Almost fifteen years after its initial launch, the X3 continues its success story with the unveil of a new model. The G01 X3 was unveiled today in Spartanburg, a place which BMW calls home. Unsurprisingly, the 2018 BMW X3 follows the evolutionary tale of other BMW designs, so the exterior changes are based on the previous generation with some new influences.
Compared to recently unveiled BMWs, the headlights are no longer connected to the kidney grille, which now features a three-dimensional look with massive slats in between. The headlights are a bit sharper with a hexagonal shape and are available with optional LED projectors. The LED taillights are slimmer too and retain the typical L-shaped BMW design.
The wheelbase has been extended by 2.2 inches, and the overall length of the X3 has also increased by more than 2 inches, so passengers get more interior room. The cabin is where the new X3 really shines – new premium materials are part of the design, along with a three-spoke steering wheel, a partially digital gauge cluster, standard sport seats and upholstered dashboard, along with two-tone finishers on the front and rear bumpers.
In the US, BMW will offer the X3 with two trim levels – xDrive30i and M40i. The former is powered by aa 2.0-liter twin-turbo inline-four producing 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. With this engine, the X3 can hit 60 mph in 6 seconds and a top speed of 130 mph.
The M Performance X3 M40i packs a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six with 355 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. That’s up 55 hp and 69 lb-ft from the most powerful X3 from the 2017 model year. Thanks to the added power, BMW expects the model to sprint to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds.
For more coverage on the new X3, visit the following link.
