[Taboleo] Best-Selling Imported SUV... Both Inside and Out Have Become More Spacious

Test Drive of BMW New X3
The Only Foreign Mid-Size SUV with 50,000 Units Sold

BMW's mid-size sports utility vehicle (SUV) X3 has sold over 3.5 million units worldwide since its first launch in 2003. In South Korea, it has sold 54,392 units (including electric vehicles) over the past 20 years, making it the only foreign mid-size SUV to surpass 50,000 units. This indicates that the vehicle's product quality has been well verified in the market. With ample space and high-level basic driving performance, it is considered a consistently sought-after model. The fully redesigned 4th generation model, globally launched this summer, was released domestically in late last month, and customer deliveries have begun.

Compared to the previous 3rd generation model, the length and width have been increased while lowering the height, giving it a dynamic impression. Thanks to the three-dimensional design throughout, it looks quite large. The front grille pattern now mixes straight and diagonal lines in a new arrangement. The iconic glow lighting around the grille border stands out in dark environments. This feature has been gradually applied to recent BMW models and is now commonly seen on the road. The rear lamps have a horizontal T-shape, differentiating them from previous models.

BMW New X3. Provided by BMW Korea

The interior changes are even more striking. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.9-inch control display are integrated into a curved, curved display. An interaction smart bar with lighting functions is installed below the center display, on the front seat door handles, and in the lower center fascia storage compartment. The color changes according to the driving mode, adding to the driving enjoyment.

All trims released domestically come standard with a panoramic glass roof. Without a middle seam, it offers a great sense of openness. The rear seats provide ample headroom and knee space even for adult males. The seat materials are decent, but the plastic used throughout the interior is somewhat disappointing. The trunk capacity has increased by 20 liters to 570 liters, and folding the rear seats expands it up to 1,700 liters.

Panoramic glass roof applied as standard on all trims of the new X3. Provided by BMW Korea

Interior of the new X3. It features an interaction smart bar that functions as a mood light. Photo by BMW Korea

The navigation and infotainment system runs on the latest operating system, BMW Operating System 9. The quick select function, which allows easy operation without moving to a separate menu, is quite useful. The interface is intuitive, making it easy for first-time drivers to operate. T-map, widely used by Korean drivers, is pre-installed, allowing easy access to map information and real-time traffic updates. The augmented reality-based navigation guidance may feel somewhat awkward at first but quickly becomes familiar.

All domestically released models come standard with all-wheel drive and a 48V mild hybrid system. This system assists power during start-up, improving fuel efficiency and minimizing vibrations during restart. It smooths the driving experience when repeatedly stopping and starting in congested traffic. The standard models add 11 horsepower, while high-performance models add 18 horsepower. The driving feel is softer compared to past BMW vehicles. Rather than a sharp, quick acceleration, it accelerates smoothly and confidently without feeling lacking. Although the SUV body is relatively large, it effectively controls lateral sway and reduces interior noise intrusion. Handling remains excellent when cornering or changing lanes.

New X3. Provided by BMW Korea

The model with a TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder gasoline engine produces 190 horsepower, and the 4-cylinder diesel model produces 197 horsepower. The high-performance M50 model with a 6-cylinder turbo gasoline engine produces 398 horsepower. The official fuel efficiency (combined) is approximately 10.9 km/l, 14.0 km/l, and 10.6 km/l, respectively. Despite the increased size, fuel efficiency has improved by more than 1 km/l compared to the previous model, and carbon dioxide emissions have been reduced. The M50 model accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds.

Driving Assistant Professional, which includes various driving assistance features such as active cruise control, and Parking Assistant Plus, which bundles parking assistance and surround view, come standard on all trims. The M50 model features an automatic parking function up to 200 meters. Prices start at 68.9 million KRW (including VAT) for the 2.0 gasoline model, ranging up to 79.9 million KRW; the 2.0 diesel model ranges from 72.7 million KRW to 78.9 million KRW. The high-performance model is offered in a single trim priced at 99.9 million KRW.

New X3. Provided by BMW Korea