2025 BMW X3 20 xDrive M Sport debuts in Malaysia - Est RM349k

KUALA LUMPUR: BMW Malaysia has pulled the covers off the updated X3 20 xDrive M Sport, bringing a fresh new look and a long list of tech and driving enhancements to its popular SUV, or in BMW language, Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV).

The model now carries an estimated price tag of RM349,000, inclusive of BMW’s five-year extended warranty and service package (BSRi).

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Now in its latest form, the X3 continues to blur the lines between athletic daily driver and long-haul cruiser. Under the hood is a familiar 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid assistance, delivering 190 hp (140 kW) and 310 Nm of torque, paired to an 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission and BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system. It’s good for a 0–100 km/h time of 7.8 seconds and a top speed of 215 km/h.

But the bigger talking point here is the redesign. Gone are the familiar black claddings and softer lines — in comes a more monolithic and chiselled look, led by a tall bonnet and aggressive surfacing.

The new Pearl Chrome-finished kidney grille now comes split in two and flanked by adaptive LED headlights with L-shaped DRLs. Around the side, the X3 gains a more dynamic stance thanks to a rising shoulder line, short overhangs, reworked Hofmeister kink, and a longer-looking bonnet.

At the back, BMW has refreshed the X3’s rear identity with new split-style LED taillights featuring double L-shaped elements — a clear evolution of the modern “X” family look. There's definitely some design influence from the BMW XM, especially at the rear we think.

Wheel arches now lean forward without the plastic cladding of the past, and 19-inch M Y-spoke 1035 M bicolour alloys are standard.

Further upmarket cues include a mix of gloss black and Satin Aluminium accents on the mirror bases, window surrounds, and B-pillars — part of the extended mirror package that rounds out the X3’s sharper and sportier image.

Inside, the cabin has gone more minimalist but more high-tech. The main attraction is the BMW Curved Display — a single housing for the 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen angled toward the driver.

It runs on BMW Operating System 9, with QuickSelect tiles for faster navigation through settings, media, and maps. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard with full-screen support.

A new touch-sensitive BMW Interaction Bar with ambient lighting (15 colour choices) replaces some conventional buttons, and stretches into the door trim as a design element.

There's also a new flat-bottom M leather steering wheel, a redesigned Head-Up Display, and electrically adjustable sport seats wrapped in perforated Veganza leather — available in either Black or Espresso Brown. Interior trim is finished in Fine-Brushed Aluminium.

Other notable features inside include a 3-zone automatic climate control system, interior camera, wireless charger (15W), Comfort Access keyless entry, and velour floor mats. Boot space remains flexible, with 570 litres available in standard form and up to 1,700 litres with the rear seats folded.

On the road, BMW has stiffened the rear axle bearings, tweaked the stabiliser mounts, and widened the rear track by 45 mm to improve ride and handling. Steering has also been reworked for a more direct response, and the suspension strikes a better balance between comfort and control, especially on mixed road conditions.

Driver assistance tech is plentiful. Driving Assistant Plus brings in lane change warning, front collision warning with brake assist, exit warning, rear cross traffic alert, and Evasion Assistant. Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Steering & Lane Control Assistant ease the burden in traffic jams.

Parking Assistant Plus includes a 360-degree camera, Reversing Assistant (up to 50 metres), Park Assist, Surround View, Remote 3D View, and BMW’s onboard Drive Recorder and Anti-Theft Recorder.

Infotainment is upgraded too with BMW Digital Premium, allowing access to streaming, music, news, podcasts, and even games — all delivered via the ConnectedDrive Store and updated OTA (over-the-air).

The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant now works with natural voice, Apple Siri, and Google Assistant. BMW Digital Key and Digital Key Plus mean you can unlock, start, and share access to the vehicle using just a smartphone or smartwatch.

The new X3 20 xDrive M Sport is available in four exterior colours — Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Dune Grey, and Tanzanite Blue — with a choice of two interior colours: Black or Espresso Brown.

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