The Bavarian automaker is still busy introducing the latest novelties - such as the 5 Series in Australia (complete with pricing and ICE-powered 520i) or the feisty X1 M35i xDrive with its most-powerful 312-hp four-cylinder in America - but the automotive world is not standing still. As such, the rumor mill is already busy cooking up the next releases - even if only unofficially.
Don't even think for a second that the company cannot deliver innovative yet not-so-outrageous models, even if their recent track record is not that great when thinking about the iX, M3/M4, M2, 7 Series and i7, XM, or the mighty X7 LCI, among many others, including the all-new i5. But the truth is that they still have lots of models that don't need to stand out in absolutely every crowd to ensure their success.
For example, it suffices to be newer and better than the Mercedes-Benz GLC and GLC Coupe – which might seem a little too traditional for customers of compact luxury crossover SUVs. No worries, as per the spied prototypes, BMW is diligently preparing for the arrival of the next-generation X3 and X4. The fourth and third iterations, respectively, will both feature the company's new architecture that allows for quick switching between ICE power, hybrid, and even all-electric prowess.
According to the rumor mill, we should soon meet the 'G45' BMW X3 and 'G46' BMW X4 that might arrive in America for the 2024 or 2025 model years. Moving forward, the choices will be great, from legacy ICE-powered models to a high-performance plug-in hybrid variant and a new long-range EV-only iX3 model. If all planets align in the Bavarian constellation, who knows, maybe even the rumor of an iX3 M version will come true in the near future.
Until then, though, folks must patiently wait for BMW's official word on the matter. Luckily for those who are a little impatient, there is always the imaginative realm of digital car content creators ready to oblige with an unofficial, ahead-of-time presentation. For instance, the good folks over at the "AutoYa" info channel on YouTube have a satellite venue dubbed AutoYa Interior, and that's where all the (CGI) X3 action occurs – complete with all of the rumor mill's details known so far, a hypothetical color palette for the exterior, plus an unofficial matching reel for the novel design of the CGI cockpit.
As always, do take all of these renderings with a pinch of salt – even if they are based on the latest spy shots of the prototypes' exterior and interior. Remember, like any other automaker, BMW still has time to operate minute or significant changes compared to the tested vehicles. However, the digital X3 doesn't look bad at all – and its slightly more restrained yet still angular styling might be a welcomed change of pace compared to some of the company's recent introductions.
Aurel has aimed high all his life (literally, at 16 he was flying gliders all by himself) so in 2006 he switched careers and got hired as a writer at his favorite magazine. Since then, his work has been published both by print and online outlets, most recently right here, on autoevolution. Full profile
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