Not exactly a spyshot debut, this piece. However, this particular batch of pictures that our European spy photographers have managed to get a hold on do show the next-generation G01 BMW X3 undergoing tests with its production body – previous sightings show a more heavily-camouflaged prototype.
Main changes this time round include a more exposed front bumper, side sills and a rear bumper that looks like it actually fits onto said prototype. Up front, we get a closer look at the signature kidney grille and what looks to be a production-ready headlight assembly. Elsewhere, twin exhaust outlets appear to poke out from beneath the aforementioned rear bumper.
Unfortunately, the taillights themselves are still very much pre-production units so we’ll reserve our final judgement on the car’s rump for another time. Under the skin, the G01 BMW X3 is expected to ride atop the 35up rear-wheel drive modular platform – the same platform that underpins the G11 BMW 7 Series. As a result, the new X3 should weigh a lot less than the outgoing model with savings of up to 100 kg touted.
Under the bonnet, the G01 BMW X3 should arrive powered by a range of petrol and diesel engines. On the petrol side, expect a turbocharged 1.5 litre three-cylinder engine – the same one in the BMW 318i – to kick start the range. As for the oil burners, reports are indicating that the X3 could have a turbocharged 2.0 litre inline-four unit as well as a larger blown 3.0 litre inline-six mill.
A plug-in hybrid model is also in the pipeline. Said model is reported to feature an electric motor producing 90 hp, which when coupled to a turbocharged four-cylinder engine should put out roughly 330 hp. A 50 km all-electric range has been touted, as well. Expect the G01 BMW X3 to debut at the end of 2016.
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See, another 3 cylinder. On an X3. Obviously some ‘smart Malaysians’ missed the memo about engine advancements. No wonder our car industry is in a mess.
Our car industry is a mess because ALL car companies are owned by the Government and, biasalah, Government servants are lazy, like to makan nasi lemak, sleep and kahwin empat.
All they think about is Malam Jumaat
I doubt very much it will be released in late 2016. Normally BMW will release 2 years after they start testing on public road.
And I bet that they will not dare introduce 3 cylinders on X3.