[UPDATE: The story has been updated with photos of another prototype that appears to be the base-spec X3 due to the smaller-diameter wheels and the hidden exhaust pipe. We also get the first glimpse of the dashboard featuring a fully digital cockpit similar to the current BMW range]
BMW is already working on the next generation of the X3 as proven by a camouflaged prototype of the SUV caught by our spy photographers during transport for the very first time.
While the fourth generation of the X3 is presumably in the early stages of development, the prototype appears to be wearing its production body. The new model looks like a larger brother to the recently-revealed 2023 BMW X1, sporting similar shaped headlights and a familiar windowline.
See Also: Facelifted 2023 BMW X5 M60i Won’t Get Big Brother X5 M’s Sportier Grille
BMW’s signature connected kidney grille doesn’t look much bigger compared to the current X3 which is a good thing – in fact, we suspect it might even be a bit smaller, at least on this early prototype. The profile remains recognisable but it incorporates the latest BMW design language with cleaner surfacing, pronounced front and rear fenders, and slightly boxy wheelarches similar to its predecessor. We can also see a new set of alloy wheels featuring a more complex iteration of the classic five-spoke design.
At the back, the taillights appear to be dummy units, hiding the LED signature of the model. However, we expected them to be smaller than in the current X3, mimicking the angular shape of the X1. Still, we can see the quad exhaust tailpipes with a round shape and the extended rear spoiler hinting at a performance-focused derivative. In this regard, our sources suggest that the pictured prototype is the M40i variant which is a step down from the full-blown X3 M.
We don’t have information about the specifications of the new X3 but we guess it will share its architecture with the 3-Series. The SUV is expected to be offered in ICE-powered, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric [iX3] variants, just like the current model, although with cleaner and more efficient powertrains. This is in line with BMW’s strategy for offering many different options for each model, although we suspect it will be the last X3 coming with an ICE under the bonnet before the Bavarian automaker goes fully electric.
The current third-generation of the BMW X3 was introduced in 2017 and received a facelift in 2021. This means that a new model could be revealed in 2024 the earliest, possibly as a 2025MY, marking a seven-year lifecycle that is typical of BMW products. A coupe-style BMW X4 will likely follow soon after the X3, alongside the performance-focused M-branded models that will certainly live on to the next generation with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
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Image credits: CarPix for CarScoops
Car details Prices do not include sales taxes, licensing, other options, installation, administration and other dealer program fees. Prices include freight and P.D.I. Models and pictures shown for illustration purposes only. Options and accessories may vary by trim. Data and prices are provided by a third-party and we cannot guarantee their accuracy. | 2023 BMW X1 xDrive28iMSRP starting at: $47,13584 months financing $164 @ 6.99 %* +tx/wk $0 cash down Sports Activity Vehicle | 2022 BMW X3 M CompetitionMSRP starting at: $95,84584 months financing $315 @ 5.25 %* +tx/wk $0 cash down X3 M Competition Sports Activity Vehicle |
* Rounded payments, for information only, excluding taxes, registrations, options and accessories
- Overview
- Technical
- Mechanical
- Exterior
- Interior
- Safety
ABS | Standard | Standard |
4-Wheel Disc Brakes | Standard | Standard |
All Wheel Drive | Standard | Standard |
4 Cylinder Engine | Standard | N/A |
Turbocharged | Standard | Standard |
Gasoline Fuel | Standard | Standard |
Power Steering | Standard | Standard |
Aluminum Wheels [Option] | Standard | Standard |
Aluminum Wheels | Standard | Standard |
A/T [Option] | Standard | N/A |
A/T | Standard | Standard |
Transmission w/Dual Shift Mode [Option] | Standard | N/A |
Transmission w/Dual Shift Mode | Standard | Standard |
Tow Hitch [Option] | Standard | N/A |
Tire Pressure Monitor | Standard | Standard |
7-Speed A/T [Option] | Standard | N/A |
7-Speed A/T | Standard | N/A |
Locking/Limited Slip Differential | N/A | Standard |
Straight 6 Cylinder Engine | N/A | Standard |
Active Suspension | N/A | Standard |
8-Speed A/T | N/A | Standard |
Generic Sun/Moonroof [Option] | Standard | N/A |
Sun/Moonroof [Option] | Standard | N/A |
Panoramic Roof [Option] | Standard | N/A |
Tires - Front Performance [Option] | Standard | N/A |
Tires - Front Performance | Standard | Standard |
Tires - Rear Performance [Option] | Standard | N/A |
Tires - Rear Performance | Standard | Standard |
Generic Sun/Moonroof | N/A | Standard |
Sun/Moonroof | N/A | Standard |
Panoramic Roof | N/A | Standard |
Climate Control | Standard | Standard |
Multi-Zone A/C | Standard | Standard |
A/C | Standard | Standard |
AM/FM Stereo | Standard | Standard |
Cruise Control | Standard | Standard |
Rear Defrost | Standard | Standard |
Floor Mats | Standard | Standard |
Keyless Entry [Option] | Standard | N/A |
Keyless Entry | Standard | Standard |
Power Door Locks [Option] | Standard | N/A |
Power Door Locks | Standard | Standard |
Heated Mirrors | Standard | Standard |
Power Mirror[s] [Option] | Standard | N/A |
Power Mirror[s] | Standard | Standard |
Navigation System | Standard | Standard |
Power Driver Seat [Option] | Standard | N/A |
Power Driver Seat | Standard | Standard |
Power Passenger Seat [Option] | Standard | N/A |
Power Passenger Seat | Standard | Standard |
Pass-Through Rear Seat | Standard | Standard |
Bucket Seats [Option] | Standard | N/A |
Bucket Seats | Standard | Standard |
Adjustable Steering Wheel | Standard | Standard |
Power Windows | Standard | Standard |
Intermittent Wipers | Standard | Standard |
Premium Sound System [Option] | Standard | N/A |
Satellite Radio | Standard | Standard |
MP3 Player | Standard | Standard |
Heated Front Seat[s] [Option] | Standard | Standard |
Privacy Glass | Standard | Standard |
Variable Speed Intermittent Wipers | Standard | Standard |
Rain Sensing Wipers | Standard | Standard |
Steering Wheel Audio Controls | Standard | Standard |
Immobilizer | Standard | Standard |
Woodgrain Interior Trim [Option] | Standard | Standard |
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror [Option] | Standard | N/A |
Driver Vanity Mirror | Standard | Standard |
Passenger Vanity Mirror | Standard | Standard |
Driver Illuminated Vanity Mirror | Standard | Standard |
Passenger Illuminated Visor Mirror | Standard | Standard |
Mirror Memory | Standard | Standard |
Rear Parking Aid | Standard | Standard |
Driver Adjustable Lumbar [Option] | Standard | N/A |
Passenger Adjustable Lumbar [Option] | Standard | N/A |
Seat Memory [Option] | Standard | N/A |
Seat Memory | Standard | Standard |
Leather Steering Wheel [Option] | Standard | N/A |
Leather Steering Wheel | Standard | Standard |
Remote Trunk Release [Option] | Standard | N/A |
Trip Computer | Standard | Standard |
Universal Garage Door Opener [Option] | Standard | Standard |
Bluetooth Connection | Standard | Standard |
Telematics | Standard | Standard |
Remote Engine Start | Standard | Standard |
Back-Up Camera [Option] | Standard | Standard |
Back-Up Camera | Standard | Standard |
Keyless Start [Option] | Standard | N/A |
Keyless Start | Standard | Standard |
Auxiliary Audio Input | Standard | Standard |
Cargo Shade | Standard | Standard |
Power Folding Mirrors [Option] | Standard | N/A |
Heads-Up Display [Option] | Standard | Standard |
HD Radio | Standard | Standard |
Rear Bench Seat | Standard | Standard |
Premium Synthetic Seats [Option] | Standard | Standard |
Premium Synthetic Seats | Standard | N/A |
Hands-Free Liftgate [Option] | Standard | N/A |
Automatic Parking [Option] | Standard | Standard |
Heated Steering Wheel [Option] | Standard | N/A |
Smart Device Integration | Standard | Standard |
Aerial View Display System [Option] | Standard | Standard |
LED Headlights | Standard | Standard |
Requires Subscription | Standard | Standard |
Rear A/C | N/A | Standard |
Security System | N/A | Standard |
Cruise Control [Option] | N/A | Standard |
Leather Seats [Option] | N/A | Standard |
Leather Seats | N/A | Standard |
Premium Sound System | N/A | Standard |
Heated Front Seat[s] | N/A | Standard |
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | N/A | Standard |
Driver Adjustable Lumbar | N/A | Standard |
Passenger Adjustable Lumbar | N/A | Standard |
Remote Trunk Release | N/A | Standard |
Power Liftgate | N/A | Standard |
Heated Rear Seat[s] [Option] | N/A | Standard |
Cooled Front Seat[s] [Option] | N/A | Standard |
Power Folding Mirrors | N/A | Standard |
Hands-Free Liftgate | N/A | Standard |
Heated Steering Wheel | N/A | Standard |
Adaptive Cruise Control [Option] | N/A | Standard |
LED Headlights [Option] | N/A | Standard |
Cruise Control Steering Assist [Option] | N/A | Standard |
Driver Air Bag | Standard | Standard |
Passenger Air Bag | Standard | Standard |
Passenger Air Bag Sensor | Standard | Standard |
Knee Air Bag | Standard | N/A |
Front Side Air Bag | Standard | Standard |
Front Head Air Bag | Standard | Standard |
Rear Head Air Bag | Standard | Standard |
Child Safety Locks | Standard | Standard |
Daytime Running Lights | Standard | Standard |
Traction Control | Standard | Standard |
Automatic Headlights | Standard | Standard |
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | Standard | Standard |
Stability Control | Standard | Standard |
Brake Assist | Standard | Standard |
Blind Spot Monitor | Standard | Standard |
Headlights-Auto-Leveling | Standard | Standard |
Lane Departure Warning | Standard | Standard |
Cross-Traffic Alert | Standard | Standard |
Front Collision Mitigation | Standard | Standard |
Automatic Highbeams | Standard | Standard |
Lane Departure Warning [Option] | N/A | Standard |
Cross-Traffic Alert [Option] | N/A | Standard |
Lane Keeping Assist [Option] | N/A | Standard |
Front Collision Mitigation [Option] | N/A | Standard |
Driver Monitoring | N/A | Standard |
Evasion Assist [Option] | N/A | Standard |
Rear Collision Mitigation [Option] | N/A | Standard |