Photo: Carpix
With BMW having done its premium compact crossover homework as early as 2003, the German carmaker can now take full advantage of its experience for riding the crossover market wave. And we’re expecting no less from the Bavarians, which are now testing the third-generation, 2017 X3.
While the first X3 was a sporty machine with limited practicality, the one we currently find in BMW showrooms is diluted, much like many of the company’s current creations. With BMW in the midst of reshaping its identity, the 2017 X3 should offer just the right mix.
The crossover will be underpinned by a new CLAR platform. While this architecture will be used throughout the automaker’s range for both RWD and AWD models, we’re not sure whether the X3 will have a base RWD model or not.
As for the xDrive versions, these are expected to skip the sedated feel of the current generation and return to a more RWD-biased setup, such as the one used by the first generation.
The CLAR architecture will make extended use of CFRP, with BMW becoming one of the industry leaders when it comes to this material.
The platform will also be offered in an elongated version, with this incarnation being reserved for the rear legroom-seeking Chinese market.
Going further into the cabin details, the gadget infusion seen on the 7-Series, and many of the features found on the flagship will migrate to the X3.
The engine compartment will welcome the new B family of fully downsized, modular units. While two-liter engines are a certainty and three-liters mills are on the table, German engineers could go as far as introducing 1.5-liter three-cylinder engines - the displacements mentioned above apply to both gasoline and diesel units.
At the top of the range, we’ll find an M40i M Performance model, with the setup having been recently introduced by the corresponding X4 model.
In the transmission department, the 2017 BMW X3 will pack the now-familiar satellite aid feature that prepares the gearbox for the upcoming landscape.
Wearing the G01 internal code, the next X3 will also mark the introduction of a plug-in hybrid option. With both the smaller setup found in the 330e and the more serious one in the X5 xDrive40e now available, BMW will certainly offer at least one gasoline-electric setup.
While the 2017 X3 spied here is covered in heavy camouflage, we can see the production headlights for the first time. Unfortunately, the taillights are still test vehicle units, so we can’t see the actual design.
Styling-wise, the X3 will not bring a refinement of the current design, but we’ll be back with more info on this as soon as the camouflage starts peeling.
The crossover will be underpinned by a new CLAR platform. While this architecture will be used throughout the automaker’s range for both RWD and AWD models, we’re not sure whether the X3 will have a base RWD model or not.
As for the xDrive versions, these are expected to skip the sedated feel of the current generation and return to a more RWD-biased setup, such as the one used by the first generation.
The CLAR architecture will make extended use of CFRP, with BMW becoming one of the industry leaders when it comes to this material.
The platform will also be offered in an elongated version, with this incarnation being reserved for the rear legroom-seeking Chinese market.
Going further into the cabin details, the gadget infusion seen on the 7-Series, and many of the features found on the flagship will migrate to the X3.
The engine compartment will welcome the new B family of fully downsized, modular units. While two-liter engines are a certainty and three-liters mills are on the table, German engineers could go as far as introducing 1.5-liter three-cylinder engines - the displacements mentioned above apply to both gasoline and diesel units.
At the top of the range, we’ll find an M40i M Performance model, with the setup having been recently introduced by the corresponding X4 model.
In the transmission department, the 2017 BMW X3 will pack the now-familiar satellite aid feature that prepares the gearbox for the upcoming landscape.
Wearing the G01 internal code, the next X3 will also mark the introduction of a plug-in hybrid option. With both the smaller setup found in the 330e and the more serious one in the X5 xDrive40e now available, BMW will certainly offer at least one gasoline-electric setup.
While the 2017 X3 spied here is covered in heavy camouflage, we can see the production headlights for the first time. Unfortunately, the taillights are still test vehicle units, so we can’t see the actual design.
Styling-wise, the X3 will not bring a refinement of the current design, but we’ll be back with more info on this as soon as the camouflage starts peeling.
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