The latest BMW X3 generation is also the first to have a long-wheelbase variant designed exclusively for the Chinese market. That said, the regular version made in the USA will also be exported to the country later.
Like the X5 for Europe, the new X3 L lineup has 2975 mm (116.2 inches) between the axles – up 110 mm (4.3 inches) from before. The whole car is 4,865 mm (190 inches) long. BMW boasts that it is the biggest crossover in class on the Chinese market, in terms of both the exterior dimensions and the interior space. The design stays largely the same, though.
There will be two X3 variants for customers in China to choose between: 25L and 30L. Both come equipped with a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The low spec produces 190 PS (187 hp / 140 kW) and 310 Nm (229 lb-ft) of torque, while the high spec makes 258 PS (254 hp / 190 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft). All-wheel drive is standard for both, and the multimedia system on board comes preloaded with the country’s web services. The production is set to begin at the BMW Brilliance factory in Shanghai soon.
As for the short-wheelbase version of the X3, which is primarily sold in Europe, it is slated to arrive in China at a later date. There will be only one spec – the M50, which packs a 3.0-liter engine and produces 398 PS (393 hp / 293 kW).
The 25L and 30L specs are scheduled to go on sale in late August, straight after the Chengdu Motor Show debut.
