Photo: Kolesa
The BMW X3 is the OG premium compact SUV. Sure, now they’re called “mid-size”, because of all these new sub-categories, but back when BMW and Mercedes only made the likes of the X5 and the ML-Class, the X3 was considered 100% compact.
Personally, I view the X3 as being a dignified nameplate. I’m not necessarily a fan of small and compact SUVs, but I respect BMW for their consistency. The X3 has always been one of the most engaging to drive and well-built models in its class, and that’s unlikely to change in the coming years.
The first-generation model went into production in August of 2003, and it basically re-wrote the book on what a "smaller" SUV could do. The second-generation X3 was even more impressive. It was still really good to drive, only this time BMW didn’t skimp on amenities and overall comfort. Not only was it way better than its rival from Mercedes, the GLK, but also better than Audi’s Q5 crossover, at least according to some people.
The third and current generation X3 is, of course, excellent. It shares a lot of technology with the G30 5 Series, such as gesture control, LED lighting and the latest iDrive system. It’s also supremely gifted when it comes to active safety technology. The only downside is some people’s need for additional space inside – which is why they might go for an X5 or even an X7.
As for what comes next, you saw it here earlier this week in prototype form – the all-new 2024 X3. Even though it was fully camouflaged, we could still see that it had a more dynamic overall shape, which also likely means a new design language.
If I had to make a rudimentary guess, I’d say it probably looks like a smaller BMW XM (another model that’s in the pipeline, but one that’s expected to arrive later this year).
This rendering by Kolesa could be pretty accurate. The designer nailed the overall shape of SUVs, as per our spy images. There’s no denying that BMW will offer its customers a more dynamic-looking X3 going forward. It almost looks like a so-called “SUV Coupe” thanks to that sloping roofline, but if they can somehow lower the backseat a little, then headroom in the rear shouldn’t be a problem.
Once it hits showrooms, this next-gen BMW X3 will immediately go after the recently unveiled all-new Mercedes GLC and the upcoming third-generation Audi Q5.
The first-generation model went into production in August of 2003, and it basically re-wrote the book on what a "smaller" SUV could do. The second-generation X3 was even more impressive. It was still really good to drive, only this time BMW didn’t skimp on amenities and overall comfort. Not only was it way better than its rival from Mercedes, the GLK, but also better than Audi’s Q5 crossover, at least according to some people.
The third and current generation X3 is, of course, excellent. It shares a lot of technology with the G30 5 Series, such as gesture control, LED lighting and the latest iDrive system. It’s also supremely gifted when it comes to active safety technology. The only downside is some people’s need for additional space inside – which is why they might go for an X5 or even an X7.
As for what comes next, you saw it here earlier this week in prototype form – the all-new 2024 X3. Even though it was fully camouflaged, we could still see that it had a more dynamic overall shape, which also likely means a new design language.
If I had to make a rudimentary guess, I’d say it probably looks like a smaller BMW XM (another model that’s in the pipeline, but one that’s expected to arrive later this year).
This rendering by Kolesa could be pretty accurate. The designer nailed the overall shape of SUVs, as per our spy images. There’s no denying that BMW will offer its customers a more dynamic-looking X3 going forward. It almost looks like a so-called “SUV Coupe” thanks to that sloping roofline, but if they can somehow lower the backseat a little, then headroom in the rear shouldn’t be a problem.
Once it hits showrooms, this next-gen BMW X3 will immediately go after the recently unveiled all-new Mercedes GLC and the upcoming third-generation Audi Q5.
Google News