Spy shots: BMW’s next-gen X3 up close

Viknesh Vijayenthiran July 26th, 2009

By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Author July 26th, 2009

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December 31st, 1969 New spy shots of BMW's latest X3 prototype indicate the company may be moving the crossover's development forward to match the competition. Previous reports had indicated that the current BMW X3 would have to soldier on for a few more years until the arrival of an all-new model at the end of the decade. However, with the release of the new Audi Q5 and Mercedes Benz GLK, BMW is worried about losing its leadership position. The latest spy images show a car with completely finished headlights and tail lights, slightly expanded dimensions for added interior space and more X5-like styling. Bringing in the X5 resemblance could also be a calculated move to help some of the new X5 M model's cachet rub off on the smaller sibling. In addition to the revamped exterior, a full array of gadgets and features are expected to be available for the X3 to help keep its edge against Audi and Mercedes. It’s even possible that BMW could make the night-vision heads-up display currently found in the X6 and other models available on the X3. Bi-xenon headlights with around-corner capability and new seats that feature massage functions and ventilation are also expected for the new model. Engines will remain largely the same, with a choice of four diesels ranging from 177hp (132kW) to 299hp (223kW), and most markets getting the option of two petrol engines rated at 231hp (172kW) and 306hp (228kW). A new hybrid model is also tipped to be on the table, though specifications are still forthcoming. The new X3 is expected to appear in showrooms in the second half of next year as a 2011 model, joining the smaller X1 crossover, which you can read about by clicking here.2011 BMW X3 SUV spy shots2010 BMW X3 Preview

The new X3 is expected to appear in showrooms in the second half of next year as a 2011 model

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New spy shots of BMW's latest X3 prototype indicate the company may be moving the crossover's development forward to match the competition. Previous reports had indicated that the current BMW X3 would have to soldier on for a few more years until the arrival of an all-new model at the end of the decade. However, with the release of the new Audi Q5 and Mercedes Benz GLK, BMW is worried about losing its leadership position.

The latest spy images show a car with completely finished headlights and tail lights, slightly expanded dimensions for added interior space and more X5-like styling. Bringing in the X5 resemblance could also be a calculated move to help some of the new X5 M model's cachet rub off on the smaller sibling. In addition to the revamped exterior, a full array of gadgets and features are expected to be available for the X3 to help keep its edge against Audi and Mercedes. It’s even possible that BMW could make the night-vision heads-up display currently found in the X6 and other models available on the X3. Bi-xenon headlights with around-corner capability and new seats that feature massage functions and ventilation are also expected for the new model.

Engines will remain largely the same, with a choice of four diesels ranging from 177hp (132kW) to 299hp (223kW), and most markets getting the option of two petrol engines rated at 231hp (172kW) and 306hp (228kW). A new hybrid model is also tipped to be on the table, though specifications are still forthcoming.

The new X3 is expected to appear in showrooms in the second half of next year as a 2011 model, joining the smaller X1 crossover, which you can read about by clicking here.

2011 BMW X3 SUV spy shots

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2010 BMW X3 Preview

Gallery

Tags: Spy Shots

Posted in: BMW, Spy Shots, SUVs, X3-Series

By cj #1, Posted: 5/6/2008

wow that is ugy
By Bradley #2, Posted: 5/6/2008

It says in the article this car will face stiff competition from the audi q5, the audi is going to kill the X3, why dont they style it more like the X5 so it doesnt look so ugly.
By Renton #3, Posted: 5/6/2008

Ummmm... since Audi has not built a vehicle in this segment yet and BMW invented the premium small SUV. I don't know how you could come up with such a bold statement.

BMW consistanly owns Audi in the performance and drivability aspect, I just have to disagree.

Plus look around those X3s are everywhere despite being ugly.
By Nick #4, Posted: 5/6/2008

That is just 2 categories performance and driveabiliy, audi owns bmw with interior, and of late in styling, CLEARLY with this prototype. Ive ownded bmw and audis and both are great. But I agree with bradley the new audi is going to beat the x3 when they are both released guaranteed. Look at the styling it is almost like night and day audi's Q5 is way better.
By Francis #5, Posted: 5/6/2008

Im a bmw fanatic, but the X3 is an eye sore for BMW, and by these prototypes it isnt improving. The Q5 looks like a greatly styled vehicle in this segment. Im not sure about the glk it looks weird
By Wizards Lore #6, Posted: 5/6/2008

notch one up for the Audi Q5 after seeing these prototypes...
The X3 is dog aweful, and the funniest thing is, when you spec the X3 to a level that befits a BMW you are already into the X5 range in price with comparable trims...i know which one i would prefer !
By Renton #7, Posted: 5/6/2008

Well, there is no Audi that will have that amazing 3.0 ltr twin turbo motor.

Performance and drivability may only be two factors, but they are big factors. Audi has great interiors, I've owned one.

BMW just gets the little nuances that great driving cars have. The steering feel, the brake feel, the balance.....don't forget the balance. BMWs are always the best balanced, Audis are always a little front heavy.

Besides....no one knows what the styling will be, this is just a chassis tester with a 3 wagon on it.

Go ahead an buy your Audis, that's why we have choices.
By Sonic #8, Posted: 5/7/2008

That is not what the X3 igonna look like. The X3 bodywork isnt even on that car. If you look they have used the 5 series estate as the body for it. dumbasses. the X3 engine and all that crap are underneath it,
By NaBUru38 #9, Posted: 5/9/2008

Sonic is right, this is just a mule (though the external panels come from the 3 Series Touring).

The first-gen X3 and X5 were terribly ugly. The X5's only fault regarding design is its size. So BMW just has to shink the X5, add some details fom the CS and reduce its weight. Since they have a little more experience with off-roaders then Audi, BMW must take the chance of producing the perfect D-segment performance off-roader.
By christian #10, Posted: 5/12/2008

Man those rims/wheels are hot on the silver one, i hope those come standard.
By KiloByte #11, Posted: 5/17/2008

LOL the Q5 is going to own this hands down.
By Gunnar #12, Posted: 5/21/2008

The first gen X5 was actually a sharp ute.
By NoNameDenton #13, Posted: 8/27/2008

This is a rendering do not pass judgment till the actual vehicle is shown.
By mb_81 #14, Posted: 8/28/2008

that`s an X1, idiots!! Only the X1 will get this crossover-shape!!
by NoNameDenton #15, Posted: 10/13/2008

Or the X3 is getting smaller like the Cayenne
by msira #16, Posted: 10/21/2008

The GLK is going to rock this segment- it's got the X3 and Q5 beat with its S-class like fit and finish and "curb appeal."
by NoNameDenton #17, Posted: 12/9/2008

Other then the really ugly headlight design and front end
by iluvamericancarz #18, Posted: 12/9/2008

i like it
by samuelesm #19, Posted: 12/9/2008

I think the current looks better and they should of just given it a facelift.
by James Martinez #20, Posted: 12/10/2008

i'm curious, why are you guys saying this is ugly if we can't even see it? the picture underneath the spy shots of that silver bmw is a render - a computer generated image not released by bmw that has been created by someone else. the finished car very well might look very different than that. at this early stage and with all that camo who are you all to say that this is an ugly car?
by NoNameDenton #21, Posted: 12/10/2008

I meant the GLK was ugly, I will reserve judgement for this when it is shown.
by James Martinez #22, Posted: 12/10/2008

oh, and you're right: the glk is ugly
by LandroverCrazy #23, Posted: 12/17/2008

Guys Guys how you all doing just wanted to say hi and What about the Land Rover LR2 that is a great vehicle extemely well equipped compare to the X3 just want to know what you guys think
by gazzed #24, Posted: 7/26/2009

Size difference compared to X1 will be minimal, plus they could just fit a bigger engine to X1 to save costs... there really is no point with this.
by azlan #25, Posted: 7/27/2009

if i wanted a small compact 4wd id just get a q5... simple as that lol. the x3 and x1 are ugly and i agree with gazzed there is no point to having these two cars on the line up !
by jlsarabia #26, Posted: 7/27/2009

The problem with Audi is that you can be absolutly sure that it will breack down as soon as the warranty ends. Plus you dont get the BMW handling and quality..
by LandroverCrazy #27, Posted: 7/27/2009

X3 did not invent that market the landrover freelander in europe did and in north america it was the rx350 for lexus
by NoNameDenton #28, Posted: 7/27/2009

Size difference compared to X1 will be minimal, plus they could just fit a bigger engine to X1 to save costs... there really is no point with this.

The idea is to gear the X1 to Europe and gear the X3 to America