2018 New BMW X3 SUV Review

BMW X3 SUV

BMW Oesterreich has free a group of "spy shots" showing the new BMW X3 SUV before its 2017 launch

An overhauled BMW X3 is on the means, with the Audi Q5 rival discovered in a very set of spy shots free by BMW Oesterreich these days. The new model has been within the works for years, and these shots reveal that the X3 won’t modification abundant in terms of size.

Competition from Audi, Mercedes and currently Porsche can see BMW utterly overhaul its Q5 rival for its third generation, due on sale within the middle of next year.

These latest spy shots show the automotive in additional detail than our long-lens cameras will typically capture, though the significant camouflage fitted to the outside of the SUV suggests that it's robust to choose out any details within the bodywork.

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Auto specific understands that the new X3 SUV can use a brand new light-weight rear-wheel drive platform to enhance fuel economy, performance and handling. meaning it’ll be slightly longer, up house within the cabin, however up to 100kg lighter than before. The platform additionally underpins the new five Series saloon, and associate all-new three Series expected in 2018.

The new design can mean a small increase in overall length and alittle boost in usefulness. As our main image shows, there'll be solely slight visual changes for the X3 once the wraps come back off towards the tip of this year, before a possible debut at the city Motor Show in January. BMW’s trademark urinary organ grille are going to be flanked by a combine of deceiver light-emitting diode headlamps, whereas reshaped bumpers and additional muscular rear haunches are going to be the shaping options.

However, the new platform can mean additional dramatic changes square measure expected underneath the skin. Between 50kg and 100kg is probably going to be stripped out of the new X3, that might bring the load of the entry-level model all the way down to around one,700kg. however the provision of plug-in hybrid technical school additionally suggests that the heaviest model might exceed two,000kg. It’s understood that automotive is probably going to arrive eighteen months once the X3’s initial debut.

When it arrives, the powertrain may well be upraised straight out of this 330e saloon – created from a two.0-litre four-cylinder gas engine and an electrical motor, developing 249bhp. BMW could increase the ability output on the plug-in X3 to catch up on the additional weight, however expect greenhouse gas emissions of around 60g/km.

At the alternative finish of the spectrum, the company’s M Division might finally get its hands on the X3 and develop a completely fledged rival for the Porsche Macan Turbo. associate Audi RS Q5 is on the cards, therefore BMW are going to be trying to counter any such arrival; the 425bhp three.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six from the M3 could be a doubtless competitor to supply the ability.

Diesels can compose the majority of sales, though. The 262bhp six-cylinder diesel from the new seven Series are going to be carried over for the X3 30d and a additional powerful version used for the 35d. the massive vendor can still be the X3 two0d that includes a brand new 2.0-litre four-cylinder.

Entry-level sDrive rear-wheel-drive models are going to be paired with a six-speed manual shell and may see greenhouse gas emissions dip below 130g/km. Four-wheel-drive xDrive versions can still prove well-liked and can go together with BMW’s eight-speed ZF automatic shell as commonplace.