This is the fourth generation of the X3, one of BMW’s most successful models in sales volume. It introduces an all-new design language to both the exterior and interior, together with revised powertrains where the engines incorporate 48-Volt mild hybrid technology for improved efficiency. In New Zealand, the xDrive all-wheel drive system is standard across the range.
Our test car is the entry-level model of the range in New Zealand, albeit one that comes with some rather attractive upgrade options.
At Drivelife we are familiar with previous X3 models having favourably reviewed both the 2018 BMW X3 M40d and the 2018 BMW M40i. Is this next generation a worthy successor of the X3 lineage?
What We Like and Dislike About The 2024 BMW X3 20d xDrive
| What we like | What we don’t like |
| Performance, drive and handling Features and tech HUD Sound system Luxury interior Styling/attention to detail Headlights Extras Has a spare wheel (albeit a space saver) | Price of extras Vent controls |
What’s In The 2024 BMW X3 Range?
There are three variants of the BMW X3 available in New Zealand, the entry-level 20d, a mild hybrid diesel (the 30e), a plug-in hybrid petrol, and the performance model the M50, also a petrol, again as a mild hybrid.
- X3 20d xDrive Diesel/48 Volt Mild Hybrid $111,900 (our review car)
- X3 30e xDrive Petrol/Plug in Hybrid $118,900
- X3 M50 xDrive Petrol/(48 Volt Mild Hybrid) $150,900
2024 BMW X3 Colour Range
- M Brooklyn Metallic $2,000
- Dune Grey Metallic $2,000
- Sophisto Grey Brilliant Effect Metallic $2,000
- Fire Red Metallic $2,000 (our review car)
- Arctic Race Blue Metallic $2,000
- Black Sapphire Metallic $2,000
- Tanzanite Blue Metallic $4,000
- Frozen Pure Grey metallic $6,000 (not on X3 30e)
- BMW Individual Frozen Deep Grey metallic $6,000 (not on X3 30e)
- Alpine White No additional cost
Listed for other model variants but not further identified (not listed for the X3 M50)
- Mineral White metallic option requires an additional charge
- Skyscraper Grey metallic option requires an additional charge
Our Review Vehicle’s Optional Equipment
- Enhancement package $6,000 (includes $2,000 for metallic paint)
- Comfort package $4,000
- Tow bar $2,600
Including the optional equipment our review car’s retail price is $124,500.
For a full list of specs and options available for the BMX X3 head on over to BMW New Zealand’s website
How Does The 2024 BMW X3 20d xDrive Compare To Its Competition?
| Make/ Model | Engine | Power/ Torque kW/Nm | Seats | Fuel L/100km | Towing Capacity | Boot Space, litres | Price $ |
| Jaguar F Pace P250 R-Dynamic SE | 2.0L Turbocharged MHEV | 184/365 | 5 | 8 | 750/2,400 | 613 | 119,000 |
| Lexus 450h+Limited | 2.5L petrol 4 cylinder Hybrid | 227/227 | 5 | 1.4 | 750/1,500 | 520 | 116,600 |
| Mercedes GLC 300 | 2.0L turbo petrol 4-cylinder | 190/370 | 5 | 7.6 | 750/2,500 | 550 | 114,500 |
| BMW X3 20d | 2.0L Turbo diesel 4-cylinder MHEV | 145/400 | 5 | 6.5 | 750/2,500 | 570 | 111,900 |
| LandRover Range Rover Velar | 2.0L Turbo petrol 4 cylinder MHEV | 184/365 | 5 | 5.8 | 750/2,500 | 558 | 109,900 |
| Audi Q5 | 2.0L Turbo petrol 4 cylinder MHEV | 183/370 | 5 | 7.8 | 750/2,400 | 550 | 92,900 |
| Volvo XC60 | 2.0L Turbocharged MHEV | 184/365 | 5 | 8.7 | 750/2,400 | 483 | 85,990 |
| VW Tiguan TSI R-Line AWD | 2.0L turbo petrol 4-cylinder | 180/370 | 5 | 9.0 | 750/2,100 | 615/1,655 | 74,990 |
Please note that DriveLife does its best to ensure the information above is correct at the time of publication, however, prices, specifications and models can change over time. Please bear that in mind when comparing models in the comparison table.
First Impressions Of The 2024 BMW X3 20d xDrive
What a great colour. Out test car was a deep red, setting off both the silver brightwork and equally the black trim features, it’s such a bonus for the photos – thanks, BMW.
This car follows the current BMW-wide angular design theme. It touches most elements from the octagon form of the grille to the lights and interior. That said, I think it works well viewed from the front and back, but the sides are a little bland. The upgraded 20“ wheels option has an attractive angular snowflake-like design lifting the visual appeal.
At the front, it is rather blunt to look at with a high bonnet line resulting in a relatively short (in height) windscreen. Fortunately, the side glass window line is lower, and this helps to visually balance the car.
The overall side profile is classic BMW, where the driver sits almost in the centre of the car at the point where the car is at its greatest height, the rear tapering down in an aerodynamic way.
What’s The Interior Like In 2024 BMW X3 20d xDrive?
The interior is a nice place to be. While there are a lot of blacks and greys, the full-length glass roof acts to significantly lighten and lift the interior.
The angular design theme of the outside is used to drive the forms for most of the interior features, including some of the dashboard screen layouts. This is most apparent with the design and layout of the dash and its continuation into the door cards. It continues into the centre console and into the stitching lines of the upholstery. It’s cool, but there are some features like the air vents that in my opinion take this a step further than ideal – more on this later.
The leather-clad seats have asymmetric non-repeating angular stitching patterns reinforcing the overall theme. They are all very comfortable, those up front coming with a huge range of adjustability for both the backrest and base, including lumbar. In addition, the driver has electric adjustment of the side bolsters. There is also a manual adjustment that extends the leading edge of the seat base to improve support for those with longer legs. Both the front seats and the two outer rear seats come with seat heaters.
The steering wheel is a sporty leather-clad design, with a flatter base. The wheel spokes have button sets, those on the left for cruise control, and on the right for the phone and audio. There are stalks behind the wheel for lights and wipers, both with “auto” settings.
The dash and centre screens are superb in their quality and image. The dash is supplemented by a very clear heads-up display (HUD), in which are displayed the usual speed, observed speed limit, cruise control settings, and basic navigation information.
The dash has options to change the format and content of the display. Alongside this as an extension of the dash screen is the infotainment screen. It provides access to a wealth of information, vehicle and comfort settings. Along the lower edge of the screen are separate temperature adjustment functions for the driver and passenger seat and air conditioning, and some quick access symbols to the Music, Navigation, Ventilation, Home, a tiled view of the Apps, and Phone options.
LED illuminated strips are used to link areas of the dash to the doors and centre console. These strips are in themselves visually interesting, bright along one edge the colour fades out with an irregular frequency of angled strakes. On each side, a triangular form extends from the dashboard onto each door. The shape is outlined with the LED strips and within the triangle are the door handle release, and touch slider to adjust the side air vent.
Storage up front comprises an OK-sized glove box, a sloping holder/single Qi charger and a couple of cup holders. There is a little more storage under the centre armrest. In the doors, each has capacity to hold full-sized drink bottles plus other items.
On the driver’s door is a standard set of electric window and mirror controls, and a convenient button to open the electric-powered boot. Also, it has programmable memory settings for up to two drivers.
The centre console has placement for a couple of phones but only one side is a Qi charger. There are also two USB-C charging ports and a couple of cup holders. Because this area is designed and angled for cell phones, it doesn’t provide practical storage for much else. Behind this is a panel with key functions for engine start/stop, controls for the transmission, a handy rotary knob for volume control, and quick access to the features within the infotainment system. The centre armrest hinges to reveal some additional storage.
Overhead and just behind the rear-view mirror is the interior light console. It is another angular-inspired design with room and reading lights and controls to open and close the powered blind for the glass roof.
The interior has adequate space for 5 adults with good leg room for all, although for those in the rear, that cool-looking tapering roof line is at the cost of some head height.
A nice touch is a consideration for those passengers in the rear seats, likely to be children, where pull-up sunshades have been incorporated into the doors. Those in the rear seats also have their own air conditioning controls, and two further USB-C ports.
The boot opens level with the bumper and comes with a pull-out blind, and stowed under the floor is a mesh cargo screen. Also under the floor is a real spare wheel, and an alloy one at that, albeit a space-saver. Although punctures are rarer than they once were, in New Zealand with our roads and “off-roads” I suspect we are more prone to punctures than in other countries, so I find it reassuring to see a physical spare. When you need increased load capacity inside the car, the rear seats fold flat, and the car has a handy mesh screen to keep you and your load safely separated.
What’s The 2024 BMW X3 20d xDrive Like To Drive?
We (the BMW and I) didn’t get off to the best of starts. On day one, I managed to injure myself with the car door – much to my surprise and discomfort. On opening the driver’s door quickly as rain had started to fall, the top corner of the door and my face collided.
I have never had this issue before. But on review, the edge of the door is angled rearwards (design element) and the door handle is more forward relative to the top of the door than on other cars I am familiar with. A quick internet search found that I was not alone, others noted the same issue, especially if you happen to be around 6-feet tall. Most of those reporting it forgave the car as the design and performance swayed them. I am happy to report that once was enough to learn from, the rest of my time with the car saw no repeats.
The car is powered by a 2.0-litre TwinPower turbo-diesel with a 48-volt mild-hybrid powertrain, designed to enhance both efficiency and performance. The 48-volt starter-generator, together with an additional battery, is set up to recover energy from braking which can in turn be used to provide an additional boost to the engine, improving performance and efficiency. As the driver, it just feels responsive, and you can see in the numbers it has decent economy.
The diesel engine is super quick to start, and on the road, it’s a classic euro-diesel that is so subdued you really wouldn’t know it. From the torque perhaps yes, it has strong pull and acceleration.
Driving over the Remutaka Hill to the Wairarapa there are lots of corners, making for a good drive when there are light traffic volumes. Choosing the “S” drive mode sharpens the engine response, perfect for those short overtaking lanes. But, should you forget to change from the standard “D” mode, you needn’t worry about it. While the response is not as quick as in the S mode, there is more than enough power to get the job done.
Once in the car, the seats are superb, another shout-out feature. They are on the firm side, but remain very comfortable and supportive throughout a full day’s driving, including some sections of more spirited driving. A bonus is the ability to adjust the driver’s seat bolsters, bringing them to the point you are gently gripped, which connects you even more to the brilliant handling, enhancing the drive.
It has that classic great BMW drive, and as you would expect, the act of steering a BMW is an absolute pleasure. The steering wheel has a good-sized chunky rim that is perfectly sized. BMW somehow manages to include that natural steering feel that conveys to you exactly where the wheels are pointing, and in doing so, impart all the confidence you need. A very addictive quality.
The suspension too is well dialled in. Like the Mercedes-Benz EQS, it’s on the longer drives you really get to appreciate how all those little almost intangible qualities of the handling combine to make for such a restful yet engaging drive. It is well-measured and simply soaks up any undulations in the road without upsetting the balance of the car. The upshot of this is that the car always feels well-planted and very sure-footed.
The tyres did transmit a little more tyre noise on the coarse chip roads than I was expecting, but perhaps that is in part down to the specific tyre choice, on our car Pirelli P Zero 285/40 R20’s and their relatively low profile.
The adaptive cruise control system has three main configurations, and I found each useful depending on the circumstances.
The standard adaptive cruise control system does a good job of managing your speed and the distance from the car in front. As with other higher-end cars, it is a quality system with well-mannered responses that simply matched my expectations – so no nasty surprises with sudden, late or even “no” reactions.
A variation is to have this mode complete with driver assistance that also keeps you centred in the lane. While this mode too is well managed, I preferred the steering feel without the lane-keep assistance. That said, I did use this on the less involving straighter roads of the Wairarapa – a bit like having an inbuilt assistant should you have a moment of inattention.
The third option was to set a speed limit. I enjoyed this as it enabled me to “drive” on the accelerator knowing I would not exceed the preset value. It is perfect for a hill road (like the Remutakas) with a mix of corners and straights where you could more easily inadvertently exceed the speed limit. While the car managed the maximum speed, it also gave me the sense of freedom to simply drive without having to check my speed. I found its use added to the fun factor.
Nice to know that even with the limiter set, a firm application of your foot on the accelerator will overide it. A nice safety backup should you need to take quick averting action to avoid a developing situation.
I am a huge fan of head-up displays (HUD), and I am pleased to say our review car has an excellent system with clear high-quality images. All the information is easily communicated, meaning you rarely need to dip your focus to the dashboard. If you have a route being navigated, either using the BMW Nav system or your phone with the likes of Android Auto, when there are upcoming intersections and road or lane options, a core set of instructions is also projected within the HUD. On completion of the instructions, these blank out, leaving the screen as uncluttered as possible.
I was however surprised when the HUD unexpectedly turned off on me. I had to dive into the infotainment settings to turn it back on. I was unable to recreate this experience, so not sure just what I had done, or not done to cause this. Fortunately, it only happened once.
The ventilation system works well, and there are a few features like the air vents that are manually adjusted. That said, the outer vents for air to your face have direction controls located somewhat remotely from the vent, far enough that it is not initially intuitive where the control is. Once found, the small 4-way adjustment knob works well to direct the airstream.
There are just a few ventilation functions controlled with quick keys outside of the infotainment screen, like those to clear the front and rear windows. All other ventilation, heating, cooling etc is controlled through the infotainment screen.
While this suits a minimalist appearance for the interior, practically I’d prefer physical controls for these. They are so much easier to learn and operate by memory/feel; important while driving. Any interaction with a display screen always requires you to look away from the road, to locate where to touch or slide etc. In a lot of ways, I feel this sort of undoes some of the good work achieved by the HUD.
Throughout my time with the car I left both the lights and wipers in their “auto” modes and through sunshine, rain, day and night, they simply worked perfectly – set and forget.
At night, unlocking the car projects an illumination of the BMW “M” logo onto the ground from the lower sill – a nice touch. Another is the double kidney grille outlined in a fine white LED – looks cool.
Driving at night, the headlights have superb range and brightness. Driving locally on hilly roads, the active side lighting illuminates extra areas to the left or right on the side the car is being steered towards. This was so subtle and so effective you had to deliberately look early into the next corner to see the lighting turn on. It’s a feature I wish more cars had.
Our car was fitted with the BMW optional integrated electric fold-down towbar. Practically, this is a smart feature that can so save your shins for all those times you are not actually towing anything. But, it’s there anytime you need it.
In the infotainment screen settings, you can tell the car you are towing and it will automatically limit the top speed to 80 km/h. I didn’t tow anything and didn’t check if the default speed limit setting could be adjusted to the 90 km/h NZ limit with a trailer.
Lastly, the sound system is very good, and in the infotainment system, there is a demo mode “Experience” function that highlights its quality and scope of sound reproduction. It is a Harmon/Kardon surround system and comes as part of the $6,000 Enhancement Package added to this car. In some more recent car reviews, especially those with above-average sound systems, I have conducted my “Bohemian Rhapsody Test” (yes, that Freddy Mercury, Queen track). I find it an excellent track to challenge any audio system across a broad sound spectrum. The test highlights how good the sound system is at maintaining high quality and clarity of sound reproduction at higher volumes. In this completely subjective assessment, I award this car a solid 8 out of 10.
Over our limited time with the X3, we only drove 261 km, recording an overall consumption of 6.9 L/100km, that compares well with BMW’s claimed performance of 6.5l/100km. On individual trips like Upper Hutt to Wellington return would easily see figures like 5.9 L/100km. Starting with a full tank of diesel, it still had a predicted range of 699km after our 261km.
READ ON TO CHECK OUT OUR SUMMARY OF THE 2024 BMW X3 20d xDrive.
2024 BMW X3 20d xDrive – Specifications
| Vehicle Type | Small/Medium SUV |
| Starting Price | $111,900 |
| Price as Tested | $124,600 |
| Engine | 2-litre TwinPower turbo-diesel 4-cylinder |
| Power, Torque kW/Nm | 145/400 |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic, all-wheel drive |
| Spare Wheel | Alloy space-saver |
| Kerb Weight, Kg | 1,965 |
| Length x Width x Height mm | 4,755 x 1,920 x 1,660 |
| Boot Space / Cargo Capacity, Litres (seats up/seats down) | 570/1,700 |
| Fuel tank capacity, litres | 60 |
| Fuel Economy, L/100km | Advertised Spec – Combined – 6.5 Real-World Test – Combined – 6.9 Low Usage: 0-6 / Medium Usage 6-12 / High Usage 12+ |
| Towing Capacity Kg, unbraked/braked | 750/2,500 |
| Turning circle metres | 12.2 Small: 6-10m / Medium 10-12m / Large 12m+ |
| Warranty | 5 year Warranty 5 years Roadside Assist 3 years Free Servicing |
| Safety information | ANCAP Rating – Unrated Rightcar.govt.nz – 5 Stars – QWY15 |
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