing differing among them is fuel economy, which we will talk about in a minute. There is M40i trim, with a hybrid powertrain. This means a 3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder engine with a 48V mild hybrid technology. It can produce 380 horsepower with 370 pound-feet of torque. We have two more trims, which cater to a special kind of crowd. This means M and M competition versions of the 2024 BMW X3. They both utilize the same 3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder engine without the hybrid technology. Who would have thought that gearheads wouldn’t be interested in hybrid powertrains? The M variant can produce 475 horsepower while the M competition boasts a whopping 500. Respectively the pound-feet of torque for the M version is 430-pound feet of torque, and the Competition version is at 480.
As we already mentioned, no fully electric X version as of yet. This might be in the works for the next generation. But it would also require a new platform. Usually, that is the main reason why some companies decide to postpone the switch to green energy. It would definitely save money in the long run due to increasing gasoline prices, not to mention diesel. But a battery pack of at least 150 kWh would surely be able to match the performance of the competition version. Also, it would give a nice range, hopefully not below 300 because any lower than that is unacceptable today. It would simply mean you are stopping to refuel too often. And no one likes that. We will simply have to wait and have our fingers crossed that they make the jump soon.
Fuel Economy
The 2024 BMW X3 SUV is not too thirsty. The fuel economy depends on the trim and engine you are using under the hood. The 2.0 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder gets 23 mpg in the city, 29 on the open road, and 25 mpg of combined rear-wheel drive. The all-wheel drive of this engine gets 21 mpg in the city, 28 on the open road, and 24 in combined driving.
The hybrid powertrain gets 21mpg in the city, 26 on the highway, and 23 combined. The competition version is on the thirstier side since fuel economy is not the main concern here. It gets 15mpg in the city, 20 on the open road, and 17mpg of combined driving.
2024 BMW X3 Price and Release Date
The new 2024 BMW X3 will hit the road later in the 2023 year. Starting price for the sDrive30i is $46395, the xDrive30i is $48395 and the M40i is $60945, which is on par with its competitors. And competition is fierce, we have the Porche Macan, Mercedes Benz GLA, Volvo XC60, Jaguar F-pace, Lexus RX, Acura RDX, Genesis GV70, and Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio.