To highlight the end of an era, BMW Malaysia has just debuted the Final Edition models of the BMW X3 sDrive20i and the X3 xDrive30e. Both versions, which start at RM338,500, have the same underlying powertrains but have been given more aggressive styling and improved features.
The BMW M Sport package is still included with the exterior of the X3 sDrive20i and X3 xDrive30e Final Edition, but the M Lights Shadowline adds a more angular front fascia. For a sportier appearance, there’s also the M high-gloss Shadowline.
The special M Sport brake in a high-gloss red hue is another feature of the X3 xDrive30e Final Edition. The two limited edition X3 cars come in Carbon Black, Alpine White, and M Brooklyn Grey as colour options.
The interior of the Final Edition is available in two options: mocha leather “Vernasca” with Décor stitching or black leather “Vernasca” with similar stitching. Conversely, buyers of the X3 xDrive30e Final Edition have the option of selecting a black leather interior with blue stitching or a mocha leather “Vernasca” with Décor stitching for their SUV. Wireless charging for smartphones is also included in both versions, although the X3 xDrive30e Final Edition is the only one that can be purchased with the new head-up display (HUD).
Regarding safety, BMW Malaysia has upgraded the ADAS package for the two new special edition X3s to include Active Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop & Go functionality. Only the xDrive30e Final Edition is eligible for the Parking Assistant Plus kit from the manufacturer. This incorporates Remote View 3D and a 360° surround view camera.
As mentioned, the new special edition BMW X3 cars have not received any performance-related modifications. The car’s 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder still packs 184 horsepower and 300 Nm. Mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox, power is sent to the front wheels only.
On the other hand, the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) X3 xDrive30e Final Edition has a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine and an electric motor with a combined system output of 292 horsepower and 420 Nm. BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive (AWD) system distributes power to all four wheels and is mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox.
This latest release hints at the launch of the fourth-generation Neue-Klasse X3 in the very near future, meaning that the current third-generation X3 will soon be replaced? Watch this space.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
With the X3 being one of the most popular SUV models on the market today, we see a couple of special bespoke Final Edition versions, offering some minor cosmetic tweaks and updated safety features, like a better ADAS package, as giving BMW fans yet one more compelling reason to visit showrooms.