BMW X3 (2018) Review

July 2017

Details of 2018 BMW X3 announced

Available with a new 2.0 litre petrol engine alongside the 2.0 litre diesel, M40i high performance petrol model and 3.0 litre diesel.

4,708mm long x 1,891mm wide (2,138mm with mirrors) x 1,676mm high.

The three trim variants: SE model features LED Headlights and taillights as standard, along with aluminium satinated roof rails and a new 18-inch wheel. The xLine model gets a satin/aluminium radiator grille, more rugged front and rear bumpers with silver metallic side sills along with 19-inch xLine specific wheels.

Wheel and tyre sizes are:

18-inch wheels with 225/60 R18 tyres

19-inch wheels with 245/50 R19 fronts and 275/40 R19 rears

20-inch wheels with 245/45 R20 all round or 245/45 R20 fronts and 275/35 R20 rears

21-inch wheels with 245/40 R21 fronts and 275/35 R21 rears

Sports-oriented M Sport model has M aerodynamic features, optional blue-painted brake callipers, a more dramatic 19-inch wheel design and optional exterior paint shade of Phytonic Blue.

New M40i features a unique M Performance exterior design with Cerium Grey kidney frames, front and rear bumper inserts, mirror caps, window graphics and air breather. The rear tailpipes have an elongated rectangular shape in black chrome. A new optional 21-inch wheel is limited to the M40i only.

Inside the X3 is a driver-focused and ergonomically designed cockpit. Hexagonal forms and precise, bevelled edges are the design theme. Perforated leather climate seats are optional for driver and front passenger, which, as well as heating for cold days, offer active seat ventilation to provide more comfort when the going gets hotter.

Another option is a generously sized panoramic glass roof, while acoustic windscreen glazing contributes to extremely low noise levels in the cabin. The two front side windows are also available with acoustic glazing as an option, ensuring that even less wind noise makes it into the interior.

In basic specification, the new X3 comes on 18-inch light-alloy wheels (17-inch previously), while wheels up to 21-inches in diameter are available depending on the specification and engine variant.

The sports suspension that forms part of the M Sport package can also be ordered as a separate option. It offers firmer suspension and damping and beefs up the anti-roll bars. Alternatively, there is also the option of Dynamic Damper Control with electronically controlled dampers, which adapts the damper responses to the road surface and driving conditions.

Variable sport steering is standard on the BMW X3 M40i and xDrive 30d, and can be specified as an option on the two litre diesel and petrol.

The approach angle (25.7°) and departure angle (22.6°), together with a breakover angle of 19.4°, create plenty of margin for negotiating steep sections or crests. And with a fording depth of 500 millimetres, the X3 can tackle most obstacles with ease as well.

From launch, the X3 model line-up consists of the xDrive20d with four-cylinder diesel engine, the xDrive30d with a straight-six diesel units.

The range-topping M40i is powered by a new M Performance 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine, which generates 360PS, an increase of 54PS over the most powerful petrol variant in the current range. Peak torque of 500Nm. It can sprint from zero to 62mph in 4.8 seconds and hit a top speed of 155 mph.

The 3.0-litre straight-six of the new xDrive30d delivers 265PS and peak torque has been increased by 80Nm to 620Nm. Zero to 62 mph takes just 5.8 seconds and it can reach a top speed of 149 mph. It returns average fuel consumption of 49.6mpg while CO2 emissions have been cut to 149g/km.

The xDrive20d has an unchanged power output of 190PS, 400Nm of torque and does zero to 62mph in 8.0 seconds, with a top speed of 132mph. All the engine variants are equipped with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission, matched to the power unit’s specific performance characteristics.

September 2017

X3 xDrive20i introduced

From December 2017, a new four-cylinder petrol engine will be added to the BMW X3.

It comes as standard with the combination of an eight-speed Steptronic transmission and intelligent all-wheel drive technology, BMW xDrive. The engine featured in the new BMW X3 xDrive20i delivers a maximum power output of 184PS and a peak torque of 290Nm.

Acceleration time is 8.3 seconds from zero to 62mph, with average fuel consumption of 39.8mpg and CO 2 emission levels 163g/km.

July 2018

BMW X3 M40d introduced

In the BMW X3 M40d, an in-line six-cylinder diesel engine generates a peak output of 326PS and a maximum torque of 680Nm. Thanks to multi-stage turbocharging and common rail direct injection with piezo injectors, the car accelerates from zero to 62mph in 4.9 seconds.

November 2019

BMW X3 xDrive30e launched

The new BMW X3 xDrive30e has an electric range of up to 34 miles and offers a combined economy of 128.4-117.7mpg along with CO2 emissions of 49g/km.

Its plug-in hybrid drivetrain comprises a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology combined with an electric motor resulting in a total output of 252PS. As standard, the BMW X3 xDrive30e is equipped with XtraBoost, an on-demand performance system that increases the power output of the hybrid-drive system by 41PS at the touch of a button.

The new BMW X3 xDrive30e also features regenerative braking to optimise efficiency. The system’s high-voltage battery stores the energy captured during braking, with the electric motor taking on the function of a generator. The high-voltage battery also supplies the vehicle’s electrical system. This means that a generator powered by the combustion engine is no longer necessary, increasing overall efficiency.

Drive is transmitted – both in hybrid and electric modes – via an eight-speed Steptronic gearbox and xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive to enable the BMW X3 xDrive30e to accelerate from zero to 62mph in just 6.1 seconds.

The X3 xDrive30e’s lithium-ion battery is located under the rear seat to save space, helping to deliver a luggage capacity of 450 litres. The X3 xDrive30e is offered in the same model configurations as other X3 variants – SE, xLine and the range-topping M Sport trims.

Production of the new BMW X3 xDrive30e will commence in December 2019 and it will be joined by an ell-electric X3 model, due to make its debut in 2020.

December 2019

Latest fuel and emissions figures for BMW X3 xDrive30e fuel consumption combined: 2.4 - 2.1 l/100 km (118-135mpg); combined power consumption: 17.2 - 16.4 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 54 - 49 g/km