SPARTANBURG, S.C. — BMW's 2018 X3, which goes on sale at U.S. dealerships in November, will include the first M Performance model in the nameplate's lineup.
BMW will offer two models at launch, the top-of-the-line X3 M40i and the xDrive30i. Pricing will be announced closer to the redesigned X3's on-sale date.
The xDrive30i is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 248 hp, while the M40i is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine producing 355 hp.
Other models will arrive later, though X3 head of project Arno Keller at a press event here declined to confirm what else is likely. Possibilities include a plug-in hybrid, a diesel-powered model and a rear-wheel-drive model. BMW currently sells a rwd X3 as the line's base model, but both 2018 models announced thus far are all-wheel drive. BMW has confirmed it will sell an electric version of the X3 in 2020.
With the third generation, the X3 moves to BMW's versatile CLAR architecture, a lighter-weight modular system that already underpins the 7-series sedan and will be used on several other nameplates. The vehicle is lighter, more powerful and more efficient with improved handling and driving dynamics, BMW says.
The third-generation X3 is 121 pounds lighter than the outgoing X3 largely because of more aluminum components throughout, Keller said. The new architecture also enables the use of the company's full suite of driver-assistance technologies, he said.
The X3 generally maintains its overall exterior dimensions although its wheelbase has grown by 2.2 inches and interior space has grown. The redesigned X3 sports what BMW is calling its "three-dimensional" kidney grille and hexagonal fog lights, the first use of that face on one of its X models.
