The All New third generation 2018 BMW X3.

Richmond Hill, ON. The all-new 2018 BMW X3 was unveiled today at BMW Plant Spartanburg, South Carolina, where it will be produced alongside the BMW X4, BMW X5, and BMW X6.

BMW is at home in Spartanburg, producing 411,171 BMW X models last year, making it the largest BMW Group’s global production facility with approximately 70 percent of the vehicles exported to 140 markets worldwide, thereby making BMW the largest vehicle exporter in the U.S. by value. BMW Plant Spartanburg has a deep level of localization, and provides and supports nearly 70,000 jobs in the U.S. In 2003, the BMW X3 was the car that launched the premium compact SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) segment. Since then, BMW has recorded more than 1.5 million vehicles worldwide and 378,803 in the US alone. Today, the all-new BMW X3 is set to write the next chapter in this success story with a more striking, dynamic design language, powerful yet efficient drive systems with a luxurious appeal. Like all members of the successful X family, it blends standout-driving qualities on any terrain with unrestricted everyday usability.

The all-new 2018 BMW X3 will be available at Canadian BMW Retailers November 2017. Pricing will be announced closer to market launch.

The exterior design with new distinctive looks.

The all-new BMW X3 elevates the already boldly dynamic design language of its predecessor. The third generation of the pioneering premium compact Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) treads a familiar BMW X family path in combining rugged off-road looks with generous presence. The exterior dimensions of the All-new BMW X3 may be largely unchanged, however, the wheelbase has been extended by 5 centimetres and its long hood, extremely short front overhang with finely balanced proportions, emphasize the perfect 50:50 weight distribution between the front and rear axle.

For the first time on a BMW X model, the front fascia features a muscular “three-dimensional” kidney grille and fog lights featuring a hexagonal design, underlining the confident character of the All-new BMW X3. Moving to the rear, the tail light housings whose three-dimensional look with the standard LED or optional Adaptive Full LED Headlights, give them considerable visual impact. A downward-sloping roof spoiler and twin exhaust tailpipes add to the muscular appearance.

First ever factory-installed trailer hitch available in a BMW SAV.

The all-new BMW X3 will be the first BMW SAV in Canada to feature a factory-installed trailer hitch. With a towing capacity of 2000 kg/4400 lb (when equipped with trailer brakes) and a 2” receiver, the new X3 will be compatible with a broad range of BMW Accessories including tongues, drop tongues, towing balls, a step to help access roof mounted accessories and several varieties of bike racks.

Standard xLine design.

The standard xLine design emphasizes the robustness of the Sports Activity Vehicle and stands out with numerous trim elements in Satin aluminum and Silver matte, and 19-inch wheels with All-season Run Flat Tires. On the interior, the driver and front passenger are welcomed by standard Sport Seats with power adjustable side bolsters, and an Anthracite headliner.

M Sport Package.

The M Sport Package focuses its attentions on the dynamic prowess of the All-new BMW X3 with the M Aerodynamic kit (front apron with larger air intakes, side skirt trim, and a diffusor-style rear apron). Also included are Shadowline exterior trim and M Double-Spoke 20-inch Wheels with Mixed Performance Run Flat Tires. The interior includes a new M Sport leather steering wheel and M door sill finishers .

Interior and equipment: improved material quality and ergonomics.

The interior of the all-new BMW X3 follows BMW tradition with its driver-focused and ergonomically optimized cockpit layout and carries over many aspects of the car’s exterior design. For instance, hexagonal forms and precise, sloping edges also play a central role in the interior. The interior as a whole displays exceptional material quality, fit, and finish, with carefully thought ergonomics. One example here is the storage concept, which offers more storage space than ever before and ensures it is easier to access.

The all-new BMW X3 comes standard with several new, comfort enhancing features not offered on its predecessor. These include 3-zone automatic climate control, which adds separate temperature controls for the rear compartment to those for the driver and front passenger. To enhance rear compartment comfort, the angle of the standard 40:20:40 split/folding rear seat backrests can be adjusted individually. This feature also allows the backrests to be released remotely from the load compartment, which expands the standard load capacity of 550 to 1600 litres.

Newly available convenient functions include front ventilated seats for driver and front passenger to maximize comfort on warm days. Customers can also give the interior a roomier feel with the 250 mm longer panoramic glass moonroof.

Contour lighting above the trim strip in the instrument panel is included with the available Premium Package Essential/Enhanced, which directs a soft stream of light downwards from below the

accent strip, lights the interior in a distinctive and relaxing ambience. At night, the iDrive display appears to be floating above the instrument panel. Customers can choose from six color tones.

Enhanced active prowess and improved comfort over all terrain.

The dynamic handling qualities of the all-new BMW X3 are directly linked to its ideal 50:50 weight distribution, its meticulously honed chassis and xDrive, BMW’s Intelligent all-wheel-drive system, which made its debut in 2003 when the first generation of the BMW X3 originally launched. Not only has the system been offering superior grip on slippery surfaces ever since, it has had a beneficial effect on driving dynamics too. This system is networked with the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) allowing the power split between all four wheels to be constantly varied, providing the handling characteristics for which BMW is renowned.

The new Driving Dynamics Control toggle switch now also offers Adaptive Mode when the vehicle is equipped with Dynamic Damper Control in addition to configurations such as, ECO PRO, COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT+ (M40i model only) modes.

Chassis dynamics: reduced mass and improved axle kinematics.

The 3^rd generation of the BMW X3 continues to rely on its winning formula of a double-joint spring strut front axle and a five-link rear set-up at the rear. At the same time, this refreshingly engaging Sports Activity Vehicle delivers an even sportier driving experience than its predecessor without compromising on ride comfort. The engineers have succeeded in reducing a considerable amount in unsprung mass by fitting aluminum swivel bearings and lighter tubular anti-roll bars as well as optimizing wheel location at the front. Handling dynamics, straight-line stability and steering feel have all benefited from the improved axle kinematics and the Electric Power Steering system with Servotronic.

In an effort to improve handling dynamics, the rear bias of BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system has been increased. Intelligent AWD management constantly adjusts the torque bias as the driving situation demands ensuring optimum driving dynamics.

In its basic specification, the all-new BMW X3 comes with 19-inch light-alloy wheels while wheels up to 21 inches in diameter are available depending on the equipment and engine variant. The powerful braking system features lightweight brakes offering optimized performance as well as an Electric Parking Brake. A broad array of electronic control systems help the driver maximize safety at all times. These systems include: Driving Stability Control (DSC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Automatic Differential Brake (ADB-X), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Start-Off Assistant, Performance Control, and Hill Descent Control (HDC).

The all-new BMW X3 M40i. First M Performance model in the X3 model line-up with best-in-segment acceleration.

The first ever M Performance model in the X3 lineup sets new standards with its sharper dynamics, high level of exclusivity and standout emotional appeal. The 3.0-liter M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology 6-cylinder inline engine ensures the All-new BMW X3 M40i sits at the top end of the model range. Output of 355 hp propels the flagship X3 from 0 to 100 km/h in a best-in-segment time of 4.8 seconds. The X3 M40i also includes a wealth of model-specific set-up and equipment features, which both underpin and lend added impact to the exceptional performance credentials of this SAV.

The BMW X3 M40i is equipped with an 8-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission with Launch Control. This transmission is a perfect match for the engine’s dynamic characteristics and can be operated using shift paddles on the steering wheel. In addition, its xDrive all-wheel-drive system has a far more pronounced rear bias than on other models. The Performance Control feature integrated into the DSC system and acting on the rear wheels has been reconfigured to produce agility and traction for which M Performance models are known for. Moving into the cabin, Sport seats and “M40i” logos adorning, for instance, the front door sills and instrument panel, provide visual emphasis of the car’s performance capabilities.

Among these features are the standard – and strikingly dynamic – M Performance-specific exterior design cues, which include the M Aerodynamic kit with design elements finished in Cerium Grey Metallic. The flap-controlled M Sport exhaust system with Black Chrome tailpipe embellishers, M Sport brakes, M Sport suspension with M Performance specific tuning, Variable sport steering Adaptive M Sport Suspension, and 21-inch cast light-alloy wheels provide a distinctive sporting character.

Dynamic options: M Sport suspension, Dynamic Damper Control,M Sport brakes and Variable sport steering.

The M Sports suspension, which is standard on the M40i model, offers the keen driver a firmer suspension (springs, dampers and anti-roll bars). Adaptive M Suspension is optionally available on the M40i model, offering electronically controlled dampers and even sportier suspension settings. Similarly, Dynamic Damper Control is available on the 30i model, and includes electronically controlled dampers that adapt the damper responses to the road surface and driving situation. At the same time, the driver can use the Driving Dynamics Control toggle switch to vary the basic suspension characteristics as they please between the more comfortable and sportier ends of the scale.

M Sport brakes are standard on the all-new BMW X3 M40i and feature blue-painted aluminum four-piston fixed calipers at the front and amply proportioned brake discs have high levels of thermal resistance to deliver phenomenal stopping power despite their extremely low weight. The standard Variable sport steering from the BMW X3 M40i is optionally available on the BMW X3 xDrive30i model.

Perfectly at home on rough terrain.

The all-new BMW X3 boasts the same off-road skills as its predecessor. The high ground clearance of 8 inches helps to ensure unhindered progress, not only when travelling along rutted gravel or sand tracks, over churned-up ground or in deep snow, but also on city roads while going over speed bumps. The approach angle (23.1°) and departure angle (21.4°) of the all-new BMW X3 together with its breakover angle of 17.4° create plenty of margin for negotiating steep sections or crests. Moreover, with a fording depth of 500 millimetres, the BMW X3 can tackle water crossings with ease as well.

The powertrain: Latest generation 4 and 6-cylinder inline engines.

The all-new BMW X3 line-up from launch consists of BMW TwinPower Turbo technology 2.0-liter 4-cylinder inline gasoline engine with Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing and Valvetronic fully variable intake lift, a map-controlled oil pump, electric arc wire-sprayed cylinder barrels, Twin-scroll exhaust turbocharger and electrically adjustable waste gate valve. The latest M Performance model, the BMW X3 M40i comes with a 3.0-liter M Performance TwinPower Turbo 6-cylinder inline gasoline engine. The intake manifold integrated indirect charge air intercooler allows for a lower charge air volume between the compressor and intake valves, noticeably improving engine response. This translates to shorter air routing, faster boost pressure build-up, and throttle response.

The BMW X3 M40i: new flagship model.

The all-new BMW X3 M40i heralds the arrival of the first ever M Performance Automobile in this model series. Power comes from a new M Performance TwinPower Turbo 6-cylinder inline engine, which blends its insatiable appetite for revs and sublime pulling power with exemplary smoothness and efficiency. The 3.0-liter unit generates power output of 355 hp from 5,500 – 6,500 rpm. Peak torque of 369 lb-ft from 1,520 – 4,800 rpm, provide a 69 lb-ft – or 23 percent – increase (compared to the outgoing BMW X3 xDrive35i). This performance arsenal equips the all-new BMW X3 M40i to a best in segment sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds.

The BMW X3 xDrive30i. More power. More efficient.

The 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder gasoline engine in the All-new BMW X3 xDrive30i has an output of 248 hp (8 hp more than the outgoing BMW X3 xDrive28i). Maximum torque has of 258 lb-ft is on tap between just 1,450 and 4,800 rpm. The All-new BMW X3 xDrive30i reaches 100 km/hfrom rest in 6.3 seconds.

8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission with shift paddles.

All models come standard with an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission with shift paddles. In the BMW X3 xDrive30i, the transmission tuning is matched to the engine’s specific performance characteristics, while the X3 M40i model’s transmission has been tuned to M Performance specifications. The transmission is designed to be even more efficient, helping to lower fuel consumption and emissions.