The BMW X3 has always been a popular all-rounder for everyday life. Combining versatility, efficiency, luxury, and BMW driving dynamics, it’s no wonder that it sells so well, with more than 1.5 million registrations from the first two generations alone. Now, for 2018, an all-new X3 is set to roll into showrooms, and the bar has officially been raised. Offered in three different model lines – xLine, Luxury Line, and M Sport – the new X3 brings new looks with standard acoustic glass up front to go with new LED headlights, LED fog lamps, new wheels, a sloped roof, and striking body lines. The redesigned interior is more luxurious than ever and offers an improvement in comfort and functionality while three engine options will bring anywhere between 184 and 360 horsepower of people hauling goodness to your beck and call. And, to top it all off, it’s also the first BMW SAV to be offered with a trailer hitch from the factory.

All told, the new X3 is faster, lighter, and more efficient than ever, with its coefficient of drag rated at just 0.29. It’s also offered with BMW’s CoPilot, which brings things like active cruise control, lane control assist, lane keep assist, and lane change assistant, all being offered as optional equipment. It’s set to go on sale in November of 2017, so let’s dive in and take a good look at what we can expect. After all; it does have to fight for supremacy among competitors like the Mercedes GLC, Audi Q5, and Range Rover Evoque.

Update 6/26/2017: BMW has dropped official specs and images for the new BMW X3. Check out the details below as we continue to update this review throughout the day.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2018 BMW X3.

2018 BMW X3

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2018 BMW X3
  • Segment: Array
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 248 @ 5200
  • Torque: 258 @ 1450
  • Transmission: 8-speep Septronic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Promo video

Exterior

BMW’s generational shifts rarely bring massive change, but the new X3 actually presents itself with some serious talking points as it rolls into showrooms. To start off, let’s talk about the show that will be cast by the new X3. The roof line has been reworked to have more of a slope to it, which also means the rear hatch is more angular and there’s a serious feeling of length when viewed from the side. The new model also sits more parallel to the ground, effectively putting an end to the slightly raked look of the last-gen model.

Up front, you can see that there are some pretty major changes in play here. First off, those kidney grilles are now larger and feature the angular louvers. The chrome trim surrounding the grille also features a more angular approach up top, and for this generation, the hood is actually cut out to show off the entire top side of the trim as opposed to it sitting under the tip of the hood. Down below, that little vent that did reside below the grilles is now gone, to make way for a larger air dam than now features a sporty overhang up top. Flanking the air dam is a pair of redesigned corner vents with a unique trim application. Just above those sit a sleek pair of LED foglamps that replace the dated-looking round units of the last-gen model. Then we’ve got the headlights that are now LED as standard and feature the angular LED rings like those found on the BMW M2, for example. Finally, BMW took the time to revamp the hood in a way that extends the body lines and makes them a bit sharper – a feature that also contributes to an overall feeling of length.

Around back, the X3 is just a tad bit bubblier than before, but the differences aren’t quite so obvious back here. The same general hatch design carries over, however, the hatch is a little wider, as is the rear glass. The new taillights extend a little further onto the hatch, while LED lights with a 3D look are available as an option. The reflector on the corners is now a bit longer, wrapping around the corner while the trim down below has been restyled to provide a sportier appearance and accent the twin tailpipes that are now standard across the board regardless of engine choice. But, that’s not all there is to talk about when it comes to the exterior. Remember how I said there were three different model variants? Well, here they are:

Then entry-level xLine model gets its own styling tat includes a matt aluminum pair of grilles p front to go with matt aluminum side window graphics. Underbody protection (skid plates) are standard, but the xLine also gets Glacier Silver trim elements all of the way around. Moving up to the Luxury line replaced the matt aluminum grill and window graphics with chrome units while the trim elements are bi-colored to add a bit of extra flare. Both the xLine and Luxury line models can be optioned with 19- or 20-inch light-alloy wheels. Then there’s the M Sport package, which is what you really want. It gets its own aerodynamic kit to go with M Sport brakes, suspension, and exhaust. The rear glass gets a unique Shadow Line window graphic while the M light-alloy wheels can be optioned as large as 21-inches if you’re into big wheels.

Exterior Dimensions

Wheelbase (Inches)

112.8

Length (Inches)

185.9

Width (Inches)

74.4

Height (Inches)

66.0

Overhang front/rear (Inches)

34.3/38.9

Turning circle (Inches)

39.4

Gound clearance (Inches)

8


The Competition

There was a time when SUVs were about as aerodynamic as a barn, and all pretty much looked the same. But, that was then, and this is now. If you compare the new X3 to any of the main competition, it certainly comes out on top in the looks department, and it should, given that fact that it got such an extensive revamp. OF course, that’s accurate if you look at models like the GLC and the Audi Q5, but then there’s the Range Robert Evoque, which really comes in on top to me. It’s sleek and attractive like the X3, but it doesn’t have all of the traditional and aggressive styling cues – It’s just as sporty as they come. Check back soon for exterior specifications for each model.

Interior

BMW interiors have always been driver-focused, which is just one part of the equation that makes each and every BMW a true driver’s car. BMW built on that and took it even further with the next-gen X3. Where the outgoing model at a dash that was somewhat flat, the new-gen model now features a sloped dash with smooth character lines and a sharp edge in the center of the face. The HVAC vents have grown with the center vents taking on slanted edges and the corner units gaining some height. Mor importantly, however, is the way the central trim is angled toward the driver, which also provides a better angle for the infotainment screen and center vents. And, that 10.2-inch touchscreen is finally up to BMW’s current standard as it’s not a floating unit, effectively bringing an end to the American look inside the X3.

The steering wheel is all new, featuring a smaller and more rounded hub to go with upswept side spokes that have revised thumb buttons. The center spoke is now longer and thinner, and gets the same trim coloring as the rest of the trim elements on the dash – it’s a nice touch. Revised door trim brings a refreshing feel, but so do the arm rests that now feature a new pull handle and the cubbies down below that can hold one-liter bottles. The HVAC and infotainment controls in the center stack have been downsize a bit and repositioned, leading to a center console that now swoops upward. As such, the storage bin ahead of the shifter is now much larger and includes cup holders.

Options include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, full-color heads-up display, sensatec dash panel, extra chrome trim, ambient air package, three-zone climate control, and an ambient lighting system include carpet illumination. So, that’s a lot of goodness up front, but what about in the rear?

Back here, you’ll find the same seating designs as up front, however, you might not want to be sitting back here while your cousin pushes it to the limit on the Nurburgring. There’s just no side support back here, which is the usual case, but worth pointing out. On the plus side, the rear seatback as a 40/20/40-split that allows for plenty of extra cargo room, or a nice divider in the middle if you have kids that really need to stay within their own bubble. The door trim panels match those of the front doors, but if you opt for the tri-zone climate control, your rear seat passengers will certainly appreciate the effort. Moving back to the cargo area, you’ll find that you get 19.42 cubic-feet of space out of the gate, but if you need more, it can be expanded to as much as 56.5 cubic-feet with the press of a button as the whole seat back lays flat on demand.

The floorboard in the boot also lifts up to expose another storage compartment that’s hidden away. To each side, there’s a rail that BMW likes to call the “adaptive fastening system.” If you’ve never had a chance to check this out, it’s actually a genius design that allows you to secure your goods regardless of where they are located in the rear. With that said, all three of the different model lines offer up the same general amenities, but there are a few things that set each apart.

When it comes to the xLine model, interior trim is finished in gloss black, and cloth upholstery is standard. Leather is an option, but you’ll have to pony up a bit to get it. The boot sill in this model gets a stainless-steel strap for a little extra character. Moving up to the luxury line gets you leather seats as standard equipment to go with that Sensatec dash I mentioned earlier. Door sill finishers and key designs are unique to this model line as is the Dark Oak wood trim throughout the cabin. Moving up to the M Sport package with comp you Aluminum Rhambicle trim throughout to go with a BMW individual headliner and M Sport seats with black leather and blue upholstery stitching. The M Sport model also gets M-specific sill finishers and floor mats to go with an M steering wheel – again, this is where it’s at if you want the best there is.

Interior Dimensions

Headroom front/rear (Inches)

41.1/39.1

Legroom front/rear (Inches)

40.3/36.4

Shoulder room front/rear (Inches)

57.6/56

Trunk volume (cu ft)

28.7-62.7


The Competition

So, when you compare the new X3 to the competition, you’ll find that it’s pretty much the same story with anything wearing a badge that originates from Germany. Both the GLC and Q5 feature floating infotainment displays , supportive front seats, modern interior trim, and both can be had in a more luxurious form that’s comparable to that of the M40i. The only one that really stands out as different is the Range Rover Evoque, which still sports a center-stack-mounted infotainment display, a unique shifter, and a more basic dash design. It’s also offered with ambient lighting and a host of other goodies like a digital instrument cluster and upgraded sound system. So, if it comes down to picking between the new X3 and the rest of the competition, it’s really a hard call. I tend to lean toward the Evoque, but I really like the new cabin of the X3, so it’s a bit of a tossup. We’re talking about a pretty hefty investment, though, so it’s best to sit in each model yourself and see which is more comfortable to you. Check back soon for interior dimensions of all models.

Drivetrain

In case you haven’t figured it out yet, there’s plenty of models to choose from when the new X3 hits showrooms in November 2017. Like the current model, the new X3 will be offered with a 2.0-liter or 3.0-liter engine, but those can be had with a thirst for petrol or diesel. On the diesel side, you can choose from the xDrive20d and the xDrive 30d – that’s right; AWD is standard for the oil burners. The 20d comes with a 2.0-liter that’s good for 190 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque with the latter being available between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. Fuel economy is rated at 52.3 to 56.5 mph on the imperial scale. It can hit the 62-mph sprint in eight seconds flat and will top 132 mph before she says no more. But, maybe that’s not enough. If so, you can jump up to the xDrive30d and get yourself an impressive 258 horsepower to go with 457 pound-feet of gut-wrenching, trailer-hauling torque. The later is available between 2,000 and 2,500 rpm and represents an improvement of 59 pound-feet over the outgoing model. Not bad, huh? AS it turns out, the xDrive30d will get you to 62 mph in 5.8 seconds on the way to a top speed of 149 mph. Fuel economy, however, is where the sacrifice comes in, as the 30d is only good for 49.6 mpg on the imperial scale.

I know some of you like to avoid the dirty oil burners, and that’s okay because there’s plenty to choose from for you too. Breaking into the gasoline drinkers will have you looking at the xDrive 20i or the sDrive20i, which means you can still get a two-wheel-drive X3 if your heart so desires. The 20i will comes with a 2.0-liter four-banger that promises 184 horsepower and 214 pound-feet of torque. With this engine, maximum torque is available from just 1,350 rpm up to 4,600 rpm. It’s also an improvement of 15 pound-feet over the outgoing model because every bit counts. Fuel economy is rated at 39.2 mpg for the S model and 38.2 mph for those equipped with xDrive. Want to get up to speed quickly? Well, with the 20i, you’ll get to 62 mph in 8.3 seconds regards of how many driven wheels you have with top speed coming in at 134 mph. That’s not too bad for an entry-level model, but what about that xDrive30i?

Well, the xDrive30i comes correct with an extra 7 ponies on tap from the 2.0-liter, bringing output up to 252 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque that comes into play at a relatively low 1,450 rpm and holds steady through 4,800 rpm. 62 mph comes in as fast as 6.3 seconds with the right tires and motivation while top speed comes in at just 149 mph. You’ll manage to travel 38.2 miles per gallon on the imperial scale with this model. Finally, for those of you who crave that M goodness and desire BMW’s famed inline-six, you’ll want to check out the M40i. It comes with xDrive AWD as standard equipment and delivers a cool 360 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. And, that’s where the gains really come in for this generation. See, those figures account for an improvement of 54 ponies and 74 pound-feet over the outgoing model. That’s pretty huge for the range-topping model. These credentials are good for a 4.8-second sprint to 62 mph and a top cruising speed of 155 mph. And, according to Bimmer, this extra power doesn’t affect fuel economy, with the M40i achieving 34.4 mpg on the imperial scale.

Shifting duties for every model and engine happen smoothly and efficiently thanks to BMW’s eight-speed Steptronic gearbox. And, while BMW didn’t go into details, the transmission has been updated to for each engine for increased reliability while also being more efficient to help combat emissions and fuel consumption woes. At the time of launch, you’ll only be able to get your hands on xDrive models, the sDrive20i will come shortly thereafter, but if you live in Europe, don’t get your hopes up as it’s not ging to be offered in your market. BMW has gone to extreme lengths to refine the X3, and that includes a lighter rear differential and a revised transfer case – the same one that’s found in the current 7 Series – that helps to combat fuel efficiency as well.

Drivetrain specifications - U.S. lineup

BMW X3 xDrive30i

BMW X3 M40i

Engine

2.0-liter inline-4

3.0-liter inline-6

Horsepower

248 HP @ 5,200-6,500 RPM

355 HP @ 5,500-6,500 RPM

Torque

258 LB-FT @ 1,450-4,800 RPM

369 LB-FT @ 1,520-4,800 RPM

Transmission

8-speed automatic

8-speed automatic

0 to 60 mph

6 seconds

4.6 seconds

Top speed

130 mph

130 mph

Curb weight (lbs)

4,156

4,277


The Competition

When it comes to power output, the X3 is the new king, as the 2.0-liter gasoline mill tops that of the GLC300, Audi Q5, and Evoque by 7 horsepower, 28 horsepower, and 8 horsepower, respectively. In the 3.0-liter department, the M40i is superior to the Q5, beating it out by 83 ponies. But, the GLC43 takes the cake by seven horsepower with its 362 horsepower rating. The Mercs get a nine-speed as standard while the Audi and Range Rover pull shifting duty with eight-cog units. In the end, the performance specs really line up pretty well, so your best bet is to take a drive in each one and see which one fits you better.

Model

Engine

Transmission

Horsepower

Torque

0-60 mph

Top Speed

Mercedes GLC300

2.0-liter

9-Speed

241HP

273LB-FT

6.3-Seconds

130MPH

3,500LB

20/28/23

Mercedes-AMG GLC43

3.0-liter

9-Speed

362HP

384LB-FT

4.8-Seconds

155MPH

TBA

18/22/20

Audi Q5 2.0

2.0-liter

8-Speed

220HP

258LB-FT

7.0-Seconds

130MPH

4,400

20/27/22

Audi Q5 3.0

3.0-liter

8-Speed

272HP

295LB-FT

6.0-Seconds

130MPH

4,400

18/26/21

Range Rover Evoque

2.0-liter

9-Speed

240HP

250LB-FT

7.1-Seconds

155MPH

3,500

21/30/24


Prices

BMW has chosen to hold out on releasing pricing specs just yet, but the new X3 is set to roll into dealers in November of 2017, with pricing to lead the way shortly beforehand. However, I wouldn’t expect to see prices climb too much considering the pricing point of the competition. Needless to say, Bimmer doesn’t have a whole lot of room to play with when it comes to that sticker price. In current form, the X3 starts out at $39,250 for the sDrive25i. The xDrive 25i begins from $41,250. The xDrive35i with the 3.0-liter hits the bank for a minimum of $47,950. I don’t think the starting prices will change much with the 2018 model, but expect to see a small increase — maybe $1,000 at most.

The Competition

For the most part, all of the competing models we’ve discussed here play nicely as far as pricing goes, but the Audi Q5 definitely a bit pricier than the range-topping X3. Then you’ve got the Evoque that trimps everything in pricing once you step up into the HSE Dynamic and excessively pricy Evoque Autobiography. Then again, when it comes to this segment, you really do get what you pay for, and the Evoque Autobiography is one of the nicest compact SUV’s out there right now.

Price

BMW X3 sDrive25i

$39,250

BMW X3 xDrive25i

$41,250

BMW X3 Xdrive35i

$47,950

Mercedes GLC300

$39,150

Mercedes GLC300 4Matic

$41,150

Mercedes-AMG GCL43

$54,900

Audi Q5 Premium

$40,900

Audi Q5 Premium Plus

$43,150

Audi Q5 Prestige

$53,200

Range Rover Evoque SE

$41,800

Range Rover Evoque SE Premium

$45,800

Range Rover Evoque HSE

$51,000

Range Rover Evoque HSE Dynamic

$54,200

Range Rover Evoque Autobiography

$62,500


Competitors

Land Rover Evoque

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First on our list of competitors is the Land Rover Evoque. Land Rover gave a mild refresh to the Evoque for the 2016 model year, with the most noticeable change being the updated headlights. The Cabin took some updates as well, which will make it more worthy of competing with the X3. U.S. models are powered by a 240 horsepower, 2.0-liter engine, while the European market received two new diesel engines. The base model starts out at $41,475, while the high-end, Autobiography trim fetches $60,475. It should also be noted that the Evoque is also offered in two-door form starting at $46,675 and 2017 will also bring two convertible models that will be priced between $50,000 and $60,000.

Read more about the Land Rover Evoque here.

Audi Q5

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The Audi Q5 launched back in 2008 to compete directly with the likes of the BMW X3. It took on a face lift in 2012, but 2017 should bring us a newly designed model built on the MLB platform. The 2017 Q5 should receive a 2.0-liter four-cylinder good for around 230 horsepower and a 3.0-liter good for closer to 300 horsepower. A diesel engine may also be available, pushing somewhere in the neighborhood of 250 horsepower. No pricing information on the 2018 model is available yet, but we suspect to see a starting price in the area of $43,000 before options.

Read more about the Audi Q5 here.

Mercedes GLC Class

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The Mercedes GLC-Class is actually the baby among all of the models we’ve discussed here. Introduced in 2015 as a 2016 model, this was a direct answer to models like the BMW X3 and Audi Q5. Despite still being an infant in this segment, it has already spawned one AMG version (the GLC43,) and a more-powerful GLC63 has already been spied one the roads doing some real-world testing. Plus, there’s the funky looking GLC Coupe that has a much lower roofline for those who really like to mix things up a bit without losing the ground clearance afforded by an SUV. Here in the U.S., the GLC is limited to a pair of gasoline engines, but it can be had in diesel and hybrid form. It’s too early to tell just how well the GLC will perform sales-wise, but the overall design and plush, luxurious interior makes it a strong proposition to other compact, luxury SUVs on the market.

Find out more about the Mercedes GLC Class here.

Conclusion

When we first started seeing the next-gen X3 in the prototype stage, I mentioned that BMW would bring big changes to the front and rear fascias and that it better do something about those dated, circular fog lights. Sure enough, BMW did exactly that, and the new X3 looks better than ever. This generation represents a huge push from BMW to bring the best looks and power it can, and as it turns out, it did a pretty good job. The new front end is stylish and sporty, while the rear end has finally been refined enough to fit in with the modern SUVs on the road. The interior looks fresh, and it’s about time that the X3 got that floating infotainment display. The new trim design inside is also attractive and more functional than ever, which is just the icing on the cake when you consider the massive improvement to the M40i and the minor improvements to the lesser models. Very impressive for BMW at this point, and if you’re thinking about trading your current model in, it’s definitely worth the wait to get a 2018 model. What do you think about what BMW has brought forth with this new generation? Let us know in the comments section below.

Production Model vs Prototype


Our rendering vs. The real deal

Spy Shots

November 8, 2016 - BMW X3 started to drop camouflage


December 28, 2015 - BMW X3 caught testing in the snow


November 11, 2015 - First testing session


Update History

Update 11/08/2016: The third-gen BMW X3 was caught out on public roads yet again. Slated for launch next year as a 2018 model, the test mule has dropped a little more camo and all of the fake panels. It’s close to production, but we might see it shed a little more before BMW official pulls the sheets away. Check out the new images, learn more about our rendering, and learn about the competition in your speculative review below.

Updated 03/08/2016: Based on the recent spy shots and rumors we created a rendering for the upcoming BMW X3. Let us know in the comments section below what do you think about it.

Updated 12/28/2015: Our spy photographers caught the upcoming BMW X3 out for a new testing session - this time during cold winter testing in Sweden.

Updated 11/11/2015: Our spy photographers caught the next generation BMW X3 testing in Germany. The next X3 is rumored to be built on BMW's future CLAR platform - a change that will make it lighter and more fuel efficient.