BMW X3 xDrive30i M Sport - What all it offers

In what seems like an enticing move specifically targeting premium crossover buyers in the country, BMW Malaysia has introduced a limited-run variant of the all-new X3 - the xDrive30i M Sport. While this trim shares a lot of similarities with its xDrive30i Luxury stablemate, only 120 units of the M Sport would be made available to customers in Malaysia. The fourth-generation BMW X3 (internally known as the G01) was first launched in the country in April of last year.

Upon its global introduction back in 2017, the latest-gen X3 became one of the Bavarian automaker’s first crossovers to ride atop the brand’s new CLAR platform -- the outgoing 5-Series uses the same platform as well. The BMW X3 is part of the highly competitive and expensive Compact Luxury Crossover segment or mid-size Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) in BMW jargon, which sees partakers such as the Audi Q5, Lexus NX, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and the Volvo XC60.

So, how much does the locally-assembled, new BMW X3 xDrive30i M Sport cost, after all? Well, this limited edition variant of the X3 price starts from RM 328,800. This means that it is 15,000 ringgit dearer to the wallet than the “entry-level” Luxury trim. So does that mean you get more bang for your buck? BMW Malaysia not only offers the X3 xDrive30i M Sport with a free 24-month tyre warranty and service package, but it also comes with a 5-year/unlimited mileage comprehensive warranty.

In terms of colour options, customers can choose their new BMW X3 M Sport in - Alpine White, Glacier Silver, Carbon Black, and Phytonic Blue. The latter two are specific to the m Sport variant for now. So, apart from its sporty name, relatively average price hike and new colour options, what else is new on this limited-run BMW X3, and more importantly, what all does it offer? Well, keep reading, and you shall find out…

BMW X3 M Sport exterior

The latest generation of the BMW X3 is a pretty smart, sophisticated, and sporty-looking crossover -- after all, they (BMW) do call it a “Sports Activity Vehicle”. However, if you thought that the regular Luxury variant of the new BMW X3 wasn’t sporty enough for your taste, then this M Sport edition should definitely do the trick. The limited-number variant gets BMW’s coveted M Sport appearance package, which brings along quite a few nice add-ons.

One amongst the most visually distinctive revisions here comes in the form of a beefier, more aggressive front bumper. It now looks more muscular and sportier courtesy of its larger cut-outs, sharper lower apron, gloss black trim, full-LED fog lamps, and a more distinctive lower chin extension. Meanwhile, the kidney grille now features gloss black slats instead of the usual chrome ones found on the Luxury trim.

Along the sides, the X3 xDrive30i M Sport gains larger and sportier (yet lighter) 20-inch M alloy rims that are wrapped with the BMW-favourite run-flat rubber, but these are from Pirelli. Hiding behind these double-spoke wheels are higher performance, blue M Sport brake callipers, which not only look cool but also pack a mighty bite. The M Sport edition also gets gloss black trim on the side vents (behind the front fender), and the fan-favorite ‘M’ badges, too.

Furthermore, the shiny chrome window surrounds found on the Luxury trim have also been given the gloss black treatment. Meanwhile, the M Sport package sheds the silver strip that’s found on the lower portion of the doors on the Luxury variant of the X3. Even the regular side skirts have now been replaced by sportier, body-coloured ones specific to the M Sport avatar.

On the other hand, the rear of the X3 M Sport remains mostly untouched when compared to the Luxury model, save for the bumper. Just like in the Luxury trim, the M Sport also comes with dual exhaust tips and a rear diffuser setup -- though this one looks better integrated and the whole lower section is now finished in gloss black. As for its overall exterior dimensions, the new BMW X3 M Sport is identical to its Luxury sibling.

BMW X3 M Sport dimensions

Measurements	BMW X3 xDrive30i M Sport
Length	4,708 mm
Width	1,891 mm
Height	1,676 mm
Wheelbase	2,864 mm
Boot Capacity	550 litres

BMW X3 M Sport interior

The cabin of the new BMW X3 xDrive30i M Sport, for the most part, is quite similar in its layout and design to that of the standard Luxury variant. And just like the regular X3, this cabin is also thoroughly modern in its feel and undoubtedly built extremely well. The quality of all the materials and touch-points are second to none in this class, while the M Sport specific black Vernasca leather seats with their contrasting blue stitching are not only superbly comfortable but also provide excellent lateral and back support.

Other distinctive touches in this X3’s interior include stylish M branded door sills, M Sport pedals, M Sport leather-wrapped steering wheel, and aluminium and pearl accents on the dashboard, doors, centre console etc instead of the dark wood trim found on the Luxury model. Meanwhile, the bright blue stitching in the M Sport variant isn’t just relegated to the seats -- it can also be found along the dashboard, doors and the front centre armrest.

The new-gen BMW X3 had always scored well when it came to interior space and practicality. And that remains true even with the sportier M Sport variant. Even taller adults shouldn’t face any issues sitting in the back, and even sitting on the middle seat feels perfectly fine. Meanwhile, the 550-litre cargo space of the new X3 is exactly the same size (in volume) to that found in the Mercedes GLC, but is definitely larger than the Volvo XC60’s 505-litre boot.

BMW X3 xDrive30i M Sport features 

When it comes to its standard equipment list, the BMW X3 M Sport trim offers everything that the regular Luxury variant comes with and nothing more. Here are some of the features you can expect to find on this variant of the X3:

• Full-LED adaptive headlamps
• LED front fog lamps
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Powered tailgate
• Smart entry with push-button start
• Power-adjustable front seats with memory function for the driver
• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• Electronic parking brake with auto hold
• Paddle shifters
• Drive modes (Sport, Comfort and Eco)
• 10.25-inch touchscreen head unit with Navigation System
• Professional and BMW Connected Drive services
• 12-speaker BMW premium sound system

The BMW X3 M Sport specs sheet also comes with M Sport suspension, plus power-adjustable and power-folding wing mirrors, three-way split-folding rear seats, customisable cabin ambient LED lighting, fully-digital and customisable driver’s instrument panel, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and automatic engine stop-start to name a few.

In terms of its safety features, the new X3 M Sport is identical to its Luxury sibling. So that means you still get the following:

• Six airbags (front, front side and curtain)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force
• Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA)
• Hill Start Assist (HSA)
• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
• Traction Control System (TCS)
• ISOFIX rear-seat anchor points
• Front & rear parking sensors with rearview camera
• BMW Parking Assistant with automatic parking
• Automatic High Beam Assistant (HBA)

There’s no doubt that the new BMW X3 M Sport is a safe car, though the Malaysian-spec model is missing a few safety techs found in international models. Some of the stuff that is missing includes Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Active Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Auto Emergency Braking (AEB) among others.

BMW X3 xDrive30i M Sport engine and transmission

If you are expecting more oomph from the new X3 M Sport, you are not going to find anything extra here. That is because under the bonnet is the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that is found in the regular Luxury variant as well. The longitudinally-mounted motor comes with BMW’s TwinPower Turbo technology and features direct injection -- meaning 252 hp between 5200-6500 rpm and a peak torque of 350 Nm that’s available between 1450-4800 rpm.

The four-popper is linked to all four wheels via BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system via a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. Despite its near 1.8-tonne kerb weight, the BMW X3 xDrive30i M Sport will get past 100 kmph in 6.3 seconds and go on to a top speed of 240 kmph. Switch the drive settings from Sport to Eco mode, and the X3 M Sport can return a respectable 13 kmpl on a mixed cycle.

Thanks to the beefed-up M Sport suspension, however, this limited edition version of the new BMW X3 is far more enjoyable to drive than the regular car. While you may have to put up with a stiffer ride on sub-par surfaces and over small imperfections on the roads, the X3 M Sport remains perfectly composed around corners and there is next to no body roll. The uprated M brakes also do a stellar job of halting this thing, especially in an emergency.

In conclusion

There is no doubt that the new BMW X3 M Sport is a fantastic car. Its turbo four-cylinder engine and the snappy 8-speed transmission are a treat, while the driving dynamics are great as well. With a price premium of RM 15,000 over the Luxury variant, the added sporty exterior and interior only make this deal sweeter. However, with only 120 units for the whole country, it won’t be long before all of them find takers.

Also Read:- BMW X3 lineup gets new M Sport trim