The facelifted BMW X3 has been unveiled ahead of its official international debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month. The revisions are not only cosmetic, though, as the new model boasts new engines and a raft of updated features.
As mentioned above, the most significant changes are actually located in the engine bay, with new-generation engines that produce more grunt, use less fuel and spew less harmful gasses into the environment. The line-up includes the sDrive18d, which boasts a new 2,0-litre turbodiesel motor that drives the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox and produces 110 kW and 360 N.m of torque. The full range includes the xDrive20d, xDrive30d and xDrive35d with petrol-powered models including the rear-wheel drive sDrive28i.
On the outside, the X3’s dimensions have hardly changed – besides the 10 mm difference in length, with the most noticeable differences being a redesigned kidney grille, sleeker headlamps and new bumpers that bring the X3 closer to the big brother 5 visually. Inside, a piano-black facia and chrome trim are amongst the main updates.
New features include updated driver assistance and infotainment systems, with an integrated touchpad on the iDrive controller similar to the unit used on the new X5, while the M Sport kit will include unique aerodynamic enhancements, bigger alloys, sports suspension and a torque vectoring Performance Control system.
The new BMW X3 goes on sale globally from June 2014.