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2018 BMW X3: Aussie-influenced SUV here in November

The 2018 BMW X3 is a huge product for BMW globally and perhaps even more so in Australia, where SUVs play a major part in the brand's sales strategy, accounting for over 55 per cent of sales.


Indeed, the new 2018 X3 is so important that BMW's global headquarters has green-lighted Australia's involvement in the global market launch, which will take place simultaneously on November 11 in Australia, Europe and the USA.

Speaking to CarAdvice at the recent 1 Series and 2 Series LCI launch in Tasmania, BMW Group Australia CEO Marc Werner said the brand is excited for this new model.

Werner explained it took a bit of convincing to make Australia part of the global launch program.

"On one side we raised our voice and on the other the Australian operation is now one of the top 10 markets and we are on the radar screen. That puts us in a very good position, not only to get hold of these things like the car at an early stage, but also to be able to launch it at an early stage as well," Werner said.

Werner said that BMW Group Australia has been part of the design and engineering requirements process since the model was first conceptualised around six years ago.

"Australia is considered one of the leading SUV markets for the BMW group, and we definitely have a say when it comes to these products. And that process started some six years ago.

"We were in a very position to provide our input when it comes to product requirements for the future, and that definitely holds true for the X3 as well as it does for the X1, X5 and then X7.

When quizzed about any elements that were directly due to Australia's involvement, Werner said Australia was particularly instrumental with one aspect.

"Towing capacity...that was a thing we definitely influenced with the new product," Werner said.

In details released with the X3's unveiling, a specifications table lists a 2000kg braked tow rating for all models (20d, 30i, 30d), and 750kg for unbraked.

The BMW X3 has been a huge success for the local arm and the new model is expected to be BMW's best seller in 2018 and part of the push towards a 65 per cent SUV brand share.

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