2018 BMW X3 Revealed In Official 'Spyshots'

BMW has released a set of "spy shots" showing the 2018 BMW X3 SUV ahead of its launch.

Updated: Monday, March 6, 2017, 16:10 [IST]

A renewed BMW X3 is on the way, with the Audi Q5 competitor unveiled in a set of spy shots released by BMW Austria today. The new X3 has been in the works for years, and these shots show that the SUV won't change much regarding size.

2018 BMW X3 Revealed In Official Spy Shots

These latest spy shots show the BMW X3 in more detail than our long-lens cameras can usually capture, although the heavy mask fitted to the exterior of the SUV means it's tough to pick out any detailed information in the bodywork.

BMW has revealed that the testing procedure of the 2018 X3 was done just 56 km South of the Polar Circle, which is a cold small town over there, and it is called Arjeplog.

The company has revealed that these conditions are perfect for refining and calibrating the electronic and mechanical elements of the new X3, which will come with the BMW's xDrive permanent all-wheel-drive system.

BMW officials insist that the next X3 will present enhanced agility thanks to these tests, and this is something that its owners are sure to enjoy. Apparently, the SUV will do more than just drift on ice, as the engineers have shown in a few of those photos, but also provide the highest possible traction level on this surface, as well as on other slippery terrains.

The pictures confirm production-ready headlights, tail lights, and a completed design that is just waiting to be revealed at an international motor show.

The powertrain of the new X3 could be lifted straight out of the current 330e saloon - made up of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor, developing 249bhp. BMW may improve the power output on the plug-in X3 to offset the extra weight.

As for the diesel motor, BMW is expected to power the X3 with the 262bhp six-cylinder unit from the new 7 Series will be carried over for the X3 30d and a more potent variant used for the 35d. The huge seller will continue to be the X3 20d highlighting a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder.

Entry-level sDrive rear-wheel-drive versions will be mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. Four-wheel-drive xDrive models will still prove popular and will come with BMW's eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox as standard.