As imagined, the new BMW X3 is slotted between the X1 and X5 seamlessly, not just in size, but in looks as well.
Design-wise, one way to find-out the X3 is at the front – it lacks the round fog lamps on the bumper between the headlamps and the lower intakes, a signature that both the X1 and X5 sport. The new X3 looks very much like a bigger X1, especially from rear-end. However on the side profile, the window chrome trim and side vents follow the X5.
Inside, the 2018 X3 is light years more modern than the outgoing model, sporting a new 3 Series-style driver-focused dashboard with a floating infotainment system but gets an optional hand gesture control. Other notable features include Ambient Air Package, Ambient Lighting, 3-Zone Automatic Climate Control, Display Key and Active Seat Ventilation as optional.
Engine options largely mirror the 3-Series, with a range of two petrol and two diesel engines, while an M-spec petrol engine will also be on offer:
- BMW X3 xDrive20i – 181 BHP/ 290 Nm 2.0-litre 4-cyl petrol engine
- BMW X3 xDrive30i – 248 BHP/ 350 Nm 2.0-litre 4-cyl petrol engine
- BMW X3 xDrive20d – 188 BHP/ 400 Nm 2.0-litre 4-cyl diesel engine
- BMW X3 xDrive30d – 262 BHP/ 620 Nm 3.0-litre inline-6 diesel engine
- BMW X3 M40i – 355 BHP/ 500 Nm 3.0-litre inline-6 petrol engine
The new X3 will compete with existing rivals, when launched in India sometime next-year, it would take on the upcoming Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Land Rover Discovery Sport and yet-to-be launched Volvo XC60. The third-gen X3 is also likely to get an iPerformance plug-in hybrid variant and an M high-performance variant in 2018.
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Also see: BMW X3 xDrive28i, X5 xDrive35 petrol models launched
GALLERY: New BMW X3 (2018)
