For those of you out there worried about such things – you can buy the 2018 BMW X3 xDrive30i with a clear conscious – it has been assembled by American labor in the good ol’ U.S. of A.
The luxury, compact sports activity vehicle – or crossover – is manufactured in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and actually exported (along with the X4, X5 and X6) to 140 markets worldwide.
For 2018, the X3 has been redesigned, top-to-bottom, loaded with even more decadent features to spoil and pamper, while blending standout driving characteristics on any terrain and surface with unrestricted everyday usability and practicality.
The xDrive30i is powered by a turbocharged, 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder, 16-valve with variable valve control and high precision, direct injection. Mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, the combo generates 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The engine is quiet, acceleration smooth and swift, and it gets 29 miles per gallon down the highway as rated by the EPA.
This third-generation model comes with a couple of firsts:
For the first time on a BMW X model, the front fascia features a muscular three-dimensional kidney grille and fog lights featuring a hexagonal design. A downward sloping roof spoiler and twin exhaust tailpipes add to the muscular appearance.
It will also be the first BMW SAV in the U.S. to feature a factory-installed trailer hitch. The new 2 Receiver will enable customers to use a broad range of BMW accessories including tongues, drop tongues, towing balls, a step to help access roof mounted accessories and several varieties of bike racks.
X3 ensconces five-passengers in maximum comfort with a push-button fob lift-gate to open a generous cargo area to store personal items – such as golf clubs.
My tester came with beaucoup standard features along with a convenience package ($2,850), driving assist package ($900), dynamic handling package ($1,400), parking assistance package ($1,300) and a premium package ($3,300).
My favorites were the panoramic moon roof, lumbar support, XM satellite radio, heated steering wheel and front/rear seats, navigation system, heads-up display and rear-view camera with a surround 3D view. My daughter quickly synched her iPhone and played tunes in magnificent Harman Kardon surround sound.
The week of my test drive we experienced a couple bouts of snow and ice. But there were no issues thanks to BMW’s intelligent AWD management, which constantly adjusts the torque bias as the driving situation demands to ensure optimum driving dynamics.
When it comes to driver assistance and semi-automated driving, all the systems currently offered by BMW are available, highlighted by active cruise control with stop and go, frontal collision warning with city-collision mitigation, side-collision avoidance, and front/rear cross-traffic alert.
It was a sad day when they took my X3 away. I don’t normally get emotional on a Friday swap day, but there’s a lot to miss about this ride. Treat yourself and take your very own test ride – I recommend getting lost. 🙂
Base Price: $42,450
Price As Driven: $57,620
Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
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