BMW brings the 2015 X3 to Chicago for its debut.
More than a decade after pushing into the midsize crossover segment with its X3 – a “Sport Activity Vehicle” in BMW speak – the German maker is revealing a significant refresh.
The maker’s original X5 was a breakthrough product and a hit with American consumers, but the smaller and lower-priced X3 expanded that appeal significantly. Now BMW hopes to broaden that reach even further with a modest facelift and the addition of some compelling new features – notably including a new diesel engine option.
We’ve been seeing spy shots and a few leaked images in recent weeks, but these are BMW’s first formal images – and we now learn more about what the new 2015 X3 will offer.
The new crossover picks up on the basics of the second-generation X3 which was introduced in 2010. The design changes are modest though readily apparent, starting with the modified twin-circular headlamps – with LED lighting an option — an updated BMW kidney grille, new bumpers and revised side mirrors.
Inside the 2015 BMW X3.
Inside, the 2015 edition gets new chrome details, a new center console with automatic climate control system in a high-gloss black, and new cup holders.
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What’s more significant is initially hidden under the hood. The 2015 X3 will be offered with a choice of two gasoline engines and a new diesel, BMW’s 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline-four. Mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, it makes 180 horsepower and 280 pound feet of torque. The Bavarian maker puts a 0 to 60 launch at “under eight seconds,” and while it isn’t ready to release mileage numbers, its diesel packages have generally delivered a good 20% or more improvement in mileage over comparable gas-powered options.
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On the petrol side, there’s the X3 sDrive28i featuring BMW’s 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo gasoline engine, which produces 240-hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. It will launch from 0 to 60 in just 6.2 seconds. Also available is the xDrive35i, with a 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo rated at 300-hp and 300 lb-ft – enough to get you to 60 in just 5.3 seconds.
The 2015 X3 gets a new diesel - and two gas engine options, along with a host of other new features.
Among the new technical features, the 2015 BMW X3 adds Smart Opener, a system that can detect a waggle of a foot under the rear bumper and automatically open the motorized tailgate.
There’s a new, automated Parking Assistant, a full-color Head-Up Display, a standard, 6.5-inch iDrive display with a new touchpad controller, and a variety of new safety features including full-stop Active Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Frontal Collision Warning, Pedestrian Warning, and City Collision Mitigation.
The new BMW X3 reaches U.S. showrooms by spring 2014 as a 2015 model and prices will range from $39,325 for the X3 sDrive28i with rear-wheel-drive, to $42,825 for X3 xDrive28d diesel — all prices including a $925 Destination & Handling fee.
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