2018 BMW X3 Arrives With Updated Looks, Comfier Cabin

The 2018 BMW X3 has officially arrived, bringing with it new looks, an updated engine lineup and a cabin that aims to be comfier for occupants.

For 2018 the X3 has adopted BMW’s new three-dimensional kidney grille, which is flanked by new hexagonal-design fog lamps. Available Icon Adaptive Full LED Headlights expand on the look and also add three-dimensional rear taillamps, while the rear end is further enhanced with a new hatch spoiler and twin exhaust tips. Other exterior changes include a standard trailer hitch (the first-ever factory installed trailer hitch for a BMW SUV) and new 18-inch Y-spoke or optional 19-inch V-spoke wheels.

Get the Flash Player to see this player.

Changes to the cabin include standard 3-zone automatic climate control, individually adjustable rear split folding seats, optional front and rear ventilated seats and an available 9.8-inch panoramic glass sunroof. BMW’s latest iDrive infotainment system with a 10.25-inch touchscreen is also present and is joined by a new larger heads-up display. Like other new BMW’s, it also gets a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot with support for up to 10 devices.

Two new options packages give buyers more selection when ordering their X3. The Luxury Package adds a chrome kidney grille, two-tone front & rear bumper trim and a SensaTec vinyl dashboard. The M Sport Package, meanwhile, goes a sporty route with an M Aerodynamic bodykit, black exterior trim, 19-inch M wheels (20-inch versions are optional), an M Sport steering wheel, M door sill guards and a SensaTec dashboard.

SEE ALSO: Photos of the 2018 BMW X3 Leak Ahead of its Official Debut

BMW engineers also played with the X3’s chassis in moving to the updated model. The crossover is now 2.2-inches longer than before and boasts reduced unsprung mass thanks to aluminum swivel bearings and hollowed anti-roll bars. The xDrive all-wheel drive system is also now more willing to get the back end out, with BMW increasing the rear-bias. M Sport brakes, Variable Sport Steering and Dynamic Damper Control are now available as well, furthering the X3’s performance potential.

BMW’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine remains, though it’s been mildly updated. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it now makes 248 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque in the entry-level X3 xDrive 30i. The new range-topping M40i performance model gets the latest version of BMW’s 3.0-liter inline-six, which is making 355 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. With an M-tuned eight-speed automatic, the M40i will accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 155 mph.

Also new are updated active safety systems available through the Driving Assistance Package including Active Blind Spot Protection, Lane Departure Warning Frontal Collision Warning and more. Those looking for added safety may opt for the Driving Assistant Plus Package, which adds Active Cruise Control, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Evasion Aid and front and rear cross traffic alert.

Pricing has yet to be announced, though BMW should drop more details as the X3’s November launch nears.

Discuss this story on our BMW forum