(June 27, 2017) SPARTANBURG, S.C. — The all-new 2018 BMW X3 was unveiled Monday at the BMW Plant Spartanburg 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.

The all-new 2018 BMW X3 will be available at certified BMW Centers this November with pricing to be announced closer to market launch.

The 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 X3 are largely unchanged, however the wheelbase has been extended by 2.2-inches 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 optional Adaptive LED and Icon Adaptive Full LED Headlights, give them considerable visual impact. A downward-sloping roof spoiler and twin exhaust tailpipes add to the muscular appearance.

The new X3 will include the first M version tagged the BMW X3 M40i. BMW says it will possess the best acceleration in its segment. 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 with an output of 355 horsepower propelling it from 0 to 60 mph in a best in segment time of 4.6 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 the other model versions.



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.

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 19-inch M Double-Spoke Wheels with All-season Run Flat Tires or Performance Run Flat Tires. For customers seeking the most dynamic BMW X3, M Double-Spoke 20-inch Wheels with Mixed Performance Run Flat Tires are available as an upgrade option. The interior includes a new M Sport leather steering wheel, M door sill finishers and a SensaTec upholstered dashboard.



The 2018 BMW X3 will be the first BMW SAV in the U.S. to feature a factory-installed trailer hitch. The new 2-inch receiver will enable customers to use 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.

The standard xLine design emphasizes the robustness of the Sports Activity Vehicle and stands out with numerous trim elements in Satin aluminum, Silver matte, and 18-inch Y-Spoke wheels with All-season Run Flat Tires (19-inch V-Spoke wheels with All-season Run Flat Tires are available as an upgrade option). On the interior, the driver and front passenger are welcomed by standard Sport Seats with power adjustable side bolsters, and an Anthracite headliner.

The optional Luxury Package, available for the first time in the X3 model range, emphasizes the SAV’s elegant character with features such as chrome kidney grille bars and two-tone front & rear bumper trim finishers on the exterior and a SensaTec upholstered dashboard on the interior.

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 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 and through various stages thanks to the standard cargo function. This feature also allows the backrests to be released remotely from the load compartment, which expands the standard load capacity of 28.7 ft3 to 62.7 ft3. 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 9.8-inch longer panoramic glass moonroof.