Next-gen BMW X3 spied testing

The next-gen BMW X3 has been spied again, this time while speed testing on the Nurburgring circuit in Germany. This forthcoming model is based on CLAR architecture and in typical BMW fashion, will be a rear-wheel drive model at its core even though such an offering will not be offered.

The good part though is that the xDrive all-wheel drive system will continue to send most of its power to the rear wheels. However, the downer here is that space inside won’t be majorly improved since a transmission tunnel is still being used for the prop shaft. Under the hood, the next-gen X3 will use a new family of 3-litre and 2-litre engines in both petrol and diesel form. Additionally, BMW may even offer 1.5-litre 3-cylinder units for a probable entry-level plug-in hybrid.

Not much can be conceived from this early prototype though we do not expect big changes in terms of design. The new X3 is likely to feature a narrower front-end with elongated design cues, stretched to the exterior. The car here also features twin tailpipes, hinting at a 3-litre powerplant under the hood.

There is still a long way for the next-gen X3 to come into existence. When launched, the car will be positioned between the X1 and the X5 and will compete against the Audi Q5 and the Land Rover Discovery Sport.