[ron_jeremy]

Originally Posted by sq86

They grills are too big IMO. I'm so happy they finally cut the headlights exending into the grill look. That has been something that's needed to go for a while. There is something weird about the back too, mainly the taillights, but I'm sure it will grow on me. They put in an uber aggressive hoffmeister kink, if you can call it that, so the side profile is odd to me.

It disappoints me that it's not really any lighter but I guess that's due to the increased amount of tech on board. I don't like the interior navigation style, tablet jammed in the dash look, even though they're nice because of how large they are. I guess the benefit of this generation will be better usability with increased tech. It's unforunate but it doesn't really grab me like the prior generation did. Overall, seems similar to the updates we saw from the F10 to the G30.

I'm hearing 55 kg lighter than the F25, but i can't find much info about it.

[m34m]

As much as I despise the overuse and dilution of the M brand I have to admit this thing has blistering performance.

[RFGuy_KCCO]

Anyone know if you can change that stupid looking analog clock in the digital dash to a digital readout? Every time I look at interior pictures, my eyes inevitably focus on that stupid looking clock between the gauges.

[Shaw]

they've already foreseen the headlight LCI design from now; the small angular bend will integrate with the kidney grills in the LCI.

[u6006]

Originally Posted by BMWDude49120

Anyone know if you can change that stupid looking analog clock in the digital dash to a digital readout? Every time I look at interior pictures, my eyes inevitably focus on that stupid looking clock between the gauges.

I'm concerning more to get G30's the partial digital gauge cluster as the standard equipment in NA. IMO, it's the worst in both worlds.

[Bimar]

They are really touting the X3 can do a bit of off-roading..not convinced.

[dcorn]

Pretty sure any SUV or even car with a bit of ground clearance and not bald tires can drive around on dirt roads and hard packed sand like the release video. I even drove my lowered E90 on some pretty bumpy dirt roads back in the day.

[Tallest]

Originally Posted by sq86

Overall, seems similar to the updates we saw from the F10 to the G30.

to me both F10 and G30 look good. However the old X3 vs new one is a huge difference - previous X3 had some of the wierd-misproportioned DNA of the original X3, while brand new X3 looks very good. I think the difference is similar to original X1 vs new X1 or original 1 series vs new 1 series. One was too strange on the eye, new one is good. 5 series looked good most of times, even E60.

[kozzi]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

Regarding our discussion in the past about the G02 X4 M40i, clearly it too will get nothing less than 355hp. At the same time, I think it's a very safe bet now that it will get no more than that either (i.e. same engine as the X3 M40i), meaning no bump from one generation to the next. However, maybe I'll end up being wrong about that too. But, once the true M models are unveiled in roughly a year or so with 100hp+ more, everyone will forget all about these M Performance models anyway.

I think the relationship between the X3M and X4M will be that of the older siblings. Now to either get a MPPK for the M40i pair or get the M versions as close to 500hp as possible. If the X5M/X6M can hang and/or outperform a TurboS...no reason BMW can't bring it in this segment.

[kozzi]

Originally Posted by Max Well

Perhaps it is time for us to step back a moment and take a deep breath. Passion about our vehicles is a great thing but it seems at times, especially on forums for some reason (not being face-to-face and being able to read others' expressions maybe?), gentle discourse and debate can become off-centered.

I do not wish to preach, but with that said, I must respectfully disagree with your assessment as to why some keep purchasing the X3, or a BMW in general. Trust when I say that I am not a blind loyalist when I make a vehicle purchase. It is one that is thoughtfully assessed. And I do have a few years on you (which honestly shouldn't even enter into the equation if valid points are made). And I have owned a host of BMWs and other major Mnfrs' offerings as well.

This X3 fits our family perfectly. Size, performance, cargo-load (which keeps getting skewed in the discussions - why does the Macan keep showing up in this cargo class, regardless of how well it performs it will never be on our radar screen as it can't carry what we need it to carry?), and cabin experience (with the discrepancies of past generations now being rectified).

So regardless of what the automotive industry perceives (rightly or wrongly) as a mis-guided direction from BMW Corporate, please understand they are making vehicles which some of us do like, wish to voluntarily purchase with full knowledge of other brands' offerings, and may actually know what they are doing is best for their families.

Apologies in advance for the length of this post, and best wishes in everyone's choices for a vehicle which fits their requirements moving forward.

Well said Max.

The frustrating thing for me is, that because of our families/circumstances/logistics, we are not "allowed" to be enthusiasts because we want high performance SAVs. I am sick and tired of hearing BMW used to "blah blah this" and BMW used to "blah blah that". We get it...this is old news. BMW makes some of the best performance SAVs in the world. PERIOD. What the hell is so wrong with that? I don't want a ugly ass wagon and I sure as hell don't want a mini-van.

Short of the adjustable air-suspension, I believe BMW answered all our concerns and hit it out of the park. We finally get our G01 M40i and our soon to be X3M...and BMW makes these for enthusiasts, not soccer moms.

Can't wait to see how you and others spec out their X3s.

[BeeMdblU]

is it me or did we lose the central climate wheel on the center console?

[SamS]

Originally Posted by BeeMdblU

is it me or did we lose the central climate wheel on the center console?

It might just be a touch version? I realize it should be lit, but maybe you have to touch your finger to that smooth part between the vent wheels to activate it?

And there's not any mention of the 48V electrical system, as found in all Gxx models?

Also, is there no CFRP in the G01? I thought the reason for the shorten lifecycle of the F15/F16 was so they could upgrade Spartanburg to support the fact that all Gxx X-models that have(?) an intensive CFRP chassis.

[SamS]

Does anyone know what Lane Change Assist is? This is not the same as Lane Departure Warning.

According the press release PDF, LCA is available from Dec '17 production.

EDIT: must be the same thing as Lane Keeping Assist?https://www.bmw.com/en/topics/fascin...sistance.html#

[Zirenz2006]

Originally Posted by BeeMdblU

is it me or did we lose the central climate wheel on the center console?

It's gone and been replaced by a setting in iDrive like on the G30. There is a Menu button on the climate control that takes you right to the climate settings in iDrive, same as on the G30. It's on the left side above the MAX button.

[Barbera335]

Originally Posted by u6006

I'm concerning more to get G30's the partial digital gauge cluster as the standard equipment in NA. IMO, it's the worst in both worlds.

I agree completely, the G30 mixed cluster which will be the base cluster here as well looks horrible. Just makes the full digital cluster a must get option. And yes, the analog clock can be changed to digital using a setting in the idrive menu. I have done it on G12s.

[starbai]

Does anyone know when we should be expecting pricing for the X3 M40i? I know its not yet released, but when is it expected?

[SamS]

Originally Posted by starbai

Does anyone know when we should be expecting pricing for the X3 M40i? I know its not yet released, but when is it expected?

Per the press info, pricing comes out closer to the on sale date, so November?

Personally, I just built an X4 M40i to get a general idea of pricing. That build was ~$68K, so I'd expect a (loaded) G01 M40i to be close.

[SamS]

Originally Posted by X4guy

They are really touting the X3 can do a bit of off-roading..not convinced.

If you go to Spartanburg for PCD, they let you drive either F15s or F25s on some crazy off-road adventures. After doing that 2x, I'm convinced these machines can handle some serious terrain.

[Max Well]

Originally Posted by kozzi

The frustrating thing for me is, that because of our families/circumstances/logistics, we are not "allowed" to be enthusiasts because we want high performance SAVs. I am sick and tired of hearing BMW used to "blah blah this" and BMW used to "blah blah that". We get it...this is old news. BMW makes some of the best performance SAVs in the world. PERIOD. What the hell is so wrong with that? I don't want a ugly ass wagon and I sure as hell don't want a mini-van.

Short of the adjustable air-suspension, I believe BMW answered all our concerns and hit it out of the park. We finally get our G01 M40i and our soon to be X3M...and BMW makes these for enthusiasts, not soccer moms.

Can't wait to see how you and others spec out their X3s.

Thanks, Kozzi - agree, it'll be great to start seeing everyone's choices (and photos on delivery)!

I updated the vehicle specification spec sheet I had produced months ago to include some of the other Mnfrs' offerings which members have been mentioning in relation to the M40i, to provide a quick, rough, comparison reference. The items in yellow I could not find definitively so I left them as '?' marks (and no where to be found are the interior dimensions of the Macan - at least that I could find). I tried to be as accurate as I could on these parameters, but sometimes differing values are shown at different sources. Apologies if errors are present, but if any are found I can easily correct.

[Bimar]

First real life preview, not marketing stuff! More details not shown previously! Yes the cheap hard plastic is still there :-(

[Max Well]

Originally Posted by X4guy

First real life preview, not marketing stuff! More details not shown previously!

Thank you for sharing, X4 guy. An informative and helpful first look for those of us not able to see the real thing yet.

I am puzzled about what I thought is/was a major aerodynamic aspect of their entire line-up - the 'air breathers' behind the front wheel well. They have been touted as a major component of improving air flow in the front wheel sections, along with the 'air curtains'. But at time mark 4'17" into the video the Moderator points out the,'fake vent behind the wheel well, doesn't serve any purpose, just there to look good I guess'. ???

I initially thought he was just in error, but during the one-on-one interview and tour with Designer, Calvin Luk, at the 28'51" time mark Calvin states, 'it is more a decorative element to the car' which seemed to support the Moderator's initial statement? Finally, more confusion as at time mark 32'15", Calvin references this area on another X3 and indicates, 'also on the air breather there'. ?? If one reads online, some automotive review articles also seem confused as some say it is a functional breather, whereas other pick up on the 'purely cosmetic' theme.

So if Scott, or someone can clarify it would be interesting to find out. I find it hard to believe they would place a decorative element behind the wheel well...

[Max Well]

After screen capture of the video at around the 4'17" time mark and lightening the image, sure looks like a typical Air Breather inlet is in the wheel well in the appropriate location...