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2018 BMW X3 M40i Marks the Start of a New Era in Frankfurt

The all-new BMW X3 is going to take on the Volvo XC60, the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, all of which are fresh models as well. In the past, the X3 had something they didn't: dynamism. But does that still hold true for the 2018 model?
2018 BMW X3 23 photos
Photo: SB-Medien
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Fresh from the factory in Spartanburg, BMW's biggest in the world, this X3 production model arrived in Frankfurt for us to check out. A lot is riding on its success, and it seems they've changed the recipe quite a bit.

The old X3 was like chili sauce - great for those who could handle the heat. But the vast majority of SUV buyers just want a fast-paced but very comfortable car. That's why the 2018 X3 is much bigger on the inside.

However, this particular X3 has the chili added back in because it's the M40i model. The only M version until the X3 M arrives next year is powered by a single-turbo 3.0-liter engine producing 360 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. As standard, the powertrain includes 4x4 and an 8-speed automatic, taking you to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.8 seconds or about as fast as a Golf R.

Yet despite its beefy body kit and red seats, you really have to know what you're looking for to spot that this is the performance model. So it suffers from the same discreet nature as the Audi SQ5.

Thankfully, there are other versions to chose from. For example, the X3 can currently be ordered as a 30d model with a 265 HP 3.0-liter diesel or a 20d with, you guessed it, a 2.0-liter making 190 HP. Later on, more engines will be offered, including ones that go as low as 150 HP. On average, the new model is 55 kg lighter than the old one.

Some say the exterior design is an evolution of the old one, but we don't agree. They've changed the shape of the headlights and the kidney grilles to be more rounded, just like the facelift of the 1 Series.

Look past the bright red leather, and you'll notice the infotainment screen now looks like a tablet stuck on top of the dash. The gauges have also been digitized, though this is obviously optional. The trim around the center of the dash is hexagonal, just like the headlights.

So, to conclude, it's bigger, lighter more technologically advanced and probably better looking as well. The downside is that at launch, models will be around €4,000 more expensive than the previous generation.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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