Now although there is still time before the new BMW X3 gets a green light for production, an international website has released an exclusive image showing what the popular mid-size SUV could look like.
Due for sale by the middle of next year, the new X3 will rival the likes of the Audi Q5 and the Mercedes GLC. Among more recent rivals, Porsche’s Macan has stepped up the game considerably, especially when it comes to the on-road dynamics. Naturally, BMW is making sure its new X3 lives up to the brand’s performance-oriented heritage.
As seen in the image, the new X3 is likely to retain most of BMW’s traditional design cues such as the vertically stacked kidney grille, the double barrel LED headlamps and a hefty looking bumper. The window line, too, will more or less be the same. Mechanically, the new X3 will make use of a lighter, rear-wheel drive platform that will also underpin the new 5 Series which is due next year.
Under the hood, the X3 will use a new family of 3-litre and 2-litre engines in both petrol and diesel form. Additionally, BMW would even offer 1.5-litre 3-cylinder units for heavier plug-in hybrid models. What’s more, there will finally be a high-performance M-developed model that will source drivetrain bits from the M3 sports sedan.
There is still sometime for the next-gen X3 to come to life. When launched, the SUV will be positioned between the X1 and the X5 and will compete against the Audi Q5 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC.