Photo: BMW
A new chapter in BMW’s history will be written when the upcoming X3 model will come out. There’s still plenty of time to pass until that happens as the current F25 model received a facelift this year but we are already hearing good things.
While the X1 and X5 models represent the extremes of the SUV range in BMW’s line-up, the X3 starts becoming more and more popular, offering the better of two worlds. It’s not as big as the X5 or as small as the X1 but rather fits perfectly in between the two.
The new model, codenamed G01 will grow in size but only inside. The exterior dimensions should remain basically the same but inside we should get a bit more space in all the essential places: headroom, legroom and the boot.
There will also be a hybrid version that will use the same recipe as the X5 eDrive. Using a 2-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and an electric motor, the total output is expected to be around 300 HP and 650 Nm (479 lb-ft) of torque. This format will also need batteries that will add to the weight of the car.
Electric range should be around 50 km (30 miles) with the car being capable of going up to 120 km/h (75 mph) on electric power alone. Charging the batteries could be done with a cord, in the traditional way and cordless, using new technology already developed for the i3.
On top of that, according to AutoBild, there’s an X3 M version in the works that we should be expecting, that’s going to use the S55 engine from the M3 and M4 models. It’s going to be interesting to see it connected to all-wheel drive and a 7-speed DCT or the new 8-speed M Steptronic from the X5 M and X6 M models.
The new model, codenamed G01 will grow in size but only inside. The exterior dimensions should remain basically the same but inside we should get a bit more space in all the essential places: headroom, legroom and the boot.
New engines animate the range
While the chassis will be modular and shared with other models, like the upcoming X4 for example, the same will be done with the engine line-up. They will be part of the B family and range from 2-liter 4-cylinder mills to 3-liter 6-cylinder ones.There will also be a hybrid version that will use the same recipe as the X5 eDrive. Using a 2-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and an electric motor, the total output is expected to be around 300 HP and 650 Nm (479 lb-ft) of torque. This format will also need batteries that will add to the weight of the car.
Electric range should be around 50 km (30 miles) with the car being capable of going up to 120 km/h (75 mph) on electric power alone. Charging the batteries could be done with a cord, in the traditional way and cordless, using new technology already developed for the i3.
M Performance and a true M model
As we reported earlier, the X4 will be getting an M40i version which will be an M Performance Automobile. It’s going to be powered by a 360 HP engine that will also be used on the M2. However, the same plant will be introduced on the new X3 when launched in 2017-2018.On top of that, according to AutoBild, there’s an X3 M version in the works that we should be expecting, that’s going to use the S55 engine from the M3 and M4 models. It’s going to be interesting to see it connected to all-wheel drive and a 7-speed DCT or the new 8-speed M Steptronic from the X5 M and X6 M models.
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