BMW X3: Variants explained

The third-generation BMW X3 made its Malaysian debut in 2018 with a single variant - xDrive30i Luxury, which almost a year later was joined by the xDrive30i M Sport to form a two-variant line-up. But recently in April this year, BMW Malaysia introduced a more inexpensive, and less powerful version of the SUV called sDrive20i xLine that brings the total to three. All the trims are locally assembled, luxurious, spacious, and tech-loaded, and when it comes to choosing one out of them, things get tricky. So, here we have the detailed specifications of all the BMW X3 variants that might help you in choosing the one right for you.

Before diving into the details, let’s take a look at their prices:

BMW X3 Price

Variant	Price (with SST exemption)	Price (with SST exemption, and extended warranty & service package)
BMW X3 sDrive20i xLine	RM 270,934	RM 286,674
BMW X3 xDrive30i Luxury	RM 288,494	RM 304,234
BMW X3 xDrive30i M Sport	RM 308,423	RM 324,163

BMW X3 sDrive20i xLine

This is the most affordable 2021 BMW X3 which costs RM 270,934. For this price, you get the following exterior features -

• LED headlights with Extended Contents inclusive of cornering lights
• 19-inch light-alloy wheels in Y-Spoke Style 694 with run-flat tyres
• Body details accentuated with aluminium
• BMW Individual Exterior Line and roof rails finished with Aluminium Satinated
• Exhaust tailpipes with chrome finishers
• Side sills in Glacier Silver metallic matt
• Welcome light carpet

The interior of the BMW X3 sDrive20i xLine can impress anyone with its premium look and feel. It features Black High-Gloss trim finishing with highlights in Pearl Chrome, Sensatec Instrument Panel, leather Vernasca upholstery, sport leather steering wheel, sport seats for driver and front passenger, velour floor mats, and Galvanic embellisher for controls.

In terms of technology, the variant is equipped with 

• BMW Live Cockpit Plus with a 5.7-inch display
• BMW Navigation system with an 8.8-inch touch-sensitive display
• 12-speaker HiFi sound system
• Digital assistant
• BMW ConnectedDrive services including Intelligent Emergency Call, Teleservices, and Intelligent Voice Control
• Three-zone climate control system
• Comfort Access powered tailgate
• Ambient lighting
• Electric seat adjustment with memory function
• Automatic anti-dazzle mirrors
• Keyless entry
• Push-button start

As for safety and driver assistance, the BMW X3 specs sheet comprises the following systems -

• Four airbags (front and head)
• Dynamic braking lights with flashing function
• Dynamic stability control
• Cornering brake control
• Anti-lock braking system with brake assist
• ISOFIX child seat mounting in the rear
• Run-flat tyres and flat tyre Indicator
• Driving Assistant with Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning and front collision warning with brake intervention, crossing traffic warning rear and rear collision prevention
• Cruise control with braking function
• Rearview camera
• Parking Assistant

Powering the most affordable BMW X3 is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that churns out a maximum power of 184 hp from 5,000 to 6,500 rpm and a peak torque of 300 Nm from 1,350 to 4,000 rpm. The engine is mated to an 8-Speed Automatic Steptronic gearbox with Automatic Hold Function. In terms of performance, the SUV can run from zero to 100 kmph in 8.2 seconds before attaining a top speed of 215 kmph. Its fuel consumption is rated at 7.1 litres per 100 km (14.08 kmpl).

BMW X3 xDrive30i Luxury 

Moving up the ladder, we have the xDrive30i Luxury variant which retails for RM 288,494. Its different set of features starts with the Luxury Line appearance package that includes - 

• LED headlights with High-Beam Assistant 
• 19-inch light-alloy wheels double-spoke bi-color style 696 with runflat tyres
• Exhaust tailpipe finishers two-sided in chrome finishers
• High-gloss chrome window frame 
• Roof rails Aluminium Satinated 
• Side air breather in high-gloss chrome trim
• Front door sills with 'Luxury Line' badge
• Galvanic embellishers for controls
• Interior trim finishers dark high-gloss oak fine wood with pearl chrome
• Sports seats for driver and front passenger
• Vernasca leather upholstery

Moving to the tech goodies, here we can find the following advanced bits in comparison to the previous model -

• • BMW ConnectedDrive services here include Intelligent Emergency Call, Teleservices, Concierge Services and Remote services
  • HiFi loudspeaker system with digital amplifier
  • BMW Navigation system Professional, with 10.25-inch touch-sensitive interface
  • On-board Computer including Check Control
  • BMW Live Cockpit Professional with 12.3-inch instrument cluster

• Three-zone climate control comes with rear vents

On the safety front, the added bits are side airbags, automatic differential brake start-off assistant, and hill descent control. However, it misses out on the driving assistant pack available with sDrive20i xLine.

Under the bonnet, it is fitted with a 2.0-litre twin-scroll turbo mill generating 252 hp and 350 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to an eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission with gearshift paddles. Also part of the kit is Performance Control assist that allows more agile driving. All these enable the SUV to hit the century sprint in 6.3 seconds with a top speed of 240 kmph. Its fuel consumption is rated at 7.6 litres per 100 km (13.15 kmpl).

BMW X3 xDrive30i M Sport

Next on the list is the xDrive30i M Sport, which is the most expensive BMW X3 variant with a tag of RM 308,423. The M Sport differentiates itself from the Luxury trim with the following features:

• 20" M light-alloy wheels Double-spoke style 699 M with mixed tyres and run-flat tyres
• BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line
• Door sill finisher with M designation
• Interior trim finisher Aluminium with Pearl Chrome finishing
• M Aerodynamics package
• M leather steering wheel
• M-specific pedals
• M Sport brake with blue painted brake callipers and M badge
• M Sport suspension
• Side exterior M designation badges
• Tailpipe finisher in gloss chrome
• Driving Assistant pack available with the sDrive20i xLine

There you go. These were all three variants of the BMW X3 available in the local market. You can pick the one that suits your preference and needs.

Also read: All-new BMW iX3 to feature in the upcoming Marvel movie