SpyBuzz: 2018 BMW X3 spotted during winter testing, launching end-2017



BMW Austria did the unusual by unveiling a set of official “spy shots” of the third-generation X3 SUV during a winter performance testing in Sweden. The 2018 BMW X3, codenamed G01, will make its global debut later this year.

The slippery surface was to test the car’s handling ability and more importantly, its safety features such as Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) or Dynamic Traction Control (DTC).  Besides, the sideway X3 does make for brilliant photography opportunity!

The new X3 is built on the CLAR (Cluster Architecture) platform that underpins the G30 5 Series and the upcoming 3 Series. It is lightweight enough for BMW to claim up to 50kg of weight loss. While the exterior remains largely camouflaged, we just can’t seem to get our eyes off the abnormally large kidney grille cutout…

A range of twin-scroll turbocharged engine are lined up, including a high performance M variant that’s in the pipeline. The X3 M will potentially get a 3.0-litre straight-six producing upwards of 400 hp! There is also of course the iPerformance plug-in hybrid variant that would potentially share the same setup as the hugely successful 330e iPerformance. The standard transmission of choice is the trusty ZF eight-speed automatic. xDrive all-wheel drive system is optional.

The 2018 BMW X3 will go up against the Mercedes-Benz GLC and the all-new, second generation Audi Q5. Currently, BMW Malaysia is offering the F25 BMW X3 with both petrol and diesel engines. Pricing starts from RM296,800.00.


IMAGE GALLERY