The X3 enters its third generation with some new tricks and introduces an M Performance model.

The crossover that kicked off the now best-selling Sport Activity Vehicle segment at BMW, the X3, has been totally redesigned and brings some firsts for the brand. These include a factory-installed trailer hitch and the introduction of an M Performance variant within the model range. Let’s take a look in more detail.

Not really any bigger than the outgoing version, the wheelbase has however grown by 56 millimetres giving it a more established road presence. Rather than a flat kidney grille inset into the front bumper, the edges are raised providing a three-dimensional quality. Below, sleeker hexagonal foglights replace the former round units. At the back, the taillights are also shaped with a 3-D appearance and the exhaust pipes have been split into a dual setup.

As mentioned, this is the initial BMW SAV to receive a hitch straight off the assembly line. The two-inch receiver allows customers to get the most use out of the vehicle by attaching OEM accessories like a tongue, towing ball, bike rack and more to haul whatever equipment is needed for their next adventure.

Updates to the interior come in the form of more storage space, a three-zone climate control system and individually adjustable second row backrests that can be remotely released from the cargo area. The panoramic glass moonroof is a full 249 millimetres longer than before.

The X3 xDrive30i takes the place of the outgoing xDrive28i and utilizes a 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder engine producing 248 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The new flagship M40i uses a boosted 3.0-litre mill pumping out 355 horsepower and 369 lb-ft, which is 23 per cent more torque compared to the pervious grade-topping XDrive35i. Both are mated to an eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

xDrive all-wheel drive is standard on all trims. The 2018 BMW X3 is available now.

BMW has introduced an all-wheel drive system into the M5 sports sedan, which is customizable to the driver’s preferences.

As BMW prepares to release the sixth generation of the high octane M5, let’s dive into what makes this newest chapter of the sports sedan extra special: M xDrive technology. The tailor-made all-wheel drive system retains classic rear-wheel characteristics while adding in loads of grip as needed, in a manner never quite done before.

“The core component of M xDrive is a central intelligence unit with M-specific software delivering integrated control of longitudinal and lateral dynamics. The new drivetrain technology — making its debut on the new BMW M5 — therefore combines all of the agility and precision of standard rear-wheel drive with the supreme poise and traction of the all-wheel-drive system,” said company representative Frank van Meel.

“As a result, the new BMW M5 can be piloted with the familiar blend of sportiness and unerring accuracy on both the race track and the open road. And in various weather conditions, too.”

The setup provides five available modes, depending on whether Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is active. By default, 4WD with DSC is on, which still allows a certain amount of slippage to the back wheels, but will send power up front as needed for situations such as accelerating out of a turn. For tail-happy fun, though, drivers will want to switch over to M Dynamic Mode. The rear is allowed to slip even further, capable of carrying out a controlled drift in the right environment.

M xDrive is made possible via a pairing of specific software and two mechanical components: the transfer case and the Active M Differential. The former is responsible for distributing power front to rear, the latter then balancing out forces between the two rear wheels. All of this is done with nearly zero losses.

A refined version of BMW’s 4.4-litre biturbo V8 propels the upcoming M5 and features upgraded turbochargers, better cooling and a new, lighter exhaust system. An efficient eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with paddle shifters is mated to the engine, geared to provide improved fuel economy estimated at 10.5 L/100 km in mixed city and highway use. 

BMW’s award-winning i3 is already known as one of the most fun-to-drive battery electric vehicles on the market with its torquey motor and classic German handling characteristics. It’s about to get even better when the sportier 2018 i3s arrives early next year.

Both the drive system and suspension have been upgraded and as a result there is an increase to output as well as big improvements to on-road agility. Total horsepower is now 184, and torque 199 lb-ft. The i3s sits on speciality springs, dampers and anti-roll bars giving the EV a 10 millimetre lower ride height capable of cornering much flatter than the standard variant.

Drivers can control just how sporty the experience is using the dynamics control switch. After activating the new Sport mode, the accelerator instantly becomes more responsive, and the steering firmer. In this setting, the car can get from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds. A gasoline Range Extender engine remains an option.

To complement the boost in performance, the exterior is bolder than on the standard i3. To match the black roof and centre panels both on the front and rear of the vehicle, the A-pillars, parts of the BMW kidney grille and a few other trim pieces are finished in a high gloss black. Underneath the full LED headlights are coloured accent strips painted BMW I Blue or Frozen Grey that help show off the extra 40 millimetres in track width. 

All i3 models benefit from the latest iDrive 6 user interface responsible for controlling everything from communications to infotainment. If equipped with the Navigation Professional, the 10.25-inch screen features a higher-resolution display. Voice commands can be executed more simply than before via Natural Language Understanding functionality. For example, the computer recognizes casual phrases such as “find the closest gas station,” similar to how smartphone voice assistants work.

More information will be available when the 2018 BMW i3S officially premieres at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt this month. 

Operating an EV sometimes has its challenges, and one of them is being cognizant of battery limitations and adjusting your driving habits accordingly. In hotter weather especially, there are certain things to be aware of in order to squeeze out the most range possible for those impromptu drives out of town.

Air conditioning

When the sun is beating down, not using air con might seem crazy. Just remember, while running, it’s using up energy that could otherwise be allocated to moving the car. The higher the setting, the more juice is consumed. Some models have a preconditioning feature allowing you to control the climate settings remotely while the vehicle is still plugged in, or simply adjust it manually. Parking in the shade or in a covered area can also reduce reliance on the A/C.

Audio system

What’s a road trip without tunes? I’m not saying leave the iPod at home, but it, too, drains the battery. Leave the volume at a reasonable level and when you’re talking to someone or otherwise not listening, avoid leaving the stereo on in the background.

Cargo area

Summertime is chock full of activities requiring gear of some sort, whether it’s beach equipment, kayak paddles, a tent, the list goes on. Every extra kilogram of weight requires the car to work that much harder to get going. Don’t treat the vehicle as a rolling storage unit and remove items unlikely to be used at the immediate destination.

Eco mode

Most EVs possess an “Eco” mode that can be activated via a button press or twist of a dial. There are a variety of functions this encompasses, from limiting acceleration performance to modulating climate control all in the name of conserving power.

Driver information

Depending on the manufacturer, the EV will have some kind of graphical representation of how energy is being distributed and utilized displayed. There may also be a menu option to provide an eco score based on the driving style observed by the computer last trip, with tips for improvement.