BMW is a car company with a long history of delivering performance and luxury.
BMW is also an intelligent company, with an ability to read the market extremely accurately and offer something that competitors sometimes cannot.
The whole X series of SUVs is proof that BMW knows its customers, as it attacks the marketplace from every angle – BMW now offers the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, and soon X7. And each of these models offers numerous trim levels, ranging from the standard models to the high performance M series in some cases.
Among these, the X3 is the most important model of all, as it is squarely aimed at the high volume mid-sized luxury SUVs – competing against the likes of Audi Q5, Mercedes GLC, Lexus RX, and Acura RDX.
With the all-new 2018 X3, BMW is going to prove that it’s still at the top of the market, offering state-of-the-art features and a highly refined chassis. The new X3 is the most refined and advanced X3 ever, and will also be the first one to offer an authentic M model: the X3M.
The third generation of the X3, still built in the United States, resembles the lineage of the past but with many notable changes.
Design
The BMW X3 strikes a dramatic profile with a long hood, tapered roofline and rear end that rises up, reminiscent of the original 2004 X3 design. Some differences noted from previous models would include the addition of air intakes mounted low on the front fascia, large rear taillights emphasizing a shapelier backside, and a higher 19.6-inch clearance from the ground.
BMW’s trademark grille rounds out the front but is now larger and includes air vents to reduce aerodynamic drag. While the base trim level comes with attractive aluminum and silver exterior accents, the luxury trim level upgrades the exterior to two-tone finish, additional chrome trim and a different bumper cover.
Moving up to the flagship M Sport package will soup up your X3 with flared fenders and a sportier body. While the X3 is not as attractive to some when compared to fashionable vehicles such as Porsche Macan and Jaguar F-Pace, it’s a stellar vehicle nonetheless.
The interior of the X3 is plush and extensive attention to detail is apparent throughout. Optional 40:60:40 split-folding rear seats and a power tailgate cater to every configuration one can imagine. Cabin ergonomics are perfectly designed and cabin fit and finish is excellent. Only the surprising wind noise and tire noise come to attention as detractors.
Optional extras for the X3 include a large panoramic sunroof, BMW Gesture Control (touch-free interaction with the infotainment system), large heads-up display, a 10.3-inch touchscreen, and a bevy of others. For improved safety, the Driving Assistance package can be added which includes blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. As far as safety ratings are concerned, the International Institute of Highway Safety rates the base trim level 2018 BMW X3 a Top Safety Pick+.
Performance
The 2018 BMW X3 xDrive30i comes with a turbocharged four-cylinder 2.0-litre inline-four engine, while the X3 M40i comes with a six-cylinder turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six. These engines are new to the X3 line, although they are shared with other BMW vehicles within the 3 and 5 series. The xDrive30i engine provides 248 horsepower and 258 foot-pounds of torque, and the M40i engine provides 355 h.p. and 369 foot-pounds of torque – plenty in either case.
The M40i engine packs a real punch and jumps from zero to 100 kilometres per hour in 4.8 seconds, according to BMW. If that’s true, it’s the best in class (matching the acceleration speed of the 400 h.p. Porsche Macan Turbo). Both engines are combined with an eight-speed automatic transmission with sporty paddle shifters.
All-wheel drive is now standard on all BMW X3s, but diesel is no longer an option on any X3. Drive modes are controlled by an optional add-on adaptive damper system and are available in Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport and Adaptive modes. The more expensive M40i model comes with an exciting and edgy Sport+ mode as well. Fuel consumption for the X3 M40i is listed as between 8.4-8.2 litres/100 kilometres for combined highway and city driving. At this point in time, there are no electrified or hybrid options for the X3.
On the road, the X3 handles smoothly in a very polished way. The steering is improved over the 2017 model, with better road feedback and linear feel. Even the standard engine is superior to many competitors.
The only thing to keep in mind is that the X3 – at least in the base trim – is not really a “sporty” SUV as it emphasizes ride quality and smoothness above all else. It trails slightly behind the Q5 for steering feel but outperforms most of the Japanese competitors such as the Lexus RX and even the new Acura RDX for handling. The Germans somehow manage to deliver more performance-oriented handling year after year despite the Japanese claiming to be better. On the other hand, no BMWs, Mercedes or Audis can compete with Lexus and Acura for reliability and overall smoothness.
I would say the new Acura RDX is the closest in feel to the X3, but somehow Acura put strange “fake” engine sounds onto the new RDX and it just doesn’t feel as natural as the X3. So all in all, the X3 is a hard car to beat; the only car that I feel is truly better is the Porsche Macan with its excellent world-class handling.
Summary
The 2018 BMW X3 comes in two trims: the xDrive30i or the M40i. The xDrive30i starts at $48,000 MSRP and the M40i starts from $61,500. The much anticipated X3M has not been officially announced yet.
With a high level of versatility and all the available options, it’s easy for the price tag to jump up significantly. BMW as a company is not just looking to tomorrow or a few years from now, but instead BMW has its sights set on the “Next 100 Years.” And the new X3 certainly feels like it’s moving towards that vision.
