Videos of test prototypes used to be a rare thing. But nowadays, we get a new BMW and Mercedes every few hours. With this year's testing period nearing its end, the Bavarians are cramming in a lot of hours with prototypes like this next-gen X3 G01.
The X3 is known for its sharper handling and slightly stiff suspension. We kind of like it the way it is, but the G01 prototype seems a little more softly sprung. That's not necessarily a bad thing, as there will be a handful of suspension configurations available, ranging from luxurious to the one used by the X3 M.
As far as the design is concerned, the prototype still hides most of its features. But we can see an SUV version of the 7 Series underneath. We're not sure whether to call it a 2017 model or not, since production will begin in August 2017 at the Spartanburg factory, so it's technically a 2018 car.
The media is full of BS about significant weight reductions and all that. But we don't believe BMW will be able to pull off a miracle, especially when the interior space will have to be increased to keep up with the Mercedes GLC-Class.
Just like the X4, the next generation of the X3 will have an M Perf
ormance model, and we think this could be it, the M40i. It's got huge exhaust pipes on either side of the bumper, which is pretty rare for this model. Power should come from a similar engine to the one used by the M2, a single-turbo 3-liter delivering roughly 360 to 370 horsepower.
That might seem like too much, but BMW can't play it safe with the Jaguar F-Pace and the Porsche Macan on the market. Of course, the biggest news comes from the M Division, which is testing the F97 X3 M. Some say it will produce a ridiculous 500 horsepower, but we think that would push the 3-liter block into lag territory.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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