BMW showed the new X3 at its plant in SC, where it's been assembled since 2010. The third generation is expected to hit U.S. showrooms in November.
BMW has just introduced an all-new BMW X3, the brands popular mid-sized SUV and a popular choice in its class since 2004. At the same time, BMW has improved the X3's aerodynamic properties with better-regulated air flow around the vehicle using active grille shudders, underbody cladding, and a rear spoiler. The same floating infotainment display dominates the center stack, but for the first time on the X3, buyers can opt for the sweet digital gauge cluster we first saw on the current 7 Series. The nose is more rounded and features an enlarged grille. The effect grows more pronounced as it adds body trim and aero kits in its new performance editions. It's good for 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.
Like its Spartanburg-built predecessor, the third-generation X3 will be available with either a four- or six-cylinder engine.
BMW hasn't watched the Benz GLC's march into AMG fleets and let it go unanswered. The latter will be employed in the upcoming X3 M40i variant. Here it's tuned to 355 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
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Given BMW has sold over a million and a half X3, it's understandable the company has taken a cautious approach to the new model's design, and it doesn't represent the radical rethink the forthcoming BMW 8 Series is likely to herald. Does it need to?
This will give the new BM X3 M40i a limited top speed of 155 miles per hour and a 0 to 62 miles per hour time of just 4.8 seconds. A plug-in hybrid model is all but certain, and we can't help but think a pure electric X3 is in the pipeline, given BMW's chatter about the future of electrification. Adaptive shocks will be offered on all models. An extra cubic foot of cargo space has been carved out of the extra length between the wheels. BMW's flavor lets the vehicle take over steering, braking, and acceleration for almost a minute before it commands drivers to retake the wheel. Additionally, the X3 can be equipped with active-safety features such as adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot monitor, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist as part of the optional Driving Assistance package.
While pricing won't be announced until closer to the on-sale date, we'd wager that the 2018 X3's new engines, additional technology, and standard all-wheel-drive system will result in a compact BMW crossover SUV that wears a starting price that's thousands more than the $41,045 fee asked for today's least expensive rear-wheel-drive X3.
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