The 3rd generation of the new BMW X3 has been added with a new variant to its line-up for the year 2020 with improvements in terms of some aesthetic and system features. The new BMW X3 xDrive30i M Sport is an upgraded version of the base model and the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) is limited to only 120 units nationwide.

BMW Malaysia is offering the locally-assembled premium compact SAV in 3 variants with the base model being the BMW X3 xDrive30i Luxury which is priced at RM 304,234, the new upgraded variant the BMW X3 xDrive30i M Sport priced at RM 324,163 and top ranging variant the BMW X3 M Competition priced at RM 886,552.

The measurements are 4,708 mm in length, 1,891 mm in width, 1,676 mm in height, and weigh 1,790 kg with a wheelbase spanning 2,864 mm.

The BMW X3 xDrive30i M Sport exudes a stocky and sporty exterior with a front bumper that is very aggressive looking. It gets a commanding gloss-black kidney-shaped grille that is fairly large and is highlighted by chrome trims. It also gets a pair of slit-shaped fog lights integrated into the large and sporty looking air inlets located at the corners of the bumper with another separated wider and stretched out air inlet positioned in between at the lower middle part of the bumper. 

At the rear, the BMW X3 xDrive30i M Sport gets a more bulbous yet sporty look for the overall design. It’s paired with a clean and slim looking roof edge spoiler that has integrated third brake light. The rear bumper is fitted with slit-shaped fog lights and it also gets a dark grey simple and sporty diffuser with integrated chrome finished twin exhaust. 

It gets a pair of sharp and angular-shaped headlamps with full-LED units. Also fitted with LED Daytime Running Lights and cornering lights function. The positioning of the headlights are slanted inwards to give it a fierce-looking face and the sharp angular design gives the front a more focused and athletic look.

At the back, the tail lamps are sculpted in 3-dimensional LED combination units. The large wraparound tail lamps get the typical BMW L-shape design which has a very commanding layout of the back. 

The side mirrors are power adjusted and power folded with turn-indicators and automatic Anti-Dazzle function.

The BMW X3 xDrive30i M Sport is equipped with 20-inch two-tone, 5 double-spoke style, 699 M alloy rims with 245/45 front and 275/40 rear Pirelli P Zero run-flat tyres.

The dashboard design is sporty and premium-looking with high levels of craftsmanship and builds quality. It is covered in full leather, Vernasca black upholstery with refined blue stitching and pearl chrome trims as a detailing finish. The buttons for the systems and the overall layout are well put as it is simple and very easy reachability and driver-oriented. 

The BMW X3 xDrive30i M Sport gets a 12.3-inch digital full LCD high-resolution multi-functional instrument cluster display with a full coloured head-up unit. 

The seats are finished in full black Vernasca leather upholstery with refined blue stitching as a detailing finish. Sports seats are fitted and are power adjusted for the front passenger and driver with the driver’s seat getting a memory function. 

The BMW X3 xDrive30i M Sport offers plenty of head, shoulder and legroom thus front and rear occupants get ample space. The space is very generous due to the stocky and bulbous design of the body. 

It has numerous storage areas including large-sized door pockets, compartmentalized storage areas in the centre console including a cavern storage space in the centre console armrest and a decent-sized glove box.

There are 4 cup holders, 2 located in the front centre console, while the other 2 located at the rear’s centre armrest. As for bottle holders, it gets 4 with one located in each side door panel.

The BMW X3 xDrive30i M Sport gets two 12-volt power sockets with one located in the front centre console and one in the rear part of the centre console. There are also 2 USB ports located in the front centre console. 

With 550-litres of boot space, it is able to fit up to 2 large suitcases and also 3 pet carriers at the same time with ease. 

The BMW X3 xDrive30i M Sport features Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Start-off Assistant and Hill Descent Control (HDC), Cruise Control with braking function, Auto Parking Assistant (APA) with parallel and perpendicular manoeuvers, Driving Stability Control (DSC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Automatic Differential Brake (ADB-X), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), Rear Collision Prevention (RCP) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).

Passive safety includes 6 airbags which includes driver and passenger, front side, front and rear curtain, seat belt anchors, reminders and pyrotechnic pretensioners, 4 front and 4 rear parking sensors, front and rear parking camera, ISOFIX, crash sensor, front impact beams, side impact beams, security alarm with immobilizer and flat tyre indicator.

Three drive modes available – Comfort, Sport and Eco Pro. 

The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system will make, cruising through the city or speeding through the highway a more relaxing experience. Alongside the Auto Parking Assistant (APA) with parallel and perpendicular manoeuvers, it will make parking the fairly stocky BMW X3 xDrive30i M Sport an easier task. 

The BMW X3 xDrive30i M Sport features a 10.25-inch touchscreen Navigation System Professional with iDrive Touch and a 20GB memory hard-drive support system. It also supports Bluetooth and AUX connectivity and is paired with the BMW ConnectedDrive services.

Installed with a 205-watt and 12 speakers, HiFi loudspeaker system with digital amplifier.  

The B48 2.0-litre, twin-scroll turbocharger, 4-cylinder 16-valve, DOHC with VVT petrol engine produces 252 hp of max power at 5,200 – 6,500 rpm and a max torque of 350 Nm at 1,450 – 4,800 rpm.

The BMW X3 xDrive30i M Sport gets an 8-speed ZF Steptronic Sport automatic transmission.

Powered by an all-wheel drive system.  

The BMW X3 xDrive30i M Sport completed the Century Sprint and can go from 0-100 kph in 6.3 seconds and hit a top speed of 240 kph. 

The fuel tank capacity is 65-litres and it is capable of delivering a combined fuel consumption figure of 7.6-litres for every 100 km.

It has smart keyless entry with engine push-button start, hands-free powered boot operation, triple-zone automatic climate control, multi-function steering wheel, steering tilt and telescopic functions, power-adjustable front seats with driver seat memory function, the front and rearview camera with 4 front and 4 rear parking sensors, automatic anti-dazzle rear-view mirror, powered rear sunshade, paddle shifters, auto headlights, auto high-beam and rain-sensing wipers function.

There’s a rear air vent located at the centre, behind the front occupant’s armrest with its own separated set of controls. 

It is very spacious and extremely comfortable. The BMW X3 xDrive30i M Sport has a handling that is more refined and agile. Overall the ride quality is good and has a wonderfully smooth engine power and transmission delivery. 

The BMW X3 xDrive30i M Sport has good sound insulation. BMW have improved the X3’S NVH aspects of the vehicle hence the cabin is able to suppress wind, road and tyre noises well and make them barely noticeable even when cruising through bumpy asphalts.