The brand new BMW X3 gained’t reveal all its secrets and techniques till later this yr when the world premiere is scheduled to happen. Nevertheless, little by little, the German automaker is disclosing particulars in regards to the luxurious crossover internally codenamed “G45.” We’ve discovered the fourth-generation mannequin goes to skip a sure sort of expertise its larger brothers have.

Rear-wheel steering, aka Integral Lively Steering per BMW advertising and marketing jargon, just isn’t deliberate for the revamped X3. Relying on the model, the setup comes as customary or elective on the X5, X6, X7, and the mighty XM. It’s a function significantly helpful when maneuvering the automobile in a good spot because it reduces the turning circle. It additionally improves stability when taking corners at increased speeds.

The rear wheels flip in both the identical path or in the other way because the entrance wheels. Within the newest X5 and X6 fashions, the rear wheels might be turned by as much as three levels. Mercedes has a extra refined setup permitting the EQE SUV and EQS SUV to pivot the rear wheels as much as 10 levels.

Why isn’t the 2025 X3 getting it? BMW explains it’s not as useful as it’s on the X5, X6, X7, and XM. As a result of the X3 is a smaller automobile, it doesn’t really want it. Properly, we’re loosely utilizing “small” as a result of the new-generation mannequin is supposedly 4755 millimeters (187.2 inches) lengthy and 1920 mm (75.5 in) extensive. That might make it bigger than the unique X5 (E53).

BMW informed us that including rear-wheel steering would improve weight, which might consequently take its toll on gasoline consumption. The normal setup “fulfills the wants” for a compact-ish SUV. Archrival Mercedes would beg to vary for the reason that X3-fighting GLC has an elective rear-wheel-steering system. It turns the rear wheels as much as 4.5 levels to make it extra maneuverable.

It’s price noting that Integral Lively Steering just isn’t restricted to BMW’s SUVs for the reason that 5 Sequence and seven Sequence might be optionally ordered with this setup. The smaller of the 2 sedans can pivot the rear wheels by 2.5 levels whereas the flagship can do it by 3.5 levels.