Seven years in the market is a long time for any product, especially a premium compact crossover, so BMW is about to pull the plug on the third-generation X3. However, the Munich auto marque won't remain with such a model, as its successor is right around the corner.
We've seen multiple prototypes testing in the wild, partially showing their new design traits beneath the trippy vinyl stickers. We suspected someone would eventually peel its fake skin away using their photo-editing skills and that someone is Kolesa, with their virtual take on the upcoming X3 being realistic.
Compared to the outgoing iteration, the all-new BMW X3 has sharped LED headlamps with new DRLs and a slightly larger grille, which is not on the OTT side – well, at least when compared to other brand-new Bimmers. The front bumper is more aggressive, featuring a taller and narrower central air intake and bigger vents on each side.
Out back, it looks like an evolution of its predecessor. The pixel manipulator imagined its taillamps, which are smaller than before, albeit retaining the same shape. The rear license plate now sits on the all-new bumper, thus allowing the tailgate to adopt a sleeker appearance. The bumper and diffuser combo are sporty, slightly resembling the crossover's face.
Photo: Kolesa
Beneath the entirely new skin lies the same CLAR platform. However, BMW wasn't going to leave it untouched, so the brand's engineers took care of the suspension. According to the car manufacturer, the next-gen X3 has a more rigid body and chassis, a wider track, modified anti-roll bars, electronically controlled shocks, and a re-tuned steering ratio. Thus, it should corner faster than the old one, hopefully not at the expense of comfort.
The automaker revealed other juicy details about the all-new X3, confirming that all of them will feature the latest BMW Drive setup with the brand's Operating System 9 and the usual iDrive Controller. The model boasts enhanced driver assistance features, and its future buyers should also expect fresh technology gear and new upholstery options. One interesting gizmo is the Parking and Maneuver Assistant, which allows the driver to control it remotely via their smartphone.
Even though the fine-tuning phase is almost over, and BMW should uncover it shortly, we still don't know what powers it exactly. The car manufacturer only said that it will pack the usual combustion engines joined by plug-in hybrid(s). The mild-hybrid tech will also be on deck, assisting the 2.0L four-bangers. On top of that, the crossover will still feature diesel power on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean.
More details will be released when the crossover premieres, presumably in a few months. The next X3 will likely launch as a 2025 model in the United States, and we wouldn't be surprised if it looks almost the same as the renderings shared by the peeps at Kolesa recently. Would you?
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
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