New look, improved equipment and an optimised range structure for the customer: BMW has given its successful Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) BMW X3 and the Sports Activity Coupé (SAC) BMW X4 a comprehensive refresh. The introduction of mild hybrid technology with 48-volt-starter generator now also with all petrol engines ensures a broad drive portfolio at the cutting edge of technology. These include the BMW X3 xDrive30e and, at the top of the range, particularly high-performance petrol and diesel models from BMW M GmbH. In Germany, all BMW X3 and BMW X4 are fitted with the all-wheel drive system BMW xDrive. As they enter the second phase of their model cycle, they are now sportier, more modern and more digital. At first glance, a redesigned front end and a revised rear section lend even clearer emphasis to the robust off-road look and sporty appearance of the third generation of the successful BMW X3. Its coupé counterpart, the second-generation BMW X4, adopts the new front end, adds its own accentuation with the exclusive BMW mesh kidney grille and offers a particularly dynamic rear end. The refresh is rounded off with a modern interior with new equipment features and updated infotainment. BMW M GmbH is also refreshing the M models of the BMW X3 and BMW X4 at the same time.
The mild hybrid technology used in all combustion engines draws on a particularly powerful 48-volt starter generator and an additional battery, so it has significantly expanded possibilities when it comes to brake energy recuperation. When the accelerator pedal is no longer pressed, the generator converts the kinetic energy into electricity, which is stored in the 48-volt battery. Recuperation in coasting mode is particularly intense in driving experience switch mode SPORT. The deceleration effect created in addition to the engine drag torque is also harnessed during braking manoeuvres. A specific braking system familiar from the plug-in hybrid models ensures an on-demand and efficiency-optimised combination of electric and mechanical deceleration at all times. The energy obtained by means of recuperation and stored in the 48-volt battery is also used to supply the 12-volt electrical system and the electrically operated vehicle functions connected to it. It can also be used to generate additional drive power. For this purpose, the drive power flows back to the 48-volt starter generator, which then takes on the role of an electric drive and supports the combustion engine. This enables the engine to run as often as possible in an efficiency-optimised load range so as to reduce consumption peaks. What is more, the 48- volt starter generator creates an electric boost during acceleration.
The three diesel engines on offer ensure supreme and efficient mobility. The engine in the BMW X3 xDrive20d and the BMW X4 xDrive20d delivers an output of 140 kW/190 hp and offers a maximum torque of 400 Nm between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. The two models accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds, reaching a top speed of 213 km/h. The BMW i3 and the BMW X4 xDrive30d is powered by an in-line 6-cylinder engine with a capacity of 3.0 litres. The diesel unit delivers a maximum output of 210 kW/286 hp at 4,000 rpm and an impressive maximum torque of 650 Nm between 1,500 and 2,500 rpm. This means that both body variants reach the 100 km/h mark from standstill after just 5.7 seconds, with a top speed of 245 km/h. Their BMW M Performance diesel engine generates a maximum output of 250 kW/340 hp and delivers a maximum torque of 700 Nm from just 1,750 rpm. As a result, acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h is possible in just 4.9 seconds, while the top speed is cut off at 250 km/h. All diesel units feature BMW TwinPower turbocharging with variable turbine geometry and common-rail direct injection at maximum injection pressures of 2,500 to 2,700 bar. For emission control, BMW BluePerformance technology is on board with particulate filter, oxidation and NOx storage catalytic converter along with an SCR catalytic converter with AdBlue injection.
The petrol engine range includes two 4-cylinder engines and a powerful in-line 6-cylinder. Their innovative BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology includes TwinScroll turbocharging, direct high-precision injection, the variable camshaft control system double VANOS and the fully variable valve control system Valvetronic, while emission control is supported by a petrol engine particulate filter. Additional efficiency and a power boost of 8 kW/11 hp when needed is provided by 48-volt-mild-hybrid-technology. The BMW X3 xDrive20i and the BMW X4 xDrive20i are powered by a dynamic and efficient 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine. It generates an output of 135 kW/184 hp and now delivers a maximum torque of 300 Nm between 1,350 and 4,000 rpm. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h takes 8.4 seconds, while the top speed is 215 km/h. In the BMW X3 xDrive30i and the BMW X4 xDrive30i, the 2.0-litre-4-cylinder engine delivers an output of 180 kW/245 hp with almost identical fuel consumption figures to those of the 20i. The maximum torque of 350 Nm goes on stream between 1,460 and 4,800 rpm. These two variants accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds, while their top speed is 235 km/h.
The BMW X3 xDrive30e plug-in hybrid model is reserved for the Sports Activity Vehicle. Its system consists of a 4-cylinder petrol engine combined with an electric motor whose power is transmitted to all four wheels. Their joint system output of 215 kW/292 hp can be increased by up to 30 kW/41 hp by temporary use of the electric motor’s peak output. The BMW X3 xDrive30e takes just 6.1 seconds to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h. It has a lithium-ion high-voltage battery that enables a range of up to 50 kilometres. All engine versions are combined with 8-speed Steptronic transmissions specifically matched to the respective engine characteristics, contributing to lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions with their optimised efficiency. The BMW X3 M40i, BMW X3 M40d and all BMW X4 models feature the otherwise optional 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission including paddle shifts and Launch Control as standard.
