When the all-new, fourth-generation BMW X3 was globally introduced in June last year, two thoughts visited us. First, we were undecided whether we liked the exterior design. Second, we wondered which propulsion would make it to our shores.

Fortunately, when BMW Philippines formally presented the car today to the motoring media, we got the answers we needed.

Thought number one: The car actually looks better in the metal than it does in photos. While pictures seem to convey a cartoonish image, the new X3 has a virile presence about it. The panels are sharply chiseled, and the overall aura is so proud that the SUV doesn’t care about your opinion.

You either like it or you don’t. As simple as that.

Did we like it? There were angles that didn’t exactly make us swoon, but there were those that did. Like the one shown in the top photo.

This is a car whose verdict on its styling cannot be entrusted to other people. You have to make up your mind yourself.

Thought number two: When we read the press release that was distributed last year, we learned that there were three mild hybrids (two petrol engines and one diesel) and one plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. You don’t have to be an automotive engineer to guess which engine we were rooting for, and BMW Philippines got it right.

So the model that our market is receiving is the X3 30e xDrive M Sport PHEV, equipped with a 2.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo gasoline plug-in hybrid (299hp and 450Nm). It has a 90km pure electric range, a 0-100km/h acceleration of 6.2 seconds, and a top speed of 215km/h. Gear-shifting duties are courtesy of an eight-speed Steptronic transmission.

Fuel consumption estimate is 12.7km/L, combined. We’re curious to find out what the real-world figure is—especially in Metro Manila traffic.

The all-new BMW X3 PHEV costs P4,790,000, and has a five-year/200,000km warranty. If you have the slightest of interest in this vehicle, we suggest you get to know it up close and personal yourself. You can’t leave it to your buddies to make the decision for you. No, not with this car.

Man up, sir.