A 2018 BMW X3 M Sport SUV has been spied near the Spartanburg plant a day ago. As you can see, the production-ready prototype has no camouflage at all, so we can see a completely new design of the upcoming high-riding and high-performance crossover. Aside it sports a totally new exterior and interior styling, the X3 M Sport Package also features new engine under the hood, as well as a new platform. Plus, the Bavarian car manufacturer added a number of new and useful technologies, which will make the SUV safer and more fun to drive.
Photos: Palbay
The new X3 M looks good, but it’s far more important what’s going on under the skin, so it’s quite logical why the carmaker paid more attention to the segment. According to our sources, from now on the 2018 BMW X3 M Sport will rely on a lighter, yet more rigid architecture and a special, firmer suspension tune, along with active dampers and tougher stabilizers. The new all-wheel drive xDrive sports more powerful power distribution, which enables far better driving dynamics. The M Sport model comes with special brakes which consist of blue, four-piston calipers, while in the rear the SUV shows black chrome tailpipe tips, which are equipped with a flap for better sound.
Let’s take look under the hood, shall we? The 2018 BMW X3 M Sport (M40i) is mated to a 3.0-liter inline-six engine, which is capable to a 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 355 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of twist. The engine comes in a pair with all-wheel drive and eight-speed automatic transmission.
Compared to the predecessor, the 2018 X3 M Sport gets additional 2.2 inches between wheels, while the overall length sports 2.1 inches. Inside, the redesigned crossover features a new infotainment touchscreen, plus an optional head-up display and standard three-zone climate control. The overall cab is done with more taste and better quality materials, while the new panoramic sunroof appears to larger form today’s.
The M40i will be the most powerful new generation X3, but that doesn’t mean it would be the most interesting option in North America. Aside it’s going to offer the xDrive30i with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 248 hp and 258 lb-ft, the Bavarian carmaker will also add a diesel for the U.S. The oil-burner crossover will have a 2.0-liter diesel rated at 190 hp and 295 pound-feet of torque.