New BMW X3 on the way here

BMW New Zealand has just announced that the 3rd generation X3 will be hitting our shores towards the end of this year. NZ pricing and spec are yet to be confirmed but looking over what the factory has released today it seems there’s a lot to look forward to.

Since its debut in 2003 BMW have delivered over one-and-a-half million X3 vehicles. This new one will further broaden it’s appeal with new exterior and interior designs, upgraded engine and driveline options and the inevitable enhancements in comfort and convenience spec. The new X3 has a perfect 50:50 / front:rear weight distribution, improved directional stability, standard 18-inch wheels (and optional up to 21-inches), optional 3-zone climate air, optional panoramic glass roof, and optional BMW Display Key which shows various items of the vehicles’ current status.

There are a number of possible trim and drive train variants BMW NZ could bring to this country and among them are chassis options including M Sport suspension, Dynamic Damper Control, M Sport brakes and variable sport steering. Some of these may be packaged up with one of the new engine offerings available in the range – the X3 M40i 3-litre petrol, boasting 265kW and 500Nm and a 0-100km/h of 4.8-secs. Other engines include three different 2-litre petrol variants with power ranging from 185kW/350Nm to 135kW / 290Nm in both xDrive and sDrive guise – plus 3 and 2-litre diesels with power outputs of 195kW / 620Nm and 140kw / 400Nm respectively (both in xDrive form). All engines sit in front of 8-speed Steptronic transmissions.

The gen-3 X3 is up to 55kg lighter than its predecessor courtesy  of extended use of aluminium in construction.Active cruise control, lane control assist, lane change assist, and lane keep assist should help drivers keep the car where it’s supposed to be, while gesture control allows interaction with navigation and infotainment systems.

We’ll let you know what the NZ-spec will be when it’s confirmed.