The third-gen BMW X3, which was first rolled out globally in 2017, has gotten a refresh – and that updated version is now available in the Philippines.
SMC Asia Car Distributors Corporation, official importer and distributor for the Munich-headquartered brand, has brought in a lone iteration (for now) of its compact luxury crossover. The BMW X3 xDrive20d Business, priced at P3.79 million.
“The refreshed model features meaningful enhancements on its exterior design, drivetrain, infotainment, advanced driver assistance systems, and available equipment,” said the company in a statement. Added BMW Philippines President Spencer Yu in a WHEELS interview, “What makes the BMW X3 an even more compelling vehicle of choice is that it already caters to a wide range of customers. The arrival of the Business package will be followed by another variant that will definitely build the excitement in this segment of the luxury market.”
The sweeping updates start with a redesigned front and rear, which are meant to emphasize the off-road and sporty characteristics of the vehicle. The signature kidney grille has been enlarged and receives a one-piece frame with a black sensor bar; standard full-LED headlights are now 10 millimeters flatter compared to the previous version; and a new front bumper design boasts vertical air intakes just below the headlights.
The rear lamps, also featuring LEDs, receive a black border and now appear in a three-dimensional modeled pincer claw contour with integrated horizontal turn signal bars in the center. Meanwhile, a concave area at the lower part of the tailgate assumes a cleaner look. Below it is a larger, sportier flush-fitting free-form exhaust trim. The five-seater sport activity vehicle (or SAV, BMW’s term for the SUV), rolls on 18-inch light alloys with a V-spoke 618 design. Affixed on these are 225/60 R18 tires.
In the cabin, now standard on the X3 are electrically powered front sports seats, which now have better side bolsters for improved lateral support even during dynamic driving. All seats are wrapped in black Vernasca leather which is both luxurious and easy to maintain.
A freestanding central Control Display touchscreen, measuring 10.25 inches diagonally, functions as the infotainment display, with controls also enabled via the vehicle’s Touch Controller. The BMW Live Cockpit Plus feature, predicated on the BMW Operating System 7, additionally boasts a 5.1-inch color display in the center console. Users may connect their smartphone or compatible gadget via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The system also gets BMW Intelligent Voice Control and Connected Music. Speaking of Intelligent Voice Control, users get the ability to command the vehicle’s systems verbally (activated by saying “Hey BMW”) such as a when “regulating the air conditioning, opening and closing the windows, or changing the driving experience switch modes.” Even more, the system can tell if it is the driver or front passenger making the commands – and adjusts accordingly for such. For example, if it determines that the front passenger made the command for air-conditioning, it will adjust settings on the right side only. Speaking of, the BMW X3 has a three-zone automatic air-conditioning with integrated center vents.
Driver assistance systems on the BMW X3 include cruise control with braking function and a tire pressure monitoring sensor.
Powering the all-wheel-drive SAV is a frugal 2.0-liter, in-line four-cyclinder diesel engine featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo technology with Multi-Stage Turbocharging, a lower-pressure charger with variable inlet geometry, common-rail direct injection with solenoid valve injectors. Maximum power output is 190hp, and peak torque is 400Nm – enabling a 7.9-second standstill-to-100kph time, up to a top rate of 213kph. The driver can realize this performance through an 8-speed Steptronic transmission.
According to Yu, the X3 is primarily made in the United States, although some units of the Business variant are manufactured in “the brand’s state-of-the-art production plant in Malaysia.”
BMW Philippines bundles the X3 xDrive20d Business with a five-year comprehensive BMW warranty. “Our valued customers need not wait much longer as the BMW X3 xDrive20d Business is now available in their preferred BMW dealerships nationwide,” concluded Yu.
