Born to Transcend: All-New BMW X3 Long Wheelbase Edition

As a star model of the BMW brand, the BMW X3 has always been favored by consumers for its excellent handling performance and luxurious quality, and has sold more than 3.5 million units worldwide to date. Recently, we test-drove the all-new BMW X3 long-wheelbase version in Xishuangbanna. While maintaining BMW's consistently excellent performance and handling characteristics, it also features all-new upgrades in design, space, and intelligent driving.

Exterior: strength with elegance

The exterior design of the all-new BMW X3 long-wheelbase version adopts the concept of raw stone cutting. Compared with the previous sporty style with more intricate intersecting edges, it now pursues a feeling of simplicity, smoothness, and seamless integration. It not only looks more imposing and composed, but also optimizes aerodynamics, reducing the drag coefficient by 7% compared with the third-generation X3 and also improving energy consumption.

The iconic double-kidney grille has been further enlarged and features illuminated light strips, creating a strong visual impact and extremely high recognition whether day or night. In order to better integrate radar and sensor equipment into the front grille, a semi-enclosed design is adopted and decorated with iconic diagonal lines, full of technology and modernity. The distinctive double-L-shaped headlights, paired with the double-kidney grille, make the front face look sharper and more expressive. The lower bumper adopts a three-section design, with vertically arranged air guide channels designed on both side fenders and chrome trim added for decoration, merging with the intake grille to further enhance the front face's sportiness and sense of power.

Compared with the previous generation, the all-new BMW X3 long-wheelbase version has increased in both length and width, with height slightly reduced. The wheelbase has been lengthened by 111 mm to 2,975 mm, already approaching the dimensions of the standard-wheelbase BMW X5. Smooth lines outline the slender body on the side, and the proportions remain harmonious. The semi-hidden door handles conform to the design trend of the new energy era and can also effectively reduce drag. At the same time, the large-size wheels have a dynamic design, paired with wide and thick tires, further enhancing the vehicle's sporty character.

At the rear, the license plate frame has been moved downward, and the rear window has been shifted rearward at a small angle, thereby increasing the trunk's loading capacity and also making the rear more layered. The arrow-feather-shaped taillights are a major highlight of the rear, blending into the tail. The double-L-shaped light bands form a powerful "X" shape, providing strong warning effect and recognition when lit. The rear bumper area is wrapped with black trim and a bottom skid plate, increasing the overall sporty feel, while gray trim decorates the exhaust area, making the rear appear full of power.

Interior perfectly blends luxury and technology

Sitting inside the all-new BMW X3 long-wheelbase version is absolutely eye-catching, with a rich sense of luxury complemented by a harmonious technological atmosphere. The overall design still follows BMW's consistent "driver-centered" philosophy. The ambient lighting on both sides outlines the instrument panel and door panels as a whole, and the air outlets on both sides are set into the inner door panels, making the instrument panel more concise and further increasing the effect of horizontal visual width ahead. The audio speakers on the inner door panels are hidden within the fabric trim panels, ensuring the overall visual effect is not disrupted.

The dual-screen design is a major highlight of the all-new BMW X3 long-wheelbase version's interior. The combination of a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch central control screen delivers clear display and rich information. The infotainment system is equipped with the latest iDrive 9 operating system, with an interface based on the "zero-layer" principle. The main interface can simultaneously display navigation information and control high-frequency driving functions, reducing operation steps and improving driving safety. The central display uses a map as the background and works with widgets, making the operation logic more intuitive and convenient. In addition, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant adds a wake-word-free function and can execute multiple tasks from a single command, with stronger interaction understanding, basically achieving "response to every request." The whole vehicle also supports four-zone voice control, catering to the command needs of every occupant.

In terms of ergonomics, the all-new BMW X3 long-wheelbase version has also been further optimized. The steering column depth has been increased by 20 mm, better accommodating the seating habits of drivers of different body types.

The newly designed seats are the biggest highlight of this generation change. The long-criticized "hard" seats have finally been replaced with softer materials. Both the backrest and seat cushion foam have been increased by 15 mm in thickness, greatly improving comfort. Even during aggressive cornering, they can provide sufficient lateral and lumbar support, giving the driver enough confidence and a sense of security. Seat heating and steering wheel heating are both provided, but seat ventilation is not offered, which is slightly regrettable.

The 111 mm wheelbase extension brings a huge upgrade to rear passenger space. After a driver of normal height adjusts the seating position, there is still nearly three fists of knee room in the rear. The seat cushion and backrest have been thickened by 10 mm, and the padding is soft, offering excellent comfort. The seat cushion length has even been extended by 65 mm, allowing the thighs to be fully supported. The backrest angle has been increased to 104°, bringing a comfortable seating posture, though the cancellation of backrest angle adjustment may be due to cost control. In addition, the seats and rear door panels are seamlessly connected through soft trim, forming a "comfort corner," ensuring a comfortable experience in any seating posture.

In addition, the materials and workmanship in the cabin also maintain BMW's consistently high standards. Large areas of soft material wrapping, exquisite stitching, and the use of chrome decorative trim all create a luxurious interior atmosphere. The panoramic starlight sky roof is also a major highlight, not only offering a large area and an open view, but also allowing personalized adjustment of ambient lighting, creating a romantic riding environment.

Providing a comprehensive comfort experience

In addition to the comfort experience brought by the seat upgrades mentioned earlier, in terms of sound insulation, the all-new BMW X3 is equipped with active noise cancellation for the first time, using in-car speakers to generate reverse sound waves to cancel out low-frequency engine interference noise. Combined with the vehicle's own excellent soundproofing materials and craftsmanship, the quietness inside the cabin has been greatly improved. During the test drive, whether on urban roads or highways, the cabin was very quiet.

In addition, the front and rear shock absorbers of the all-new BMW X3 long-wheelbase version have been retuned, and the chassis vibration filtering is softer than that of the previous generation. When passing over some rough roads and speed bumps, the suspension can effectively filter out vibrations transmitted to the cabin, greatly ensuring ride comfort. Moreover, when passing over crest sections at high speed, the body posture is also more stable, which is one of the advantages brought by the longer wheelbase.

In addition, the all-new BMW X3 is also equipped with a series of comfort features, such as multi-color ambient lighting, wireless charging, automatic air conditioning, and more, providing passengers with a more convenient and comfortable vehicle experience.

More powerful, efficient, and environmentally friendly performance

The all-new BMW X3 long-wheelbase version is powered by the latest upgraded 2.0T high-power engine, with a maximum power of 190 kW and peak torque increased by 14% to 400 Nm, matched with a ZF 8-speed automatic manual transmission. When the accelerator is pressed deeply, the engine responds quickly, engine speed rises rapidly, and the transmission shifts very promptly, able to downshift quickly and provide a strong pushback feeling, making overtaking very easy. The official 0-100 km/h acceleration time is only 6.6 s, which is very impressive among models in the same class.

The all-new BMW X3 long-wheelbase version is also equipped with a "BOOST" function. Pulling the left paddle shifter for about 1 second allows the vehicle to continuously provide stronger power output for 10 seconds, achieving better acceleration capability. This function is very practical when overtaking at high speed. Although it is not equipped with a 48V mild hybrid system, the engine incorporates technologies such as the Miller cycle and dual injection system, improving engine efficiency, and smoothness has also improved compared with the previous generation. In daily driving, whether at low speed or high speed, power output is very smooth, with almost no noticeable jerkiness. In addition, the all-new BMW X3 also offers multiple driving modes including Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Personal, meeting different driving needs.

Maintaining its proud handling characteristics

Outstanding handling performance is the foundation of the BMW brand, and the all-new BMW X3 long-wheelbase version is no exception. Even with a longer wheelbase, the overall tuning brings it as close as possible to the capability of the standard-wheelbase model.

First, the steering system of the all-new BMW X3 long-wheelbase version has been retuned, with the front-wheel caster angle increased by 19%. The benefit is faster steering and front-end response, and the steering wheel's return-to-center speed has also improved. Steering effort is lighter than that of the previous generation, so it feels more nimble and agile to drive, while steering precision is also higher. When driving on mountain curves, the vehicle's precise steering can be clearly felt, and the driver can easily control the vehicle's trajectory, achieving a "man and machine as one" driving experience.

Second, the new car adopts a combination of front double-ball-joint and rear multi-link independent suspension. Under the skilled tuning of the development engineers, it brings the new car the same cornering handling limit and flexibility as the standard-wheelbase model. At the same time, the all-new BMW X3 long-wheelbase version innovatively achieves a 50:50 front-to-rear and left-to-right four-wheel weight distribution, greatly improving the vehicle's stability and safety. At high speed, even when encountering strong crosswinds, there will be no obvious deviation. When cornering, the vehicle's body roll is well controlled, and the suspension can provide sufficient support, giving the driver full confidence.

In addition, the equipped 9th-generation lateral dynamics management system can be called the "most powerful brain of the BMW chassis." It can monitor the vehicle's motion state in real time and intelligently coordinate various chassis functions. Under different driving modes or vehicle speeds, the variable steering ratio will assist the vehicle in stabilizing the body, keeping the vehicle from plowing or fishtailing. At the same time, the ARB-X anti-slip stability control system working with this management system can effectively handle various complex road conditions, ensuring the vehicle's driving stability and safety.

The all-new BMW X3 long-wheelbase version is equipped with the fourth-generation BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system, which operates in rear-wheel-drive mode under most conditions. When driving on some unpaved and slippery roads, the all-wheel-drive system can respond quickly and reasonably distribute power to each wheel within 0.1 s, ensuring the vehicle's passability and stability. At the same time, the new car has a class-leading best ground clearance of 214 mm, giving it stronger passability. On the off-road test drive section, it can easily handle steep slopes and cross-axle conditions. In addition, through the "3D vehicle terrain view," altitude, body posture, and front-rear axle power distribution can be monitored in real time, making driving pleasure more visualized.

Achieving L2+ intelligent assisted driving functions

In terms of intelligent driving, the all-new BMW X3 long-wheelbase version is not lagging behind either. L2-level assisted driving is standard across the lineup, and some models support L2+ intelligent assisted driving. In addition to achieving adaptive cruise control + lane keeping, memory parking, and highway pilot functions (xDrive 30L Exclusive model), it also features automatic lane change assist with gaze confirmation. When assisted driving is activated and the vehicle recognizes that the adjacent lane allows faster progress, it will prompt the driver by voice to change lanes and overtake. At this time, the driver only needs to turn their head to look at the exterior rearview mirror on the same side to confirm, and the vehicle can automatically complete the lane change by turning on the turn signal. In addition, under assisted driving on highways, when entering a curve, the vehicle speed will be reduced by 10 km/h, allowing the vehicle to pass more safely and stably.