2013 Audi A3

BMW confirms 3-series based crossover

 
1 692 views May 24, 2007

BMW confirms 3-series based crossover

BMW confirms 3-series based crossover

BMW execs are reported to have given approval for development of a new crossover based on the 3-series sedan and upcoming X3 SUV. Likely to carry the F3 label, the new crossover model will be aimed directly at Mercedes B-Class range and should appear in showrooms by the end of the decade including US dealers.

The car first came under consideration back in 2004 but was put on hold due to a lack of resources and the ongoing development of several other key models. BMW’s new chairman, Norbert Reithofer, was reluctant to add another new BMW model but surging demand for crossovers both in Europe and the US has persuaded him.

“We’ve looked carefully at prevailing market trends, and there appears to be a clear shift away from old-style MPVs. By combining the high seating position of a SUV with the space afforded by a traditional station wagon, crossovers appear to be providing a clear alternative to buyers,” a BMW insider told AutoWeek. “Our goal is to bring a CUV to market offering the best possible dynamics.”

The F3 will ride on a modified 3-series platform and share components with the X3 as well. It will come with both RWD and xDrive AWD configurations, with power coming from a range of four and six cylinder engines. The rendering above gives us a preview of what the new F3 could look like, but BMW's developers are yet to sign off on the final design.



Tags:
Posted in:
 
Contribute
Send us a tip Comment Contact the editor
Follow Us

 

Have an opinion?Join the conversation!

  • Posting indicates you have read this site's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
  • Notify me when there are more comments
Comment (1)

  1. By  cheap r4 Posted: 1/31/2010 8:25pm PST

    One thing is going for BMW that they did not screw up with R class. Insofar they had only one ugly duckling Z4 and not so terrific redesigns as 5 and 7 series. But public still parts with their money for a blue propeller. Perhaps they totally confused with market direction (and everyone else as well) as well as head of design Chris Bangle. They should relegate hom back to Ford where he came from and probably belongs.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

 

Have an opinion?Join the conversation!

Connect with Facebook

Motor Authority. Now with your friends.

Discover stories your friends read.
Share stories more easily.
You control what you share.
Learn more

Research New Cars

Go!


More from High Gear Media

 
 
MotorAuthority
  • Follow Us
  • Twiiter
  • Facebook
 
 
© 2011 MotorAuthority. All Rights Reserved. MotorAuthority is published by High Gear Media. Stock photography by Homestar, LLC. Send us feedback.