2018 BMW X3: Top four things

The BMW SUV range looks set to expand with a host of new models over the next few years that will spawn a range of segments and leading this charge will of course be the German automaker’s traditional players or as we like to put it the original three ‘Xs’. The first of these to get an update is the X3 which has been revealed by the automaker at their plant in Spartanburg USA. This is the third generation for the car and is expected to come to India sometime in early 2018. To give you an idea of what’s new in the X3, here are our top four highlights of the SUV. 

1. Updated design 

As is the case with most BMWs, the X3 retains a familiar appearance but with enough new bits all around to spruce up things. The kidney grille has become bigger while the roofline has now got a distinct shape and narrows down at the rear also giving us an indication of the silhouette of the upcoming next gen X5 and new X7. Finally this car has also got some new tail lamps which sport the traditional BMW wrap around design but in with a wedge like structure as compared to the rectangular units of the outgoing model. 

2. Massive weight loss 

The largest change to this car is that BMW has increased the use of aluminium across various parts of the car including the engine and suspension. This has resulted in a massive weight loss of 55kgs as compared to the outgoing model. 

3. New technology

The new technology list for this Beemer includes a plethora of optional semi-autonomous driving systems including active cruise control and the driving assistant plus safety package, including steering and lane control assistant, lane change assistant and lane keeping assistant with side collision protection. 

4. M Power!

This new X3 will for the first time get an M badged model. Dubbed the M40i, this is a petrol powered beast sporting a 3.0-litre straight-six engine producing 350bhp and an impressive 500Nm of torque. There is xDrive as standard in addition to a M spec eight-speed AT. Visual touches for this model include the sporty wheels and bumpers while in the cabin you get M badging all around in addition to an M (bossed) three-spoke steering wheel.