Photo: bmw
In 2017, BMW is expected to launch a new version of the X3. No, this one won’t be an LCI any more, it will be a completely new model, developed on a fresh platform, with a matching codename.
According to Autobild, the new model will adhere to the current trends over at BMW and feature both an M version and a plug-in hybrid. Of course, these two will be the extremes of the range, ‘normal’ models still being in the works.
The range will include from 2-liter 4-cylinder powerplants up to 3-liter inline 6-cylinder units, catering to every need. For European and Asian markets, diesels will be aplenty, while the US might still get the xDrive28d model that is currently the only diesel in its X3 line-up.
Performance and fuel consumption levels should go up and down correspondingly. While the new engines (that will probably be part of the B-family, replacing N-family units) will have around 15-20 HP more, the fuel efficiency and CO2 numbers should go down by a slight margin as well.
Since the X4 will be getting an M40i M Performance Automobile version that will be the top of the range model, the X3 will follow suit as well. It will be using the same 3-liter turbocharged engine making around 360-380 HP and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque.
As for the hybrid, a couple of possibilities are rumored at the moment. The most probable is the combination of a 2-liter petrol engine mated to an electric motor capable of 95 HP for a grand total of just above 300 HP and 600 Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque. It would be a powertrain similar to the one that will be used on the X5 eDrive. However, using a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder unit could also be a solution with less power and torque.
The electric range is estimated at around 30 miles (50 km) while the fuel efficiency could reach into the low 60 mpg range (3.9 l/100 km).
A proper X3 M SUV could be built in the future, using the same S55 engine from the current M3 and M4 models but if that’s to come to life, we should expect it somewhere in 2018, when the X4 will be refreshed as the SAC should also get the M moniker on its boot.
The range will include from 2-liter 4-cylinder powerplants up to 3-liter inline 6-cylinder units, catering to every need. For European and Asian markets, diesels will be aplenty, while the US might still get the xDrive28d model that is currently the only diesel in its X3 line-up.
Performance and fuel consumption levels should go up and down correspondingly. While the new engines (that will probably be part of the B-family, replacing N-family units) will have around 15-20 HP more, the fuel efficiency and CO2 numbers should go down by a slight margin as well.
Since the X4 will be getting an M40i M Performance Automobile version that will be the top of the range model, the X3 will follow suit as well. It will be using the same 3-liter turbocharged engine making around 360-380 HP and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque.
As for the hybrid, a couple of possibilities are rumored at the moment. The most probable is the combination of a 2-liter petrol engine mated to an electric motor capable of 95 HP for a grand total of just above 300 HP and 600 Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque. It would be a powertrain similar to the one that will be used on the X5 eDrive. However, using a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder unit could also be a solution with less power and torque.
The electric range is estimated at around 30 miles (50 km) while the fuel efficiency could reach into the low 60 mpg range (3.9 l/100 km).
A proper X3 M SUV could be built in the future, using the same S55 engine from the current M3 and M4 models but if that’s to come to life, we should expect it somewhere in 2018, when the X4 will be refreshed as the SAC should also get the M moniker on its boot.
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