Munich brand’s latest premium family SUV to get a sleeker design and updated infotainment
- New iDrive OS8 infotainment
- Mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric powertrains
- Expected to arrive in 2024
After five years on sale, the BMW X3 is due for an update and highly camouflaged prototypes have been spotted patrolling the streets of Germany, giving us our first glimpse of the upcoming fourth-generation model.
Due to arrive in 2024, the new car will feature a revised design and the latest infotainment and driver-assistance technology. The BMW X3 already faces fierce competition from premium rivals such as the Mercedes GLC and Audi Q5, as well as more mainstream options such the Volkswagen Tiguan and Kia Sportage.
Despite the heavy camouflage, we can deduce that the cosmetic changes for the new X3 will be evolutionary, rather than revolutionary. Like the smaller, recently-updated X1, the X3 will likely get a slimmer set of LED headlights, with the new ‘inverted halo’ insignia.
In stark contrast to the large snouts seen on the larger BMW X7 and 4 Series Coupe, the X3’s kidney grille will remain smaller in its proportions and adopt a more angular shape. At the rear, we can see a more pronounced roof spoiler, which is sure to sit above a set of redesigned LED tail lights.
On the inside, buyers can expect a similar layout to that of the X1, with a minimalist design that features very few physical buttons. As seen on the newly-facelifted BMW 3 Series, the X3 will get BMW’s latest iDrive OS8 infotainment system; this ‘Curved Panel’ comprises a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster, alongside a 14.9-inch central touchscreen. While BMW’s infotainment systems are amongst the most intuitive and responsive on the market, the latest setup integrates the climate controls into the screens which can be difficult to use when on the move.
We expect the new car to sit on a modified version of the current X3’s CLAR underpinnings. This is compatible with mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid and full EV powertrains, meaning we’ll likely see a new fully-electric BMW iX3 sometime in the future, too. To remain competitive, this would need a range of over 300 miles – the current model needs plugging in after just 279 miles. Depending on when the iX3 is launched, it could instead debut BMW’s upcoming ‘Neue Klasse’ architecture; this is set to debut in 2025 and could enable even greater range figures in the iX3.
For those not quite ready for a fully electric car, the rest of the range will consist of a mix of four and six-cylinder engines with varying levels of hybrid assistance. We can also expect a high-performance X3 M variant to make an appearance; like the upcoming XM range-topper, this could also use a plug-in hybrid setup, but this time with a smaller 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine to provide most of the muscle.
The current X3 will set buyers back over £45,000 and it’s likely that the upcoming model could come achingly close to the £50,000 mark, even for just an entry-level example. Of course, as is the case with German luxury cars, the BMW X3’s options list is likely to be extensive, elevating its cost well into X5 territory with a few too many extras selected.
Keyword: New BMW X3 to take the fight to the Audi Q5