2018 BMW X3 Teased

BMW is expected to showcase the new X3 compact luxury SUV/crossover at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Meanwhile, it has teased the upcoming model with photos taken during its winter testing.

The third generation BMW X3 comes about seven years after the previous model was revealed internationally. Underpinning the new X3 will be the company's new CLAR (short for CLuster ARchitecture) platform which uses a mix of high-strength steel, aluminium and carbon fibre to reduce overall weight significantly. This should result in better performance as well as efficiency.

The teaser images show that the all-new X3 will receive an evolutionary exterior design - the most prominent feature is the rather large new kidney-grille which was previewed by the X2. The dimensions will increase; not just because the new platform allows for it but also because the new X1 has grown in size. 

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BMW is highlighting the handling characteristics of the X3 with the latest teaser images. Conducted in Arjelpog, Sweden - 56 kilometres south of the North Pole - a test mule of the X3 was made to endure temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celcius. 

The abundance and of snow and frozen lakes in the region have also been put to use to hone the new X3's selectable Driving Experience Control system along with its Dynamic Stability Control, Dynamic Traction Control and the xDrive AWD system.

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More details of the new X3 will be revealed closer to the international unveil in August 2017. BMW India may continue to offer the X3 only with diesel motors, as is the case with the current model - or it could introduce a petrol motor as had been the recent trend. There are reports that the company is developing a performance-oriented 'X3 M' version which may be brought to India, plonked below the X5 M and X6 M performance SUVs.