2018 BMW X3 (spy shot)
The X5's smaller brother has been spotted testing
quite a few times so far, but even though it's getting really close to its
launch date, it refuses to show us anything on that body hiding under the
camouflage.
That looks to be
over now, and while nobody will ever mistake the X1 for the X5, it does seem
like we're going to have a lot identity-providing visual elements. The X3 is
going to fall in line, and while that means borrowing a very nice design, it
also points toward a loss of personality.
But a BMW's character resides more in the way it
drives than the way it looks, and seeing the X3 blast on the Nurburgring makes
us confident that trademark BMW sportiness is going to be there still.
They'll be much happier to know the X3 offers
increased interior space, which was actually quite needed as the previous model
did not excel in that department. A host of engines will also be available,
mostly four-cylinder and inline-sixes, both turbocharged with either gasoline
or diesel sprayed into their cylinders. Transmission-wise, expect the usual
seven- or eight-speed automatics.
The new X3 will also receive an M version which is
believed to develop around 500 hp - similar to the M4 GTS coupe. Coupled with
the xDrive four-wheel-drive system, that should translate into an impressive 0-100 km/h sprint, and a stiffer suspension setup should also
eliminate some of the body roll we can see in this video.
Production should begin next year, but it's yet
unclear whether BMW will introduce the new X3 by the end of this year - which
is rapidly closing - or opt for a launch in early 2017 either at the North
American International Auto Show in January or the Geneva International Motor
Show in Mach.
