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BMW X3 spied
By
Ben Pulman and Georg Kacher
Spyshots
07 May 2008 14:49
This is BMW’s latest X3 prototype, testing under the body of a humble 3-series Touring. CAR Online’s spies have snapped the next-gen SUV mule on its first outing at the Nurburgring. Set to go on sale late in 2010, the Mk2 BMW X3 will be the Bavarian company’s most driver-focused 4x4 yet; active steering, active roll compensation and an active rear diff will all be available.
BMW X3: the vital statistics
Is the new X3 any bigger than today's? The vital stats are 4650mm (length), 1850mm (width) and 1680mm (height), according to our sources. The width and height are pretty much as before, but the extra length is down to a longer wheelbase (up from 2795 to 2880mm), and the need to meet the latest crash regulations.
To differentiate the X3 from the forthcoming X1 (bottom right in our pictures), the former’s styling will be upright and traditionally 4x4-esque. But if you want a sporty-looking X3 then be aware that BMW is also readying an X4. This coupe-SUV has been designed, but BMW is waiting to gauge reaction (and sales) of the X6 before committing to production.
But even without the X4, BMW wants to sell 160,000 of the new X3 every year, according to internal documents seen by CAR Online. That’s a big jump from the 100k or so made today.
Click 'Next' below to read about the BMW X3's engine line-up
