BMW company has headquarters in Munich, but its factories are spread across the World. One of the most notable ones is manufacturing BMW vehicles in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The facility is located here for more than twenty years and has produced cars such as Z3, Z4, and BMW 3-Series. In recent years, and same today, they built SUVs and crossovers exclusively. They take pride in their X5, X6, X3, and X4 products. The most recent vehicle that they launched is the 2018 BMW X3. To show the size and the success of this factory they held a first official presentation of the next-generation X3 right here in North Carolina.

The previous generation of the X3 was also made here. In addition to the shared location of origin, they also share four and six-cylinder engines. Novelties are all-wheel drive as a standard piece of equipment and the unavailability of a diesel unit. The xDrive30i is powered by turbocharged four-cylinder 2.0-liter inline-four where the M named versions have a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six.

The output figures on this engines are similar as they were on the previous X3 despite the fact that these units are new to this crossover. They have previously featured on other models in BMW lineup such as 3-Series and 5-Series. Both of these engines now have more power and torque compared to the outgoing X3. The weaker mill has 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The M40i has 355 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The transmission is the same on both models, and it comes in a shape of an eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters.

New Exterior look of BMW X3

With the new powertrains, 2018 BMW X3 also sports a new look. The wheelbase is now 2.2 inches longer which changes the stance of the car. The profile of the SUV is now pronounced with long hood hovering above the wheels. The roofline is more narrow and with beltline now stretching up to the C-pillar this vehicle almost resembles the original X3. In addition to the wheelbase, the general size of the car is also 2 inches longer. On the front end, you will find a trademark BMW’s kidney grille. It now features shutters that help the air control and enhances aerodynamic of the vehicle. The air intakes are placed on the low end of the fascia while the headlights are positioned on the far of both sides. At the back 2018 X3 looks wider. This look was accomplished thanks to the sharp fenders, large taillights, and bigger ground clearance.

The standard X3 xDrive30i comes with an 18-inch wheels and tires tat fit this size. They feature silver and aluminum exterior cues. If you opt for Luxury package offer extends for refined front and rear bumpers, finishes in two-tone, and chrome details. Moving further, the choice of M Sport package brings you a sport/aggressive body kit which looks like the one on M40i. With this package, you get 19-inche wheels as standard. The flared fenders on M40i are an added touch that you get with this choice.

2018 BMW X3 Interior

The cabin layout is marked by a center stack which angles towards the driver. The gear selector is BMW’s all-new ubiquitous electronic. The standard pieces of equipment on 2018 BMW X3 include sport seats with power-adjustable bolsters, three-zone automatic climate control, a 40/20/40 split-folding and reclining rear bench seat, and a forward-collision-warning system. If you thought that longer wheelbase means more space in the pocket, you were wrong. The passenger space stays the same while the cargo receives the additional cubic foot.

We all know just what an M badge is. The new 2018 X3 stays loyal to its reputation. The X3 M for 2018 MY comes with AWD system that spreads the torque to all wheels, bigger brakes, four-piston front calipers, exhaust system in dual-mode shape, revised springs, dampers, anti-roll bars which are all part of the particular suspension that comes with this trim.

The list of optional features doesn’t stop there. Panoramic sunroof, heads-up display, a 10.3-inch display, infotainment system with navigation, and iDrive software compatible with Apple CarPlay are all features on 2018 X3. With more money, you can equip your X3 with BMW Gesture Control ( it allows the user to communicate with infotainment system with hands). BMW’s safety package includes adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot monitor, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Al features mentioned are part of the Driving Assistance package.

2018 BMW X3 Price & Release Date

Now, that it has been officially presented, 2018 BMWX 3 needs to hit the dealerships. According to sources, this will happen later this year, in early November After the North Carolina show-off customers are eager to know at what price will this crossover come. The pricing will be available, as it is often the case when the 2018 X3 approaches its release date. But, nonetheless, one thing is for sure. With addition of new engines, additional and all-new technology, AWD as a standard option, and all-around new look this car merits the increase in price. This will undoubtedly happen so you can expect the pricing to start above current $41,000.

06/23/2017 UPDATE: 2018 BMW X3 was spotted by spy photographers once again. The latest photos most likely show the final product. We say final because BMW announced that next generation of X3 would be presented on 26th of June. In just a few days we are going to see latest BMW edition which aims to be one of the best vehicles in its segment. Even before the new model, the X3 was on of the best compact SUVs out there. It offered excellent performance, it had a refined interior, and most importantly you always got what you paid for. The German automaker wants to stay on the same path with upcoming 2018 X3 by adding more space, reducing weight, and with the addition of new technology.

More space will be achieved with better engineer solutions and with the use of light-weight materials where both of these come from new CLAR platform. The named platform debuted on 2016 7-Series and it will spread across entire BMW lineup. 2018 BMW X3 is the first SUV model that will make use of CLAR platform. The next in line is BMW X5 and X7 respectively.

The power for next-gen X3 will probably come from a 3.0-liter inline-six unit. The same engine is powering ongoing BMW 3-Series. Other powerplants available are going to be an inline-4 and a plug-in hybrid option. On a later date, before the end of the decade, an all-electric X3 will greet the market.

Also, for all of you speed lovers, yes there will be performance versions too. From the information, we have available at the moment both X3 M40i and X3 M are on the way. They will differ from standard models with more aggressive styling, sportier stance, and a wider body frame. Under the bonnet of M variants, there will be a 425 horsepower unit borrowed from current M3/M4 models.

So, it’s like we said, the first showcasing will happen on 26th of June. Three days from now. For the location of presentation Munich-based company choose its US factory located in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, United States. After this, we can expect for the vehicle to have a Frankfurt debut like we already mentioned bellow in the article.

The pricing isn’t announced yet, and we believe that it won’t be in the foreseeable future. More will be known when the SUV hits the dealerships. AS for now, we have some close estimations. The sources such as carwow.co.uk suggest that the pricing could start at $42,000. This price goes for the entry model. For performance editions, you will have to part with more. The same source claims that M variations could start at $63,000. If you are familiar with the pricing of the ongoing X3, then you know just how much the prices between 2017 MY and 2018 BMW X will differ. If you don’t, new X3 will be in excess $2,000 pricier.

Stay tuned, 2018 BMW X3 is coming on 26th of June.

02/17/2017 Review: The X3 was BMW’s best selling crossover for some time but it was surpassed by the larger X5 back in 2016. Even though the X3 is still a great car, it can’t really match the competition anymore. The Porsche Macan, Audi Q5 or even the Jaguar F-Pace are superior cars with much better handling characteristics. In order to get back on top they are going to release a new model with the 2018 BMW X3.

This has already been spied wearing heavy camouflage and it seems it will be quite a bit more different than the ongoing model. For starters, the new car is going to use BMW’s new modular architecture which underpins most of their new cars. This will allow for a lower center of gravity, less weight, better fuel efficiency and hopefully considering better handling. The end result should be the car the X3 once was: the best sports crossover on the market.

The camouflaged prototype seems to be pretty much ready for production. The upper part remained unchanged from the ongoing model which might suggest that BMW wanted to cut some corners to reduce development costs. However, this might change until the model will be officially unveiled. The car is expected to hit the European showrooms by the end of 2017 while in the US it should come in the early 2018. The price is more than likely going to be similar to the ongoing car. Expect it to cost from $40,000 and up. This would still be quite a bit more affordable than some of its rivals which would give BMW an edge.

The next generation of BMW X3 is set to enter into production line by August of 2017. In this case, the dealerships are going to have this model in their warehouses by November. The November start of sales is the case with European market while the US will have to wait few months to get new X3. There is serious possibility that customers in States are going to have to wait for the start of 2018 to purchase their favorite crossover. Official presentation for Europe will happen at 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show which begins on September 14th. As far the US is concerned they will probably witness 2018 X3 at Las Vegas (Las Vegas International Auto Show 11/25/2016 – 11/27/2016) or Los Angeles (Los Angeles Auto Show 11/18/2016 – 11/27/2016).

Like we said, the 2018 BMW X3 is definitely going to use a sportier design. This has been quite clear ever since the first test mule was spied testing. The car will feature a longer wheelbase than the ongoing model, shorter rear overhangs, a shorter front end and possible a sloped roof. The latter has been noticed only recently on the latest prototype. In fact most industry experts expect BMW to offer a car very similar to the Porsche Macan with at least the same proportions. However, we are quite sure BMW will get things a bit further than that.

For starters, it will have a lot more in common with the 5 and 7 Series in terms of design than with the 3 Series. Also, the car will feature unique design cues such as the previously mentioned sloped roof or even the wide and muscular stance. The design might change until it will be showcased but we do have a good idea about the finished product.

We managed to take a sneak peak at the interior of the 2018 BMW X3 and it looks quite promising. Most of it was being covered by thick blankets but there were some things revealed. For starters, the center stack seems to be different than what is currently available on any BMW car. The HVAC vents are new and the LCD panels is pretty much identical to what Mercedes offers on their cars. The instrument cluster also seems new. Despite featuring two round dials, these seem to be part of an LCD screen which might be customizable in the finished version of the car. This exact interior might also be used on the future X4.

In Europe the 2018 BMW X3 will most likely receive a 2 liter turbocharged diesel as its base engine. This should offer between 150 and 220 horsepower and it should become a good part of the car’s total sales. The US market on the other hand will get either a 3 liter gas or a 3 liter diesel. Both of these inline 6 engines will use some form of turbocharging. The two are also going to be available in Europe. Early rumors suggest around 310 horsepower for the gas engine and over 260 horsepower for the diesel.

A future M version for the X3 is also a real possibility. Most rumors suggest a twin-turbo 3 liter inline 6 with over 410 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque.

Like before, rear wheel drive is going to be standard with BMW’s xDrive being an option on most engines. So far it still is unclear if a manual will be offered but we do hope so, especially since one of the prototypes had one.