The 2018 X3 and its Range-Topping M Performance Version Debut

As promised, BMW revealed the all-new 2018 X3 today. With this release came a ton of good stuff and a few head scratchers.

Starting with the outside, the BMW X3 still looks very much like an X3 (typical Bimmer), but things are tweaked just enough to keep buyers interested in it. Up front are the most striking of changes, as BMW adds in a new three-dimensional kidney grille, hexagonal-design fog lights, and new headlights that, oddly enough, drop the to-the-grille design the X3 only just received a few years ago.

Around back, the most obvious changes are the three-dimensional taillight housing with LED technology. The rear end also gains a downward-sloping rear spoiler and new twin exhaust exits.

The weirdest of the changes is the elimination of the still-fresh to-the-grille headlights. This new look only arrived on the X3 in 2015, and is continuing to spread across the BMW lineup (even the new 6 Series has them). I am not too sure what BMW’s plans are with pulling them from the X3, but I assume there is a good reason.

BMW made note that the X3 did not change much in terms of dimensions, but its wheelbase is 2.2 inches longer, which will help add a little space in the revamped interior.

2018 BMW X3 (Credit: © BMW)

Inside, BMW’s focus was hexagonal forms and sloping surfaces, which is very clear in the images. Other than its looks, there are a few changes to the available equipment inside the X3. These changes include a 9.8-inch longer panoramic sunroof, tri-zone automatic climate control, a 75% larger head-up display, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, and BMW Gesture Control technology.

Under its hood, the BMW X3 will come standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in its base xDrive30i model. This engine will crank out 248 horsepower (an 8-horsepower improvement over the outgoing xDrive28i model) and 258 pound-feet of twist. The X3 xDrive30i will hit 60 mph in six seconds and top out at 130 mph.

The range-topping model will be the X3’s first-ever M Performance model, the M40i. This model will boast a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine that produces 355 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The X3 M40i will hit 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds and top out at 15 mph.

Both the xDrive30i and M40i will come standard with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission. The M40i’s version, however, will be tweaked to M Performance specifications.

2018 BMW X3 (Credit: © BMW)

The M40i model will also feature an M Sports suspension system that includes stiffer springs, dampers and anti-roll cars. The will also be an available Adaptive M Suspension system for the performance model that includes electronically controlled dampers and other suspension tweaks.

There is no mention of when exactly the 2018 BMW X3 will be availble, but stay tuned for updates.