2024 BMW X3 sDrive20i Final Edition Review

The D-Segment SUV market in Malaysia has always been a battleground for luxury brands, as consumers value both brand quality and practical features like space and configurations. The 2024 BMW X3 sDrive20i Final Edition, as the closing version of the mid-cycle facelift, enters the market with top-tier features like a standard HUD and 360-degree camera. Many potential buyers are curious whether this "final edition" truly delivers sincerity. This time, we received a test car, and the main focus of our evaluation is whether its static experience meets luxury expectations, whether its dynamic performance aligns with BMW's tuning standards, and whether its features will appeal to family users.

At first glance, its design continues the robust style of the X3 family but appears more refined in detail. The front features a blacked-out kidney grille paired with sharp LED headlights, and the L-shaped daytime running lights within the headlight clusters offer high recognition when illuminated. The side profile has smooth lines, and the 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels (with both front and rear tires measuring 245/45 R20) provide a more balanced proportion to the side view. The slightly raised wheel arches also enhance the SUV's muscular sense. At the rear, the blacked-out LED taillights echo the front design, and the dual-exposed exhaust layout adds a touch of sportiness. Overall, this Final Edition retains the classic X3 design while using blacked-out details to enhance its youthful appeal, aligning well with the current market's preference for sporty appearances.

Opening the car door reveals a more noticeable sense of luxury compared to the previous version. The center console is wrapped in soft-touch materials and adorned with metallic trim, which provides a nice touch. A 12.3-inch full LCD instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen central control display form a dual-screen setup, offering smooth interfaces and supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Notably, the Final Edition comes standard with a HUD (head-up display), so you can see information such as speed and navigation without looking down while driving, which is highly practical. In terms of seating, the front driver's seat is equipped with electrically adjustable memory features, while the passenger seat also supports electric adjustment. The leather seats offer good support and wrapping, ensuring comfort during long drives. The rear seats support a 40:20:40 split-fold arrangement and come with a remote folding option, making it convenient for carrying large items in daily life.

In terms of space, this X3's dimensions are 4708mm×1891mm×1676mm, with a wheelbase of 2864mm, which is at the mainstream level for its class. The front seating area is spacious, and a 175cm tall passenger will still have one fist and two fingers of headroom after adjusting their seat. The rear space is similarly roomy, with about two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom. The central floor hump is not too high, so accommodating three people temporarily in the rear is not overly crowded. For storage, the front center console features a wireless charging pad, the center armrest box is quite spacious, and the door storage compartments can hold water bottles and small items. The trunk offers a standard capacity of 550L, which can be expanded further by folding the rear seats, making it suitable for carrying luggage for short family trips. Additionally, the cabin is equipped with a three-zone automatic air conditioning system, with independent rear air vents and a 220V power outlet, showcasing thoughtful attention to detail.

Powertrain: This car is equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering a maximum power of 135kW (184PS) and a peak torque of 300N·m, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. During actual driving, the power response is active at the start, with sufficient torque output at low rpm, making it easy for daily city driving without feeling sluggish during starts. When switched to Sport mode, throttle sensitivity improves, and the transmission adopts a more aggressive shifting logic during acceleration. It downshifts quickly when overtaking, providing a decent push-back sensation. The officially claimed 0-100km/h acceleration time is 8.2 seconds. While not exceptionally fast, it is completely adequate for family use.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel is precise with minimal play, and the steering characteristics align with BMW's tuning style. The chassis features a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension setup, tuned more for comfort but still retaining a good level of support. When passing speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension filters out most of the vibrations, without any significant harshness. When cornering, body roll is well-controlled, providing sufficient confidence. The braking system performs consistently, with the brake pedal having moderate travel and delivering linear feedback, making it easy to control during daily driving.

Regarding fuel consumption: During our test, we drove approximately 50km each on city roads and highways, resulting in a combined fuel consumption of about 7.8L/100km. This is slightly higher than the official figure of 7.3L/100km, but given the actual traffic conditions, this fuel efficiency is quite reasonable. Noise control is also well-executed, with minimal wind and road noise during highway driving, allowing in-car conversations without the need to raise your voice deliberately. Additionally, the standard 12-speaker Sound Plus audio system delivers clear sound quality, further enhancing the driving and riding experience.

To summarize, the 2024 BMW X3 sDrive20i Final Edition has some very clear core strengths: First, it comes with generous standard features such as HUD, 360-degree cameras, and tri-zone climate control, which are more comprehensive compared to the entry-level Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 L or Audi Q5L. Second, it offers practical space, with the 2864mm wheelbase delivering a spacious rear row suitable for family use. Third, the driving dynamics are balanced, with adequate power, stable handling, and good comfort.

The target audience for this car is clear: family users who value luxury and practical features, or young buyers seeking a well-rounded vehicle. If you need an SUV that can handle daily commutes, family trips, and also comes with the prestige of a luxury brand, the Final Edition is worth considering. It may not have the strongest power or the largest space in its class, but its strengths lie in its well-equipped features, great driving dynamics, and balanced overall performance, making it a "jack-of-all-trades" luxury SUV.