2025 BMW X3 launched in Malaysia – 4th-gen G45, 20 xDrive M Sport, MHEV, 208 PS/330 Nm, RM349k est

Unveiled globally exactly a year ago, the G45 BMW X3 has been launched in Malaysia, in 20 xDrive M Sport form. Locally assembled (CKD) in Kulim, Kedah, the SUV is priced at an estimated RM349,000, OTR excluding insurance but including BMW’s BSRI five-year extended warranty and service package.

The fourth-gen SUV is larger than the third-gen G01, measuring 4,755 mm long (+34 mm), 1,920 mm wide (+29 mm) and 1,660 mm tall (-25 mm), with a 2,865 mm wheelbase (+1 mm). Meanwhile, the front and rear tracks are up by 16 mm and 45 mm respectively.

Exterior-wise, there’s a pearl chrome kidney grille that’s illuminated with the BMW Iconic Glow, adaptive LED headlamps with twin L-shaped DRLs, 19-inch Y-spoke M alloys, flush door handles and rocket-shaped tail lamps (indicators along the middle). The huge split lower intake is particularly prominent.

The new X3 gets a 2.0 litre turbo four-cylinder engine, 48-volt mild hybrid tech, an eight-speed Steptronic auto and all-wheel drive. A total output of 208 PS and 330 Nm of torque enables a 7.8-second century sprint time and a 215 km/h top speed. There are stiffer rear axle bearings, revised stabiliser mountings and a more direct steering ratio, but no M Sport nor adaptive suspension for Malaysia.

The minimalist-but-very-unique interior contains the driver-angled BMW Curved Display (12.3-inch instrument panel + 14.9-inch centre touch-screen, powered by BMW OS 9 with QuickSelect), a head-up display, the illuminated BMW Interaction Bar (touch-sensitive row of controls below the centre screen), 15-colour ambient lighting, a D-shaped M leather steering wheel, powered sports seats with memory, plus black or brown Veganza perforated and quilted upholstery.

Two triangular trim elements – incorporating the inside door handles, air-con vents (tri-zone auto air-con, by the way) and an ‘X3’ badge – extend from the dashboard into the door cards. There’s an LED-lit 15W wireless phone charger, interior camera, 360 camera, anthracite M headlining and velour floor mats. The boot swallows 570 litres; fold the back seats down for 1,700 litres. There’s Digital Key, so you can use your phone as the car key.

ADAS-wise, you get AEB, ACC with stop and go, steering and lane control assistant, lane change warning with active steering intervention, rear-cross traffic alert with braking, exit warning and rear collision prevention. Would you have yours in Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Dune Grey or Tanzanite Blue?