BMW Philippines, under the management of SMC Asia Car Distributors Corporation, has just launched the refreshed BMW X3. Its new, sole variant for the local market is the BMW X3 xDrive20d Business, and as per its name, it promises to be an effective daily chariot for someone who’s always on the go. Let’s check it out.
The 2023 BMW X3
Exterior
On the outside, the redesigned X3 gets a more robust-looking front end to up its sportiness levels. The BMW kidney grille was given a new look, as the once separate “kidneys” are now linked together with a central chrome piece. The said piece also houses a front sensor, and it is also a bit larger.
For the headlamps, they appear to be slimmer and sleeker than before. The lower bumper also gets a lower-profile vent, though it is sizable. Still present on either side of the fascia are angular housings for side vents but those have a new triangular shape.
The 2023 X3 from the rear
The vehicle’s profile largely remains the same. Meanwhile, the rear portion of this crossover then comes with a set of new LED rear taillights that now come in a 3D “pincer claw” design. The exhaust tip also appears to be more congruent to the shape of the car. It is however, a bit larger compared to the outgoing X3’s tailpipe.
Other exterior features of the new BMW X3 include rain-sensing wipers, an automatic tailgate, and roof rails, among others.
Wrapping up the look of the new X3 is a set of V-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped with 225/60 R18 tires.
Interior
Inside, the new X3 still mirrors the look of the outgoing model. And of course, it can still seat up to five occupants. However, some subtle enhancements have been made.
For instance, the gearshift lever now comes in a different shape. The physical buttons for many of the car’s systems were also updated.
The X3's rear seats
To keep its occupants comfortable, this BMW provides an automatic 3-zone climate control system, Vernasca leather seats, and plenty of soft-touch surfaces all around.
The driver’s seat also comes with electronic adjustability and memory function. Furthermore, these are sports seats with sufficient bolstering to keep you in place during spirited driving. Also present is an automatic rear-view mirror with an anti-dazzle feature, ambient lighting, and adjustability for the rear seats.
Tech and safety
As standard, the 2023 BMW X3 gets dual front airbags, head airbags for both front and rear, as well as side airbags for the front. It also gets anti-lock braking with electronic brake force distribution, dynamic stability control, tire pressure monitoring, side impact protection, ISOFIX child seat anchors, traction control, and other safety equipment one would expect from a modern vehicle.
The X3's redesigned cockpit
Those are then supported by several driver-assist features which include hill descent control, a cruise control system with braking function, etc.
For entertainment, the new X3 also comes with a larger 10.25-inch central touchscreen. This head unit can then link up to smartphones via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The driver of this crossover also has access to the 5.1-inch BMW Live Cockpit Plus.
Engine
Under the hood of the 2023 BMW X3 is a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine. Of note, this engine is turbocharged, and it can produce up to 190 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. As the brand claims, this grants the X3 a 0-100 km/h time of just 7.9 seconds.
For its transmission, the new X3 uses an eight-speed automatic gearbox sending power to all four wheels. It also gets disc brakes for all corners, as well as an electronic parking brake.
The refreshed X3 from the side
Pricing for the 2023 BMW X3 xDrive20D starts at Php 3,790,000. It is also packaged with a 5-year comprehensive warranty.
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