BMW has unveiled the next-generation X3 at its US plant located in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The facility will also make the upcoming X4, X5 and the X6. The new 2018 BMW X3 has shorter overhangs for improved approach and departure angles. The headlamps in the third-gen X3 have again moved away from the grille after getting cosy with it in the current model.

2018 BMW X3 Engine

Considering the Americans’ hatred for diesel engines, thanks to Volkswagen, BMW only revealed details of the petrol engines. A 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol and a 6-cylinder straight six petrol are available with the SUV. The 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters is the only transmission available with the X3. The 3.0-litre engine makes 355HP of power between 5500 and 6500rpm. A massive 500Nm of peak torque comes early at 1500rpm and stays put till 4800rpm. The bigger engine will come with the M40i badging and it can accelerate to 100kmph in 4.6 seconds.

BMW didn’t reveal power figures for the 2.0-litre petrol engine, which means that it’ll remain identical to the outgoing model. That number stands at 180HP and 380Nm.

For India, we can expect the 2-litre diesel engine and the 3.0-litre diesel. The bigger diesel engine may get the M40d branding similar to the 3.0-litre petrol model.

xDrive is also available with the X3, which improves the handling and grip in low traction situations. The X3’s all-wheel-drive system has a rear axle bias to deliver that rear-wheel drive fun while also offering improved acceleration and handling.

 

2018 BMW X3 Features

• Adaptive LED headlights
• 3-zone climate control
• Front seats with ventilation
• Electronic parking brake
• Electronic stability control
• Cornering brake control
• Hill start assist
• Hill descent control
• Adaptive cruise control
• Auto start-stop
• Blind spot detection
• Lane departure warning
• Daytime pedestrian protection
• Front collision warning
• Automatic braking for collision prevention at city speeds
• Front and rear cross-traffic alert
• Traffic jam assist
• Colour head-up display
• 360-degree surround view camera
• Adaptive suspension
• Multiple driving modes (Eco, Pro, Comfort, Sport; Sport+ available only with M40i)
• 10.25-inch iDrive 6.0 infotainment system
• Gesture control (touch free)
• Voice control
• Panoramic sunroof
• Customisable ambient lighting

The latest X has a 56mm longer wheelbase liberating more knee room for back seat passengers. It now measures 2866mm, up from 2810mm. The exterior dimensions remain unchanged at 4668mm X 1882mm X 1679mm. Wheel size ranges from 18-inch to 21-inch with the option of run-flat tyres.

The X3 can connect to the Internet with its own dedicated sim card and bring multiple smart options. An app for the Apple Watch and Samsung Gear S2 and S3 is available to monitor the car’s status. Amazon Echo pairing will allow X3 owners to check their SUV’s status with natural voice commands. The digital suite will allow owners to lock or unlock the car, check fuel levels, turn on ventilation, etc.

2018 BMW X3 India Launch

The car will go on sale by the end of 2017 as a 2018 model car. We can expect to see the X3 arrive on our shores with the 2018 Auto Expo. It’ll compete with the middle-weight luxury SUVs like the Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Jaguar F-Pace and the upcoming Volvo XC60.

Also Read: India-Bound BMW Z4 To Be Showcased In August