SPYSHOTS: BMW X3 “G01” captured winter testing

It’s not long before the third-generation BMW X3 debuts as evident in these spyshots of a camouflaged mule of the G01 crossover. Captured by our European photographers, the shots show a heavily-camouflaged prototype of the next-generation crossover undergoing winter testing in Northern Europe.

Though the camouflage hinders any attempt at drawing aesthetic conclusions about the car, one will be able to notice the difference in structure of the mule itself – the new BMW X3 looks likely to ditch the current model’s slightly chunkier, boxy-looking silhouette in favour of more curves à la new X5 and X6.

As a result, expect the new G01 BMW X3 to feature head lamp assemblies that meld into the more upright, slightly squared-off kidney grille. The restyled, more vertically-inclined front grille is also the result of stricter pedestrian safety regulations. Elsewhere, a lower roofline gives the car a squatter stance.

At the rear, we could be looking at a vastly different look due to the significantly revamped tail lamp assembly – either that, or it’s just a decoy to confuse reporters. Also, a comparison between this and the current model shows that the rear window sits at a more upright angle.

The one-piece tailgate is expected to be carried over from the F25 BMW X3 along with the gesture-controlled automatic closing system. In terms of overall stature, the G01 X3 will most likely be smaller and lighter while boasting a roomier cabin – it looks positively petite next to the F25 X3.

Based on a new, flexible modular platform, the G01 X3 is still rumoured to arrive with only two rows of seats, albeit with improved interior space. As BMWBlog understands, the rear seats will feature height, length and backrest angle adjustability, along with a larger (optional) panoramic roof.

Expect some of the engines currently employed in the F25 to carry over – with slightly more power and better fuel economy, naturally. Of more interest is perhaps word on a possible M Performance variant, likely to be called the X3 M40i. Should that happen, expect a 3.0 litre, inline-six engine with no less than 340 hp.

An all-out, high-performance model in the guise of the BMW X3 M is also likely to feature on this generation. It will sit a rung below the BMW X5 M/X6 M twins and will is most likely to come powered by a variant of the turbocharged, inline-six cylinder mill found in the current BMW M4 and M3.

A plug-in hybrid version of the G01 BMW X3 is also on the cards. The model is set to feature an electric motor producing 90 hp, which is then coupled to a turbo’ed, four-cylinder engine for a combined output of roughly 330 hp. A 50 km electric-only range has been touted. Expect a world debut at the end of 2016.

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