The right-sized X3 is one of BMW’s most popular models, accounting for a significant chunk of its sales in this country. In fact, roughly 7,500 X3s were sold last year, representing well over 25 per cent of vehicles shifted by the entire BMW brand in Canada. In other words, it is a massively important model and any updates are carefully considered — and eagerly awaited by customers.
Our spies in Germany caught test mules of the next X3 as it was being moved from an enclosed carrier to a sheltered train car. These right-place-right-time images show a vehicle whose development is well underway but still far from finished; peep the not-quite-final iterations of head- and taillights mounted to this vehicle. Expect slimmer lamps than the current model, ones which will surely incorporate all manner of LEDs and snazzy unique lighting signatures.
Next-gen BMW X3 spy shot Photo by Spiedbilde
Next-gen BMW X3 spy shot Photo by Spiedbilde
Next-gen BMW X3 spy shot Photo by Spiedbilde
Next-gen BMW X3 spy shot Photo by Spiedbilde
Next-gen BMW X3 spy shot Photo by Spiedbilde
Next-gen BMW X3 spy shot Photo by Spiedbilde
Next-gen BMW X3 spy shot Photo by Spiedbilde
Next-gen BMW X3 spy shot Photo by Spiedbilde
Next-gen BMW X3 spy shot Photo by Spiedbilde
It’s tough to tell if the next X3 will gain a proboscis such as the schnoz currently affixed to the brand’s 3- and 4-Series models, but these pictures do suggest the next X3 grille will grow but remain relatively sedate — at least compared to its sedan and coupe brothers.
Eye-crossing camouflage is always tricky to suss, but there does appear to be a bumper bar between the lower intake and kidney-style upper grille. We’ll pretend those black circles in the camo on the bumper bar are simply stickers and not openings for engine breathing; if it is the latter, then the grille may indeed extend into that area. We hope not.
While there is some definite visual chicanery going on with the rear’s disguise, it does seem that BMW will move the license plate down into the bumper area from its current home on the liftgate. Note also the white backup light peeking from a low-centre position on the car, a departure from its current spot in the main housing.
Elsewhere, keen eyes will have spotted this mule’s suggestion of a muffler poking out from under the rear valence, a clear indicator that the next X3 won’t be an all-electric affair — not that anyone expected it to be, anyway. Look for hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants in addition to the inevitable EV.
Since BMW refreshed the existing X3 just one year ago, it’s a solid bet that this next model will show up for the ’24 model year.
Keyword: Spied! Next BMW X3 looks like it'll get a bigger but sedate grille