The G45 is larger in every dimension (save height) compared to the G01 that it replaces. It measures in at 4,755 mm in length (+34 mm), 1,920 mm in width (+29 mm). Wheelbase is 2,865 mm (+ 1 mm) while front and rear tracks are bumped up by 16 mm and 45 mm, respectively. Its overall height, however, is down 25 mm to 1,660 mm.

The X3 will be offered with a variety of gas and diesel engines (all electrified) at launch:

• BMW X3 30e xDrive (PHEV)
• Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
• Outputs: 190 horsepower and 310 Nm
• Transmission: 8-speed AT, AWD
• Electric Motor Outputs: 184 horsepower and 250 Nm
• Combined Outputs: 299 horsepower and 450 Nm
• 0-100 km/h: 6.2 seconds
• Top speed: 215 km/h; 140 km/h (electric)
• Battery: 19.7 kWh lithium-ion
• Charging: 11 kW AC; 0-100% in 2 hours and 15 minutes
• Electric-only range (WLTP): 81-90 kilometers
• BMW X3 20 xDrive (MHEV)
• Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
• Outputs: 190 horsepower and 310 Nm
• Transmission: 8-speed AT, AWD
• Electric Motor Outputs: 18 horsepower, 200 Nm
• BMW X3 M50 xDrive (MHEV)
• Engine: 3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder
• Outputs: 381 horsepower and 540 Nm
• Transmission: 8-speed AT, AWD
• Electric Motor Outputs: 18 horsepower, 200 Nm
• BMW X3 20d xDrive
• Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder diesel
• Outputs: 197 horsepower, 400 Nm
• Transmission: 8-speed AT, AWD
• Electric Motor Outputs: 11 horsepower, 25 Nm

The X3 continues to ride on the CLAR platform but with reduced weight and increased rigidity. The suspension has also been extensively retuned. An M Sport suspension package with adaptive dampers is available as an option.

Design-wise, the X3 draws its design from the likes of the X1 and XM. Highlights include a more upright grille that’s been largely blanked off (it neatly integrates the various sensors needed for ADAS). It can be lit optionally thanks to the Iconic Glow making it to the X3. And like other modern BMW models, it also receives L-shaped daytime running lights. At the sides, the X3 gets flushed door handles and a roofline now extends well into the back giving it a baby XM or iX look. BMW is extremely proud the clean and generously-sized surfaces (down to the wheel arches) which they call, “Monolithic Design.” At the back are T-shaped taillights. Wheel sizes now range from 18 to 21 inches.

Inside, the X3 gains the BMW Curved Display with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch central touchscreen. The iDrive infotainment system with QuickSelect is powered by BMW Operating System 9 based on an Android Open Source Project (AOSP) software. Functions such as app support, intelligent navigation, a digital voice assistant, over-the-air (OTA) software updates, 5G connectivity, and even in-car gaming (AirConsole) are all present. Designers have also redesigned the center tray and wireless charger.

The overhauled dashboard features a two-spoke steering wheel for the drive and for everyone else, the expansive Interaction Bar that doubles as a dramatic form of ambient lighting. The expansive area surrounding the Interaction Bar can be fitted with a knitted pattern. A leather-free interior can be optioned in, but for those who want traditional cow hide can continue to do so.

In terms of practicality, the X3 has a larger cargo hold than before—570 liters (+ 10 liters) in all but the X3 30e xDrive which has 460 liters. Fold down the 40/20/40 split rear bench and the load space increases to 1,700 liters (1,600 liters with the PHEV).

BMW has also expanded the range of standard and optional ADAS systems. Driving Assistant is the default and includes autonomous emergency braking, Crossroads Warning, lane departure warning, cruise control with brake function, Speed Limit Info, Lane Change Warning, rear cross traffic alert with brake function, and Speed Limit Assist.

Upgrade that to Driving Assistant Plus and that nets adaptive cruise control with stop and go function, Speed Limit Info, and Speed Limit Assist. The next is Driving Assistant Professional that further increases the speed limit of the ACC (from 180 to 210 km/h), and adds Lane Change Assistant, Lane Central Assist, Active Navigation, Lane Keeping Assistant, and front cross traffic alert.

Parking Assistant with Reversing Assistant is also standard and this can be upgraded to Parking Assistant Plus that adds a panoramic view function with 3D View, Remote 3D View (via telematics), and recording from the vehicle’s outboard and inboard cameras. There’s also Parking Assistant Professional with Maneuver Assistant to store more complex parking maneuvers using GPS data and further increases the Reversing Assistant’s range from 50 to 200 meters.

The new BMW X3 will be built at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg (USA) and Plant Rosslyn (South Africa).