The next generation BMW X3 had been caught testing
on foreign soil numerous times giving the clearest sight of what it hides
beneath the skin. Even though the spied pictures of the third-gen X3 SUV have
had camouflage applied on the body panels, some of the key elements like the
front grille, front splitter in the lower portion, tail lights and the
headlamps could be seen.
The new model has an evolutionary signature kidney
grille that sits in between the headlamps that have become sleeker. An overview
caters a more curvy bodywork as the roofline bends to the rear. Topping it is
the traditional shark fin antenna as the rear winds down to the glass frame
before becoming upright to complete the bumper with a mono exhaust system
placed on either side of the diffuser assembly.
BMW has been numb so far in providing
information about the specifications of the potent SUV that competes against
the Mercedes GLC and Audi Q5. Speculations suggest the new generation model
will ride on the brand’s new rear-wheel drive flexible architecture with
lightweight construction. The new X3 will be lighter by 100 kg and more
fuel efficient than its predecessor. Initially expected to be revealed at the
Paris Motor Show, the BMW X3 seems to be taking time until next year.
According to BMWBlog, the new X3 will be revealed in
April 2017 before making global debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show the following
month and subsequently deliveries from March 2018. No details on the engines
have been revealed yet but it’s presumed to have a variety of options such as
the 2.0-litre four-pod petrol and diesel mills, a plug-in hybrid and a
performance-based 3.0-litre turbo six-cylinder unit delivering over 360 horses
are believed to be in the pipeline.