Tag Archives: X3
Three Things To Learn About The 2018 BMW X3
If you’re a fan of the current BMW X3, you’ll be happy to know that the same snappy performance, elegant interior, and reasonable pricing are packaged in an all-new next-generation 2018 BMW X3.
Spotted testing once again, the new X3 is likely to arrive in showrooms starting next year as a 2018 model. Aside from what we enjoy with the current model, the German automaker added other elements to make this the perfect crossover SUV. What does anyone want in an SUV? Power, aerodynamics and cargo space. All of these you can find in this next-gen X3.
1. More Interior Space
Crossover SUVs have suffered tremendously for its failure to offer adequate interior and cargo space like it’s bigger brother, the SUV. It’s understandable why since the crossover wasn’t made to rival the SUV. It was just made to be bigger than the sedan, but significantly smaller than the SUV. The focus was on ground clearance than interior space. But thanks to a more efficient engineering and the use of lightweight materials, the 2018 X3 is equipped with a larger interior.
That is thanks largely to the adoption of the CLAR modular platform that was first seen in the 2016 7-Series. The SUV version will be debuting in the X3, and will likely appear in the new X5 and X7 as well.
2. Diesel and Plug-in Hybrid Options Available
For those of you waiting for a battery-powered electric X3, this isn’t the year for that, unfortunately. Under the hood of this new X3, you’ll find almost the same engine as that of the latest 3-Series. This means that the crossover is offering BMW’s new B58 modular 3.0-liter inline-6 and inline-4 units, including diesel and plug-in hybrid options. The battery-powered electric X3 will arrive towards the end of the decade.
3. Performance Variants are Coming
There will be an X3 M40i and X3 M, the latter was apparently spied in prototype form. Its engine will be coming from the M3/M4 line which produces 425 horsepower. These performance variants will have an aggressive body form that is also wider than the current X3.
Getting To Know The 2018 BMW X3
2018 BMW X3 rendering. (Source: TopSpeed)
The BMW X3 is a huge favorite for those who want an everyday car that is versatile, functional, efficient and luxurious. It has been refreshed for the 2015 model year and will be fully upgraded for 2018.
According to a report, the expected upgrades will bring a full redesign of the exterior, improved interior space and comfort, as well as a new diesel engine and plug-in hybrid.
Exterior
The spy shots allowed the rendering of how the 2018 BMW X3 will look like. The new X3 is expected to have a more refined design, but obviously, the kidney grilles will remain. What’s a Bimmer without it? The headlights will be similar to the refreshed 2015 version, but they will be placed a little beyond the lens. There’s a running LED strip from the outside corner, under the bulbs to the lower inboard point. The round fog lights will be carried over, along with air dam, and shortened corner vents.
The sides have been changed a bit. The upper body line now runs straight from the fender back. It is also sharper and a bit more refined than the one you can find on the current model. The wheels have dual five-spoke design.
Interior
The new X3’s steering wheel has a longer bottom spoke with silver buttons and silver insert over the bottom spoke. The instrument cluster cannot be seen because of the cover on the spy shots, but it’s safe to say that it’ll have a digital speedo on the left and a digital tachometer on the right.
The center console looks the same, but there are chrome overlays on the side, and the tech is more refined and luxurious. That is largely thanks to the free-standing and larger infotainment screen that looks like it’s floating from the top of the center stack.
As for the cargo, there should be a 60-40 folding rear seat. The hip and legroom may also increase.
Drivetrain
The next X3 will build on the CLAR platform that is being used on the 3 series and all larger BMW vehicles. It will have a range of gas and diesel engines, as well as an incoming plug-in hybrid.