2018 BMW X3
What’s new
- Completely redesigned for 2018
- This is the first year of the third generation of X3
Pros
- Both available engines are powerful and fuel-efficient
- Plenty of standard and optional features for ultimate personalization
- Roomy cabin both front and rear
- Apple CarPlay can be accessed wirelessly
Cons
- Android Auto conspicuously absent from options list
- Exterior and interior styling isn't much different from previous model
2018 BMW X3 pricing
in Ashburn, VAWhich X3 does Edmunds recommend?
Edmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
3.5 / 5Interest in any particular car typically wanes as its gets older. Unless, that is, you're talking about the BMW X3. The second-generation X3 was sold for seven years, yet BMW's constant enhancements made this X3 a sales juggernaut long past the traditional life span. Now the company has ushered in a fully redesigned 2018 X3 in hopes of keeping you within the BMW family, even as rival automakers introduce a host of new and recently revised luxury crossover SUVs.
From the outside, it's hard to tell BMW did anything. The 2018 X3 resembles the outgoing model to the point that you might not be able to tell the difference. The X3 itself is longer and wider, though, and the size boost produces tangible increases in head- and legroom for all passengers. Like the outside, the inside of the X3 is massaged rather than overhauled. The central display is now a touchscreen that sticks up from the dash, and it's loaded with the latest iDrive infotainment software and wireless Apple CarPlay functionality.
The redesigned X3 isn't a revolutionary departure from its massively successful predecessor. From that vantage point, the 2018 BMW X3 might seem like a bit of a disappointment. But as the old adage goes, you don't fix what isn't broken. This newest X3 remains one of our top recommendations for a luxury crossover SUV.
Trim levels & features
The 2018 BMW X3 is a five-passenger crossover sold in two trims, each with its own distinct powertrain. Under the hood of the xDrive30i is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (248 horsepower, 258 pound-feet of torque) paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Standard exterior features include 18-inch wheels, LED headlights and foglights, automatic wipers, roof rails, a power tailgate, a rearview camera, and power-folding, auto-dimming and heated mirrors.
Inside, you'll find an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with wheel-mounted shift paddles, keyless ignition, adjustable driving modes, tri-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front sport seats, a 40/20/40-split rear seat with individual seat recline, simulated leather upholstery, driver-seat memory settings, a 6.5-inch central display, BMW's iDrive infotainment interface, a USB port and a 12-speaker audio system.
There are multiple options packages available for the xDrive30i. The Convenience package adds LED headlights, keyless entry, a panoramic sunroof, satellite radio and four-way power lumbar adjustment for the front seats. The M Sport package adds the contents of the Convenience package, plus 19-inch wheels, more aggressive-looking front and rear bumpers, a sport steering wheel and a simulated leather-covered dashboard. Selecting either of these opens the gates to the Dynamic Handling package, which includes adaptive suspension dampers, upgraded brakes and variable-ratio steering.
The M40i is driven by a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine producing 355 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Additional features includes adaptive LED headlights, automatic high beams, a sport exhaust, a sport-tuned suspension, front and rear parking sensors, a launch control feature and the contents of the above three packages.
A number of packages can be added to either model. Driver aids are available through the Driving Assistance (forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert), Driving Assistance Plus (Driving Assistance package, adaptive cruise control, front cross-traffic, alert and lane departure warning and mitigation) and Parking Assistance (front and rear parking sensors, an automated parking system and a 360-degree parking camera) packages.
Additional luxury features are included in the Premium (19-inch wheels, heated front seats, navigation, a 10.3-inch touchscreen, a head-up display and BMW Remote Services) and Executive (Premium and Parking Assistance packages, adaptive LED headlights, automatic high beams, leather upholstery, a digital instrument panel and hands-free gesture controls for the touchscreen) packages.
Some of the above features can be ordered as stand-alone options. Additional extras, depending on packages selected, include 20- and 21-inch wheels, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, manual side-window shades, wireless phone charging, Apple CarPlay, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and a trailer hitch.
Trim tested
Driving
3.5Acceleration
3.5Braking
3Steering
3.5Handling
4Drivability
4Off-road
3Comfort
4Seat comfort
4Ride comfort
4Noise & vibration
3.5Climate control
3.5Interior
3.5Ease of use
3Getting in/getting out
4Driving position
3Roominess
4Visibility
3.5Quality
3.5Utility
4Small-item storage
4Cargo space
3Child safety seat accommodation
3.5Towing
3.5Technology
3Audio & navigation
4Smartphone integration
2Driver aids
2Voice control
4.5Top consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2018 BMW X3.
2018 BMW X3 videos
[MUSIC PLAYING] MARK TAKAHASHI: What we have here is all new 2018 BMW X3, fully redesigned from the ground up, but it's kind of hard to tell, because there's not a whole lot different about it stylistically. It has a bigger grill. That's about it. However, it builds on the X3 legacy, giving you plenty of refinement on the inside, giving you great driving dynamics and really all of the luxury appointments and features you would expect. Prices for the X3 start right around $43,000 for this, the X Drive 30i. It's the base engine with A 2-liter turbo charged four cylinder. It puts out 248 horsepower. You can step up to the M40i, with a ridiculous 355 horsepower. My colleagues say it's quite the rocket. As far as interior design goes on the new X3, it doesn't break a lot of new ground. But again, it's an evolution. Things are improved here and there. The overall shape pretty much the same, but I like the materials used. They're just slightly sturdier, a little bit nicer. I like the wood trim here, but there's actually a matte wood option that I really, really like. One thing that stands out, maybe a little out of place, is this cover here. It's a little bit like a roll-top desk. It seems out of place, but it does make way for decent-sized cup holders and one of my favorite features of the new X3. Check it out. That is just a wireless charging pad. Sure. Drop it in there, though, you don't have to have it situated in the perfect spot to have it work. You just toss it on there, like I did, and it starts charging. Even better, this is the first car I've been in that has Apple CarPlay that's wireless. You don't need a USB. I'm so much happier now. One thing I really like about the instrument panel is it's a mix of analog and digital. It's got the bezels on the outside with the numbers on it, and on the inside is a digital screen. No matter what the lighting was on my drive this morning and afternoon, it was sharp and easy to read-- really well executed. Besides the center bin and cup holders, you also have this decently deep central armrest bin. There's also a USB port in there, as well. The pockets in the door-- also well-sized. The pocket, in particular, for the water bottle is very large, so you can probably get two in there, honestly. There are little touches here and there that also make me think that they paid a little more attention to detail with this X3. You have these interesting little shapes here in the vents, and it's echoed again in these top lights up here and also, on the outside, on the headlight bezels, as well as the puddle lamps. As far as comfort goes, these seats are as good as you'd expect from any BMW-- just enough adjustments, as well as thigh extenders for taller drivers, and adjustable side bolsters. So if you're slightly wider or narrower, you're covered-- lots of support, lots of comfort for all-day driving. Materials overall are excellent. Everything's got a nice, soft touch to it where it should be. Also new with this X3 is the latest version of BMW's iDrive. Now, iDrive has already been one of our favorites, as far as infotainment systems go. Add in Apple CarPlay, you start getting better and better. But even better, this is now a touch screen. Apple CarPlay just lends itself to being a touch screen. So instead of having to scroll through with the dial to each hotspot, you can just hit the hotspot you want. So here in the back seat, I'm 5 foot 10, an average size adult, and I have plenty of room-- now, plenty of headroom, plenty of knee room, and my feet slide under the front seat, as well. Materials quality is as good as they are up front. Everything's got a nice, soft touch, refined feel to it. Right here, nice center armrest at the right height between the two, and your typical, over-engineered cup holders. Also, you have your own automatic climate control back here, too. And that's standard with all of the X3s. Overall, I'd be fine back here for a very long road trip. As you'd expect, the BMW X3 has a hands-free power lift gate. One thing I'm not a big fan of, though, is this little step up here. It reminds me of the current Cadillac Escalade. It makes it a little bit harder to load big, bulky items in. Behind the rear seats, you have 28.7 cubic feet of cargo space. That's more than the Audi Q5, as well as the Mercedes GLC class. Another bonus-- these seats flip down with just a flip of the lever. You don't even have to push them down. Another thing I like is, let's say you just pulled something large out of the trunk, and you want to close it. Another swipe of a foot, rather ungainly beeping, and you're all set. Properly equipped, the BMW X3 can tow up to 4,400 pounds. I realize that camera systems aren't the sexiest feature in any car these days, but the X3's deserves a shout out, because it is super clear and crisp. And you have this crazy feature where you can do the tour around the car. It doesn't serve any purpose except for its cool factor. [MUSIC PLAYING] One thing I'm noticing about the X3-- that it's an evolution. And I really liked the previous X3 a lot for the same reasons. It's really quiet. It's really comfortable, and the interior is well-made. It's well put together. They've got great materials. As far as acceleration goes, this base two-liter turbo engine is more than enough for the average driver. At the track, it turned a seven second accel run to 60 miles an hour-- not a barn burner, but man, it's plenty capable for everyday driving. So standard features are these different drive modes. You have sport, comfort, and ECO PRO. Comfort is just fine, and it's going to default to that. One thing I like is there's a big difference between comfort and sport mode. Sport mode stiffens up the suspension, dials out some of that body roll, and you get a little more responsiveness. It will downshift a little quicker. It'll hold gears into higher revs longer. And that was borne out at the test track, as well. It turned in some decent numbers, especially for an SUV. You can, indeed, have some fun with this car on a winding mountain road. [MUSIC PLAYING] So here we are on an uphill on-ramp, and let's give it some sauce. This is in sport mode. Those shifts are a little more aggressive, sort of what you want out of a sport mode. I'm in just regular key it mode right now, which is comfort mode. And I'm about to hit a green light here, and let's see how it does. Now, the first couple of feet, it needs a little bit of time to spool up and get some good oomph out of the engine. But after that, it's very decisive. It's a good punch. And even though it's a smaller four cylinder, it didn't sound bad. It certainly didn't sound like we were stressing the engine. The shifts came quick and smooth, pretty much exactly what you'd expect from a luxury SUV. Visibility is all right. This A pillar here is actually kind of thick, but oddly enough, it's not getting in the way too much. I'm not sure why that is, but that is a significant block in your vision. Out the rear, it's OK, at least through the mirror. Add in features like blind spot detection and rear cross traffic and this really good 360 camera, there's pretty much no guesswork left. This X3 is slightly bigger and more roomy inside. At the same time, it doesn't feel like a bigger, heavier SUV on the road. I am a little surprised that the steering effort is so light. Even in sport mode, it doesn't build up that much. That said, it is really easy to maneuver, because of that light effort. [MUSIC PLAYING] Overall, I really like driving this X3. I really didn't think there was that much they can improve on. But they did. [MUSIC PLAYING] In my opinion, this is a brilliant evolution of the BMW X3. It builds on all of the strengths of its predecessor. It's great to drive. The interior is incredibly refined, and it's packed with smart features. It compares really well against the Audi Q5, the Mercedes GLC class, as well as the Jaguar E-Pace and F-Pace. For my money, though, this is as good as it gets. This is the new class leader. For more information on the BMW X3, as well as its competition, head on over to edmunds.com. If you want to see more videos like this, hit Subscribe.
2018 BMW X3 Review
Edmunds Senior Writer Mark Takahashi gets behind the wheel of the fully redesigned 2018 BMW X3. In this review, he covers all of the areas most important to car buyers in the small luxury SUV class: comfort, refinement, technology, performance and utility. Is it the new class leader? Watch the video to find out for yourself.
Features & Specs
Safety
Our experts’ favorite X3 safety features:
- Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go
- Maintains a set distance between the X3 and the car in front. Can bring the X3 to a stop and resume speed when the car in front moves.
- Adaptive Brake Lights
- Brightens the brake lights to indicate a sudden stop and flashes them to indicate an emergency stop.
- Parking Assistant Plus
- Guides the X3 into a vacant parallel parking spot with minimal driver intervention.
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BMW X3 vs. the competition
2018 BMW X3
2018 BMW X1
BMW X3 vs. BMW X1
If you like everything about the X3 but want something just a little bit smaller or less expensive, the X1 is right up your alley. The lighter X1 makes similar power to the four-cylinder X3 but gets better fuel economy and can still fit four adults comfortably. Of course there's comparatively less cargo capacity, and the X1 lacks the option of a more powerful engine.
BMW X3 vs. Audi Q5
Also redesigned for 2018, the Audi Q5 is the X3's closest competitor. It uses a similarly powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine and comes with standard all-wheel drive. So similar are these two rivals that it's going to come down to personal preferences with regards to styling and minor details. The Audi focuses on a clean, minimal design while the BMW has a bit more flair.
BMW X3 vs. BMW X5
The X3's bigger brother offers more than just more cargo space and interior room. You get more engine options — including a plug-in hybrid and a storming turbocharged V8 engine — as well as more luxurious appointments. Of course, having more of everything costs more. And in the case of the X5, that means spending nearly $15,000 more to get a base-level model.
2018 BMW X3 for Sale
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Edmunds shoppers get on average $235 more for their trade-in.
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See your car's valueThe second-generation BMW X3 was still selling like gangbusters in 2017, the model's seventh year of production. But increased pressure from new and improved rivals necessitated a rethink of the Bavarian automaker's venerable crossover. The 2018 BMW X3 is redesigned from the ground up, with new engines, a more spacious interior and top-of-the-line driver aids.
The chiseled body of the 2018 BMW X3 does a good job of hiding the fact that it provides plenty of space for passengers, especially in the back seat. And there's plenty of space for cargo, too. Indeed, the X3 ranks near the top of its class in both categories in terms of roominess. Additional kudos go to the X3's luxurious cabin for its high-quality materials and user-friendly controls. The latter in particular includes an intuitive and quick-responding touchscreen infotainment interface.
The number of trims has been reduced compared to last year, with the rear-wheel-drive and diesel-powered X3s dropped from the lineup. The xDrive30i comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing a healthy 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. For speed demons, the turbocharged six-cylinder under the hood of the M40i churns out 355 hp and 369 lb-ft. Don't feel too bad about upgrading to the M40i if you just can't resist the intoxicating thrust delivered by the inline six-cylinder; fuel economy is reduced only slightly, from 25 mpg combined in the xDrive30i to 23 mpg combined in the M40i. An eight-speed transmission and all-wheel drive are standard on both models.
Being a BMW, the X3 expectedly commands a pretty penny, but its list of standard equipment is substantial. The xDrive30i comes equipped with LED headlights, a power tailgate, auto-dimming mirrors, tri-zone automatic climate control and a 12-speaker audio system. Step up to the M40i and you'll get the more powerful engine, a bevy of performance goodies and a number of the xDrive30i's optional extras. Honestly, if you want to equip the lower model with the Convenience, M Sport and Dynamic Handling packages, you might as well just grab the M40i (those packages are all standard on that model). Several packages are available for either model, adding additional driver aids, leather upholstery and heated seats. As usual, there are plenty of stand-alone options for you to customize the X3 to your heart's desire.
The 2018 BMW X3 offers a winning combination of an engaging and rewarding driving experience paired with a roomy and welcoming interior. When you are in the market, Edmunds is ready to help you find the ideal 2018 BMW X3.
2018 BMW X3 Overview
The 2018 BMW X3 is offered in the following submodels: X3 SUV, X3 M40i. Available styles include xDrive30i 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A), and M40i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A).
What do people think of the 2018 BMW X3?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 BMW X3 and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2018 X3 4 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2018 X3.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 BMW X3 and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 X3 featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Edmunds Scorecard
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2018 BMW X3?
2018 BMW X3 M40i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
The 2018 BMW X3 M40i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $55,495. The average price paid for a new 2018 BMW X3 M40i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) is trending $5,990 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $5,990 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$49,505.
The average savings for the 2018 BMW X3 M40i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) is10.8% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 14 2018 BMW X3 M40i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 BMW X3 xDrive30i 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
The 2018 BMW X3 xDrive30i 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $47,035. The average price paid for a new 2018 BMW X3 xDrive30i 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) is trending $7,163 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $7,163 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$39,873.
The average savings for the 2018 BMW X3 xDrive30i 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) is15.2% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 15 2018 BMW X3 xDrive30i 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
Which 2018 BMW X3s are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2018 BMW X3 for sale near. There are currently 62 new 2018 X3s listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $46,435 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2018 BMW X3. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $11,690 on a used or CPO 2018 X3 available from a dealership near you.
Can't find a new 2018 BMW X3s you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a new BMW X3 for sale - 10 great deals out of 21 listings starting at $11,660.
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Should I lease or buy a 2018 BMW X3?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out BMW lease specials
Check out BMW X3 lease specials