A Perfect Blend of Sportiness, Elegance, and Versatility in The New BMW X3
Enhanced sporting appeal, striking design, and versatile functionality to cater to everyday use, leisure activities, and travel
6 min
With greater sporting appeal, visual impact, and versatility than ever, the new BMW X3 emerges as a talented all-rounder for everyday use, leisure activities, and trips in the brand’s core segment.
The fourth generation of this Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) features a new design language that significantly enhances its exterior presence and imparts an aura of dynamic elegance.
Inside the progressively designed cabin, high-quality materials, an expanded standard specification, advanced digitalization, and the new BMW iDrive with QuickSelect based on BMW Operating System 9 create a premium ambiance. Driving pleasure, safety, and long-distance comfort in the new BMW X3 benefit from exceptionally precise tuning of the overall vehicle setup and a wide range of semi-automated driving and parking systems.
The new edition’s modernity and enhanced product lay the foundation for adding another chapter to the BMW X3 success story, which began 20 years ago. Since establishing the SAV segment in the premium midsize class, the BMW X3 has significantly contributed to the growing popularity of BMW X models, becoming the brand’s best-selling model in 2023.
New design language shines the spotlight on distinctive proportions.
A new design language for the exterior helps to give the fourth generation of the BMW X3 an almost monolithic overall appearance with distinctive BMW X model proportions. Generously proportioned surfaces combine with just a few, crisply defined lines to produce a clearly structured exterior that has been reduced to the essentials. The new BMW X3 is longer, the width has increased, and together with the drop in vehicle height and wider tracks, it produces a very powerful and sporty look.
The large BMW kidney grille on the upright front end of the new BMW X3 gives off an air of assured presence. A new structure for the grille interior, comprising vertically and diagonally arranged bars, adds a fresh touch. The optional BMW Iconic Glow contour lighting forms a continuous line around each element of the grille. The daytime driving lights, side lights, and turn signal indicators in the LED headlights are now all produced by L-shaped, overlapping light sources. Adaptive LED Headlights with non-dazzling matrix high beam, urban light, and cornering light functions, plus blue design detailing are optionally available, as are M Shadowline lights.
Bold side skirts and a roofline extending deep into the rear end are the distinguishing features of the new model’s sporty silhouette. The prominently flared wheel arches create the impression of considerable width at the rear. The flush-mounted rear window is bordered by a long roof spoiler and the adjoining side air deflectors. All model variants aside from the BMW X3 M50 xDrive come with exhaust tailpipes integrated out of sight in the rear apron. The fresh interpretation of the characteristic T-shaped graphic and a satinated horizontal bar with integral turn signal indicators help to give the rear lights a very modern appearance.
There is a choice of one solid and eight metallic shades for the exterior paintwork of the new BMW X3, including the new Dune Grey metallic finish. The new BMW X3 is equipped as standard with light-alloy wheels measuring 18 inches in size, with a selection of 20-inch and 21-inch items also available as factory-fitted options. The optional M Sport package creates an exceptionally dynamic look with features such as 19-inch M light-alloy wheels and bespoke design cues for optimizing airflow and aerodynamic balance. The M Sport package Pro builds on this content by adding, among other things, the Iconic Glow contour lighting and M Sport brakes with red-painted calipers. Sporty premium ambience and generous amounts of space.
The cabin of the new BMW X3 blends robust SAV functionality with ample spaciousness and a premium ambience full of individual style. The BMW Curved Display, BMW Interaction Bar, steering wheels with a flat-bottomed rim, and the new-look gear selector lever are the defining elements of the cockpit’s modern take on hallmark BMW driver-focused design. Other model-specific highlights include light elements in a contrasting colour in the centre console and door trims. This new design feature is located towards the front of the driver’s and front passenger doors, where it forms a border around function buttons, ventilation controllers, air vents, and the robust door openers typically found on BMW X models.
The new BMW X3 is fitted as standard with newly designed electrically adjustable and heated sport seats upholstered in Econeer, with surfaces and cushioning made from secondary material. Veganza and BMW Individual Merino leather upholsteries are both available as an option. Making its debut for a BMW model is the optional Luxury instrument panel made from recycled polyester with a high-class knitted texture.
BMW X3 M50 xDrive with standout performance qualities.
The range-topping model, the new BMW X3 M50 xDrive, features the most powerful six-cylinder in-line petrol engine yet fitted in an M Performance model. The 3.0-litre M TwinPower Turbo unit links up with 48V mild hybrid technology. Its maximum output of 398 hp is channeled to the road via an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission and BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive. The BMW X3 M50 xDrive powers to 100 km/h from rest in 4.6 seconds.
This stunningly potent powertrain combines with the bespoke chassis technology to deliver a compelling blend of agility, dynamism, and handling precision. M Sport suspension with variable sport steering, M Sport brakes, 20-inch M light-alloy wheels and an M Sport differential integrated into the rear axle all come as standard. There is also the option of adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers. M-specific design features, the M kidney grille with horizontal bars and BMW Iconic Glow contour lighting, and the quartet of exhaust tailpipes all serve to underline the status of the BMW M model as the most powerful version of the new BMW X3.
Systematic electrification for petrol and diesel engines, eight-speed Steptronic transmission and BMW xDrive all-wheel drive as standard.
48V mild hybrid technology also endows all other variants of the new BMW X3 with enhanced efficiency and rapid power delivery. It enables the 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol unit in the new BMW X3 20 xDrive to generate maximum output of 208 hp. This translates into a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time of 7.8 seconds.
All the power units link up with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission including shift paddles on the steering wheel as standard. There is also a Sport Boost function for exceptionally rapid bursts of speed in models specified with the M Sport package and in the new BMW X3 M50 xDrive. All model variants also benefit from fully variable distribution of drive power via the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system as standard.
Agility and ride comfort up their game.
All model variants of the new BMW X3 boast driving qualities offering a clearly noticeable increase in agility, cornering stability and long-distance comfort over the outgoing model. A body with lower weight but increased rigidity and the wider rear track both play a role here, as do the high-quality chassis components and control systems tuned for this specific model. Customers looking for even more dynamic prowess can choose the optional M Sport suspension including sport steering and M Sport brakes (both standard for the new BMW X3 M50 xDrive). Adaptive suspension – also to be found on the options list – sharpens the agility of the new BMW X3 while increasing ride comfort.
BMW Operating System 9, BMW iDrive with QuickSelect and BMW Digital Premium.
The new BMW X3 comes with the latest version of BMW iDrive with QuickSelect to provide intuitive, easy control. Its new home screen shows vertically arranged function icons on the same level. The new BMW iDrive is geared squarely to touch and voice control. It is based on BMW Operating System 9, which also paves the way for a customizable selection of additional digital services.
Smartphone integration using Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ is available as standard. The BMW ID and My BMW App make it easy to personalise the user experience in the new BMW X3. There is also the option of using the My BMW App to set up the BMW Digital Key Plus with ultra-wideband radio technology for compatible smartphones running iOS or Android or for an Apple Watch.
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Bugatti has unveiled the Bugatti Tourbillon at the birthplace of the brand, ushering in a bold future for the iconic automaker.
6 min
Bugatti’s illustrious 115-year journey has reached a new milestone with the unveiling of the Bugatti Tourbillon, signaling a bold new chapter for the iconic brand. This significant event was marked by a series of grand festivities at the historic Château Saint Jean in Molsheim, culminating in the spectacular World Premiere, ‘La Grande Première’.
The event not only introduced the next generation of performance vehicles but also highlighted the future trajectory of a brand that has been at the forefront of the automotive industry since its inception.
The launch of the Tourbillon is particularly noteworthy as it represents the first vehicle introduced under the collaborative partnership between Bugatti and Rimac. Additionally, it marks the first major gathering at Bugatti’s Molsheim headquarters since the 110-year celebrations in 2019. The week-long festivities paid tribute to those who have been instrumental in Bugatti’s history, including customers, partners, and employees from various eras of the brand’s legacy.
The highlight of the celebrations was the exclusive ‘La Grande Première’ on June 20, where over 300 selected guests were among the first to glimpse the future of Bugatti. Attendees were welcomed by Bugatti’s board of management, led by CEO Mate Rimac, President Christophe Piochon, and Managing Director Hendrik Malinowski. They had the opportunity to witness an impressive lineup of iconic models from Bugatti’s past, including the elegant Type 57SC Atalante, the highly successful Type 35 racing car, and the ambitious luxury Type 41 Royale.
These cars, exhibited like jewels across, the Bugatti premises, form the cornerstone of Bugatti’s inspiration, encapsulating the essence of beauty, performance, and luxury. Their timeless blueprint shaping the vision of the Tourbillon. The display also celebrated a remarkable 20-year period for Bugatti, showcasing the incomparable journey – from the Veyron to the Chiron – marking the end of an era, while honoring the giants that have shaped the brand. The rarest of which included the most valuable new car ever sold at auction, the automotive solitaire Chiron Profilée, and the one-of-one La Voiture Noire, which pays homage to the famous lost Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic of Jean Bugatti.
During the apéritif, with a glass of Bugatti Carbon Champagne in hand, guests had the opportunity to admire the latest Bugatti Lifestyle creations. These included the luxury Jacob & Co timepieces as well as the latest Baby Bugatti II from The Little Car Company, and the exclusive Asprey egg.
In the Remise Sud, where customers are usually welcomed and guided through the personalization of their cars, a rare Centodieci – paying tribute to the legendary EB110 – was on display alongside the legendary EB110 itself. Jascha Straub, Head of Sur Mesure and Personalization, offered guests a live-sketching experience on a car bonnet.
After a fine dining experience punctuated with elegant music played by a string quartet, hosted in an incredible luxury 1920s-inspired structure built in the park behind the iconic Château Saint Jean just for the event, anticipation peaked as Bugatti prepared to unveil the first model of a new era: the Tourbillon.
Preceding the unveiling was a recap by Christophe Piochon of the brand’s 115-year history, paying homage to the visionary minds who made this moment possible – like Ettore Bugatti, the founder in 1909; Romano Artioli, who travelled to Molsheim especially for this occasion and was sitting in the audience; and Ferdinand Piëch, who relaunched the brand 20 years ago – introducing the vision behind the new car, which was explained by CEO Mate Rimac.
With a dramatic flourish, Bugatti’s new hyper sports car emerged through a portal, following a mesmerizing modern dance performance.
The Tourbillon made its appearance, driven by Bugatti Pilote Officiel Andy Wallace, and accompanied by Bugatti Rimac CEO Mate Rimac. Following two turns on the turntable, the doors of the Tourbillon swung open. Mate Rimac stepped forward, disclosing the name of Bugatti’s latest icon and delving into its technical prowess under the theme “Form follows performance”, highlighting the unparalleled design.
Bringing together more than a century of peak development, the Bugatti Tourbillon features an all-new chassis and performance-honed body, along with an all-new V16 engine and electrified powertrain. As Mate Rimac unveiled the car, his excitement was palpable, reflecting the anticipation of the audience. The Bugatti Tourbillon emanates the timeless craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology synonymous with the French automotive brand, marking the start of a new era guided by the visionary spirit of founder Ettore Bugatti. The crowd’s admiration mirrored Mate’s passion, creating a shared moment of exhilaration and hope for the future.
Following the stunning reveal of the Tourbillon, Frank Heyl, Bugatti’s Director of Design, took to the stage. He passionately revealed the intricate thoughts and groundbreaking innovations behind the concept. Heyl’s explanation highlighting the meticulous design process and the visionary ideas that shaped the Tourbillon.
The launch of the Tourbillon marks a defining moment for Bugatti and Mate Rimac, whose vision for the future is crystal clear. With its new icon, Bugatti aimed to create a vehicle that surpassed all previous standards – ultimately striving for incomparability. This philosophy will permeate every aspect of the brand’s endeavors. Rooted in the legacy of giants, Bugatti is poised to exceed every benchmark of excellence
Succeeding the unveiling, attendees were invited onto the stage to admire the car up close and engage in discussions with the Bugatti team. This spectacle, livestreamed to a global audience, showcased the introduction of a new icon.
Ahead of an unforgettable World Premiere, Bugatti gave a select group of owners the chance to experience a “Petit Tour” around Alsace, a bespoke adventure designed especially for them to kick start the festivities. The event started with a private dinner at the 5 Terres Hotel & Spa in Barr and included a convoy through the enchanting landscape of Alsace, led by Bugatti Pilote Officiel Pierre-Henri Raphanel – who has held the role of Pilote Officiel since 2005. Attended by some of Bugatti’s most remarkable creations, including a never-before-seen Mistral prototype, the procession concluded at Bugatti’s headquarters in Molsheim after visiting Château Du Hohlandsbourg and Château Ollwiller. Guests then returned to their hotels to refresh and prepare for the World Premiere.
After unveiling the new Bugatti Tourbillon to its customers and partners, Bugatti extended the celebration to its enthusiasts and friends. On June 22, over 200 guests gathered to experience the Tourbillon up close, reinforcing the strong relationship between Bugatti’s classic and modern worlds. Throughout the morning, attendees – including members of Club Bugatti France, Enthousiastes Bugatti Alsace, Musée de l’Automobile de Mulhouse, and esteemed collectors – despite the rain, arrived on the brand’s premises behind the wheels of the most extraordinary classic Bugattis. They had the opportunity to delve into Bugatti’s rich heritage and future vision.
To honor the dedication of Bugatti and Bugatti Rimac colleagues who made this new era possible, Bugatti devoted that afternoon to a Family Day, attended by over 1,000 guests. The event included exclusive walks around the Bugatti Atelier, where colleagues and employees had the opportunity to preview the very first Bolide cars in production, and heritage tours showcasing the brand’s most iconic historic vehicles displayed on the Molsheim grounds.
For those who have dedicated their careers to Bugatti, this special event with their families – featuring activities such as a magician, a photobooth in front of the majestic Type 41 Royale, coloring of Bugatti sketches, as well as food and drinks, along with the unveiling of the Tourbillon; the result of countless hours of hard work and energy – and a visit to their second home, brought a lot of emotion.
Throughout the Tourbillon World Premiere activities, every moment was an ode to Bugatti’s past, present, and future – an homage to the enduring spirit of excellence that has defined the marque for over a century. A grand gathering of the Bugatti family, marking the beginning of this new, incomparable era.
Christophe Piochon, President of Bugatti, said: “The Bugatti Tourbillon represents the latest creation in our relentless pursuit of perfection. With the Tourbillon, we pay tribute to the vision of Ettore Bugatti, melding the beauty, luxury, and performance that define our heritage. The Bugatti World Premiere events reaffirm our commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive innovation and craftsmanship, creating icons that stand the test of time. We chose to host these events in Molsheim, the birthplace of our brand, to honor the heritage and legacy that is so cherished by our customers. It was also extremely important for us to involve not only our valued customers and partners but also the friends of the brand, as well as our colleagues from the Bugatti Rimac group and their families, to celebrate their loyalty and dedication.”
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
Americans now think they need at least $1.25 million for retirement, a 20% increase from a year ago, according to a survey by Northwestern Mutual
