Yahoo Autos BMW X3 prototype drive
BMW’s recent unveiling of the Neue Klasse X concept showed us how the BMW iX3 is set to radically progress in 2025.
The heavy focus on the electric SUV doesn’t mean Munich is abandoning the combustion-engined BMW X3 any time soon, though. On the contrary: as petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid cars continue to take the majority of the brand’s sales, it will send its most popular model into a fourth generation at the end of this year.
The new X3 uses the same CLAR platform as before, so it’s not an entirely new car but a development of its seven-year-old predecessor. Nevertheless, says project leader Martin Delitz: “We’ve re-engineered many elements, including the chassis, to give it an even broader range of driving characteristics and added ride comfort. The electric architecture is also new, allowing us to offer more efficient drivetrain options as well as more advanced driver assistance systems.”
Even with wraps disguising the exteriors of our high-mileage durability prototypes, it’s clearly a bolder-looking car, with a wider kidney grille, a higher front end, pronounced wheel arches and a more sloped roof – but not one akin to the Neue Klasse X, indicating that the X3 and iX3 will notably diverge.
At 4755mm long and 1920mm wide now, the X3 has grown by a respective 42mm and 23mm. Its height, however, has been reduced from 1676mm to 1660mm. Despite the lengthening, the wheelbase remains at 2865mm, but the front and rear tracks are a bit wider.
Inside, there’s a new-look dashboard with a display panel housing the digital instruments and infotainment. This uses BMW’s latest Android-based operating system, OS9, but pleasingly keeps the iDrive rotary controller.
It also adopts the same steering wheel that was introduced on the latest 5 Series, with its simplified controls.
The centre console has also been redesigned, gaining a toggle-style gear selector and a large bin that houses a phone charging pad, cupholders and two USB-C ports.
BMW says it has given the X3 a more upmarket feel, but most areas were covered in my test prototypes, so any judgement on materials or quality will have to wait.
The driving position is more sporting than in many mid-size SUVs, while new front seats offer generous adjustment. However, due to a higher bonnet and a smaller rear screen, visibility is worse.
Accommodation is on par with today’s X3. It’s not class-leading but sufficient to provide the sort of space and versatility that’s sought by family SUV buyers.
The powered tailgate opens to reveal a flat but fairly high-mounted cargo bay – up 20 litres to 570 litres, increasing to 1700 litres when the 40:20:40-split rear seats are stowed.
