A lot of changes are coming with the new 2020 BMW X3. Already now we can spot test mules with the new M package. First of all, long-awaited iX3 fully-electric crossover. Whatsoever, the BMW X3 petrol engine will also get support from a battery pack creating a powerful hybrid. Diesel units are available in Europe. In 2020 season the German carmaker plans to launch such drivetrain for the US market. Until all these drivetrains become official, the premium crossover SUV will continue to use two petrol engines, a 2.0-liter, and 3.0-liter mills.
Speaking of other changes, the compact SUV is still fresh. The new generation arrived in 2018 season, so we can’t expect some stunning changes on its design. The company focuses more on drivetrains. However, there will be room for improvements, especially inside the 2020 BMW X3. The interior will be under the revisit. Update of the existing features will make it fresh and competitive with new arrivals.
Why Buy 2020 BMW X3?
The exterior of the new X3 is eye-catching. When you start right from the appearance, it makes everything else a lot easier. When you enter the cockpit you will find a lot of space, although this is a compact crossover SUV. Also, being in the premium segment means a lot of extra features that will boost overall comfort. Vision is above average for its class. Safety measures are on the top level, with automatic emergency braking coming as a standard feature and lane departure warning being one of the highlights of every package. Powertrains range was awesome, and the German carmaker is improving this segment as well for 2020 season.
…And Why Not?
Well, the price is the stumbling block for most of the fans. Starting above $40,000 and finishing over $60,000 is not what we expect from a compact crossover. Yup, this one belongs to premium market, but it is still fairly expensive. Add the Apple CarPlay subscription fees as an extra cost. Although the X3 offers a variety of drivetrains, its steering was pretty heavy. The German company will work on improving the handling and maneuvering on all versions.
2020 BMW X3 Powertrains, Gas Mileage
The base setup for the 2020 BMW X3 will come as sDrive30i. It uses a 2.0-liter petrol engine that is capable to produce 250 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The turbocharged unit keeps the fuel economy at a high rate. The same output is there with an xDrive30i. The difference – drive mode. The xDrive in the German lineup means all-wheel drive. The base models are using a rear-wheel drive. It is not the best option if you are living in cold and snowy regions or you like off-roading. An eight-speed automatic transmission and start/stop system are also part of the drivetrain system. Vehicles with rear-wheel drive return 30 mpg outside urban areas, and 22 mpg in the city. All-wheel xDrive consumes slightly more fuel. Its gas mileage is 21/28 mpg.
2020 BMW X3 M Package with M40i Drivetrain
The M40i is the meanest version of the compact SUV. A performance-oriented M package improves everything on the new X3. However, the highlight is M40i drivetrain. This is a 3.0-liter turbocharged engine that can burst 355 horsepower and 370 lb-ft of torque. The same transmission is available for this unit and it sends power exclusively to all wheels. The gas mileage for this version drops to 20/27 mpg. Towing capacity is 4,500 pounds.
The new 2020 BMW X3 M model was spied testing and it seems very aggressive. However, we can’t see all because of the camouflage it wears. Also, the company launched few teaser images of X3M and X4M models, but these are still unfinished.
2020 BMW iX3 Electric Crossover
The new generation of the eDrive platform allows BMW to increase its offer of electric models. So far, we can see only i3 and i8. Now, the 2020 BMW iX3 joins the party. That is not all since the same architecture is going to underpin other crossovers and SUVs. The exterior of this model is the same as the X3. Interior is getting new technology packages and instrument panel. Large batteries will cut the space inside the vehicle or the cargo.
A 70 kWh battery will offer at least 250 miles of range. Also, it creates 270 hp and all-wheel drive could be optional. Some experts are saying the iX3 could get an M treatment. However, for the 2020 season, the entry-level model will be enough.
Full Review 2020 BMW iX3 Caught Testing
2020 BMW X3 Diesel Coming to the US
The 2020 BMW X3 diesel is already available in Europe and other parts of the world. But not in the US. The new generation of the crossover uses three different setups of 2.0 and 3.0-liter displacements. The xDrive20d is the entry-level version with 290 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. You can get 75 hp more with the xDrive30d model. It also makes the twisting power go up by 60 lb-ft. Finally, the most powerful edition is 2020 BMW X3 M Diesel. A V6 3.0-liter engine is capable to create 320 hp and 500 pound-feet of torque. Also, it adds a lot more premium features.
2020 BMW X3 Release Date
With prototypes cruising around, it is just a matter of time when will the 2020 BMW X3 be available for purchase. However, first we will see its premiere at some big car show. The compact SUV could do that in Geneva or Frankfurt since the German carmaker decided to skip the Auto Show in Detroit. Updates for the US market will wait for shows in New York or Los Angeles later this year.
