2018 BMW X3 gets M Performance for the first time

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The X3 is undeniably one of the best selling models for the Bavarian brand. Since 2003, BMW has sold over 1.5 million of these “Sports Activity Vehicles” across the two model generations. Which is why the third generation X3 gets M Performance for the first time.

The new design includes larger kidney grille, which houses active air flaps. Headlamps and fog lamps are full LEDs. The new bumper also houses equipment for the optional Driving Assistant Plus which includes semi-autonomous features.

The rear-end has been updated with 3D looking LEDs, and gets an automatic tailgate. The X3 M40i gets sports exhaust system.

The new X3 weighs 55 kg less than its predecessor, thanks to the lightweight construction, and the improved aerodynamics results in a drag coefficient of 0.29 Cd. The new model also boasts of a 50:50 weight distribution.

The interior layout has been improved as well. Highlights include an optional 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, optional head-up display, 10.2-inch touchscreen with gesture control, 3-zone climate control, optional ambient lighting, Intelligent Voice Assistant.

BMW CoPilot
Options such as the latest generation of Active Cruise Control and the aforementioned Driving Assistant Plus package, including Steering and lane control assistant, Lane Change Assistant and Lane keeping assistant with side collision protection are available for semi-automated driving.

There’ll be three trims on offer – xLine, Luxury Line and M Sport. The engine line-up will feature three petrol and two diesel engine variants with outputs from 135 kW/184 hp to 265 kW/360 hp. All models come with the 8-Speed Steptronic transmission as standard while the M40i gets a Sport variant of the 8-Speed Steptronic transmission.

The M40i gets a 3.0-litre inline-six petrol, with 360 hp and 500 Nm of torque. This model can sprint from 0 – 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, and maxes out at 250 km/h.

Model	TwinPower Turbo Engines	Power	Torque
M40i	2,998 cc inline-six petrol	360 hp	500 Nm
xDrive30i	1,998 cc 4-cylinder petrol	252 hp	350 Nm
xDrive20i	1,998 cc 4-cylinder petrol	184 hp	290 Nm
sDrive20i	1,998 cc 4-cylinder petrol	184 hp	290 Nm
xDrive30d	2,993 cc inline-six diesel	265 hp	620 Nm
xDrive20d	1,995 cc 4-cylinder diesel	190 hp	400 Nm

Except the xDrive20i and sDrive20i, rest of the variants will be available later this year. The sDrive20i might not be available in Europe.

Options include M Sport suspension, Dynamic Damper Control, M Sport brakes and variable sport steering.

Maximizing the safety are Driving Stability Control (DSC), ABS, Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Automatic Differential Brake (ADB-X), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Start-Off Assistant and Hill Descent Control (HDC).

The new X3 has slightly grown in size, it measures 4,708 mm (M40i – 4,716 mm) in length, 1,891 mm (M40i – 1,897 mm) in width, and 1,676 mm in height. Wheelbase measures 2,864 mm and ground clearance is at 204 mm.