BMW Raise The Bar Yet Again

The global launch of the all-new BMW X3 was held in Munich last month. The X3 has been one of the most popular models in the BMW line-up and this one marks its fourth generation

- Aspi Bhathena

THE NEW EDITION OF THE BMW X3 HAS clearly set out to build on the car's success story-from the first-ever SAV in its class to its status as the current global market leader in its segment and the brand's best-selling model. Production of the BMW X3 will take place at the company's plant in Spartanburg in the USA and the Rosslyn plant in South Africa.

The modern design language for the exterior combines familiar BMW X model proportions with expansive and clearly structured surfaces to produce a monolithic appearance: a carefully focused design for a graceful yet dynamic aura. At 4,755 millimetres, the exterior is now 34 mm longer than that of its predecessor, while width has increased by 29 mm to 1,920 mm. The car's height has been lowered by 25 mm to 1,660 mm. Meanwhile, its wheel-base remains virtually unchanged at 2,865 mm and the track width has gone up to 1,636 mm at the front (+ up to 16 mm) and 1,681 mm at the rear (up to 45 mm). The front end with its large, split BMW kidney grille has a striking presence. Optional BMW iconic glow contour lighting now forms a continuous line around each element and includes the dynamic light carpet with "welcome" and "goodbye" animation in the entrance area. The new form of grille structure comprises vertically and diagonally arranged bars. There are signature twin headlights with a new look with Lshaped light elements and adaptive LED headlights with matrix high beam and blue design detailing, plus M lights. The silhouette of this car is distinctive with short overhangs, a roofline extending deep into the rear end, flush-fitting door handles, powerfully contoured side-skirts, and dynamic side window graphic featuring standard two-tone surround. Large wheel arches are shaped to slant forwards.