AutomotiveNews

Entry Level BMW X3 sDrive20i Launched Locally

The BMW X3 has now been made more affordable with this newly launched entry level variant. 

BMW has recently launched a new, more affordable variant of its popular X3 Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) over here. 

Dubbed the sDrive20i, this new entry-level trim sits comfortably below the two existing regular X3 variants (and the one hot X3 M variant) at only RM 286,674.00. This is as opposed to the xDrive30i Luxury and xDrive30i M Sport that retails for RM 304k and RM 324k respectively, with the full-fat M badged one retailing at RM 886k. 

So what then do you get (or more correctly not get) for your reduced outlay? Well the largest change mechanically is perhaps the fact that drive now goes only to the rear wheels in this sDrive variant, instead of all four wheels as in the xDrive trim levels. 

The 20i in the variant name as compared to the 30i also indicates that the 2.0 litre turbocharged four cylinder under the hood of this entry level X3 makes slightly less power than its higher-tier counterparts. Though still with a reasonable 184 PS and 300 Nm of torque being transferred to the road via an 8-speed automatic transmission, this particular spec of mid-sized German SUV can still hustle to 100 km/h from a stand still in an adequate 8.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 215 km/h. 

Fuel efficiency for the sDrive 20i variant too is naturally improved over its more powerful counterparts. Drinking only a claimed 7.1 litres of fuel per 100 km instead of the 7.6 stated for its higher-end siblings. 

Moving onto the outside, the entry-level X3 does lose a bit of bling as the xLine exterior package forgoes chrome for a matte finish finish instead. On the kit front however, the sDrive20i still features most of the niceties like LED headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels, twin chrome tail pipes, as well as the the BMW Individual Exterior Line Aluminium Satinated package which adds roof rails into the mix too. 

Despite being the base X3, it is also pretty loaded within. Coming with the typical premium features like velour floor mats, interior ambient lighting, three-zone automatic climate control, anti-dazzle rear view and side view mirrors, not to mention a 12-speaker Harmon-Kardon sound system. 

A variety of active safety and driver convenience features have too been included within the sDrive 20i variant like Driving Assistant, Parking Assistant and Intelligent Emergency Call features, in addition to the Comfort Access System, Storage Compartment Package and BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. Missing though is a fully digital instrument cluster, with a traditional set of analogue gauges featuring an integrated 5.7-inch digital display complementing the 10.25-inch central infotainment touchscreen. 

Available in a selection of four colours: Alpine White, Glacier Silver, Black Sapphire, and Phytonic Blue, this new entry point to the X3 family is set to go sale at all BMW dealerships nationwide beginning on the 20th of April 2021. Interested parties however can now already begin to place bookings for RM 1,000 on its official website linked here. 

PRESS RELEASE: BMW Malaysia today unveiled the New BMW X3 sDrive20i – a new addition to their class-leading portfolio of locally-assembled premium mid-sized Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) in Malaysia.

Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia said, “The BMW X3 has been one of our leading models in the local market in terms of deliveries since its first introduction in 2011. Ten years on, we are humbled to continue delivering this powerful SAV in a variety of different specifications and variants to our customers here in Malaysia – designed to suit every individual lifestyle.” 

“In 2020 alone, the BMW X3 saw over 900 units delivered – despite the slowdown in the automotive industry. This success only strengthens our position as the leading premium automaker with one of the most expansive portfolios of locally-assembled SAVs in the country. We are also proud to introduce the New BMW X3 sDrive20i today alongside the First-Ever BMW 330Li M Sport, both impressively engineered to set the benchmark for powerful dynamism in their segments,” Hoelzl added.

The latest entry-level variant of the BMW X3 is set to offer owners in Malaysia the power of choice and freedom to select the best BMW X3 to suit their individual lifestyle, now also complete with the New My BMW App for greater digital interaction between driver and vehicle. Whether thrilling, exhilarating, or exciting: a dynamic combination of all three is exemplified in the New BMW X3 sDrive20i. 

Built for Adventure – the New BMW X3 sDrive20i.

The New BMW X3 sDrive20i completes any adventure setting with its new sporty design language that is both individualistic and stylishly rugged.

The new locally-assembled SAV arrives with the hallmark radiator kidney grille and the xLine package, complemented by LED headlights with Extended Contents inclusive of cornering lights. 19-inch light alloy wheels in Y-Spoke Style 694 with runflat tyres also complete the New BMW X3 sDrive20i. Body details are stylishly accentuated in aluminium, as the new SAV also features the BMW Individual Exterior Line and roof rails both in Aluminium Satinated.

Powering the New BMW X3 sDrive20i is the four-cylinder TwinPower Turbo petrol engine capable of a maximum output of 184 hp at 5,000 – 6,500 rpm and a peak torque of 300 Nm at 1,350 – 4,000 rpm. The new SAV is capable of a century sprint in 8.2 seconds, and records a top speed of 215 km/h. Carbon emissions are capped at a lowered 163 g/km and an equally lowered fuel consumption of 7.1 litres per 100 km of travel. Transmission is also offered to the new SAV in the form of an 8-Speed Automatic Steptronic with Automatic Hold Function.

Peering within, the New BMW X3 sDrive20i is fitted with interior trim finishers in Black High-Gloss with highlight trim finishers in Pearl Chrome, complete with interior and exterior mirrors that are equipped with the automatic anti-dazzle function.

Comfort in the new SAV is elevated with the sport seats for the driver and front passenger, as well as velour floor mats, ambient lighting, and the three-zone automatic air conditioning system. Drivers will also be able to enjoy electric seat adjustment with memory function, while a 12-Speaker HiFi sound system provides endless entertainment for the road ahead.

In terms of digital assistance, the New BMW X3 sDrive20i arrives fully-furnished with the Driving Assistant and Parking Assistant. A premium navigational and infotainment experience is offered via a 10.25-inch touchscreen control display, complemented by a Sensatec Instrument Panel and controls with Galvanic Embellishers. These features are also offered alongside the BMW Live Cockpit Plus and the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. 

The Intelligent Emergency Call, and the convenient call function with extended smartphone connection also offer safety and convenience to owners of the New BMW X3 sDrive20i. Meanwhile, convenience is offered to the New BMW X3 sDrive20i via the Comfort Access System, along with the Storage Compartment Package that equips the new SAV with 550 litres of luggage capacity.

Owners will now be able to have greater digital interaction with the New BMW X3 sDrive20i via the new My BMW App that provides easy access to a wide range of remote services, on-the-go navigation, and e-mobility features. The application will replace the BMW Connected App come July 2021, and is now available for download on both Android and iOS-enabled smartphones.

Colour offerings for the New BMW X3 sDrive20i include Alpine White, Glacier Silver, Black Sapphire, and Phytonic Blue. All exterior offerings are paired with black Leather Vernasa upholstery with black stitching.

The New BMW X3 sDrive20i is now available at all authorised BMW dealerships in Peninsular Malaysia, and will be available in East Malaysia starting 20th April 2021. Customers may also book the New BMW X3 sDrive20i for RM 1,000 via the BMW Shop Online platform at https://shop.bmw.com.my/.

Dynamic financial programme. 

With the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the New BMW X3 sDrive20i can be owned with a monthly instalment plan starting from RM 3,178.00 (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure).

Complete premium ownership experience.

Owners of the New BMW X3 sDrive20i will receive the complete BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership experience which includes:

  • ïBMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme
  • ïBMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline
  • ïThe BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App – BMW Privileges Card
  • ïBMW Service Online

The retail pricing for the New BMW X3 sDrive20i with Extended Warranty, Service Package, and the Sales and Services Tax Exemption (on the road, without insurance) is:

The New BMW X3 sDrive20i: RM 286,674.00

Joshua Chin

Automotive journalist. Professional work on dsf.my and automacha.com. Personal writing found at driveeveryday.me. Instagram: @driveeveryday

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Back to top button