Audi BMW

After years of inconclusive spy photos, the next and second generation BMW X3 enters the final evaluation phase, FEP as known internally. Due to be unveiled at the end of this year, the 2011 BMW X3 is looking to regain its status in the premium mid-compact SUV/SAV market. With Audi revealing their Q5 model, it was clear that a new and refreshed X3 is due.

The 2011 BMW X3 is built on the next generation 3 Series platform and measures 15.15 feet in length, two inches longer than the current model featuring more rounded design lines and a sleeker look. Since the X1 is the new entry-level model in the X family, the 2011 X3 will move up a notch, both in size and style with similar dimensions to the first generation BMW X5.

Looking at the spy photo above we can see the headlights shape being similar to the BMW 5 Series GT featuring the same angel eyes with a “raised eyebrow”.

The kidneys are sitting lower than in the current model and below them, there is another air opening as seen on the X5.

Under the hood a wide range of engines will be available, from four cylinder petrol and diesels to the more powerful six-cylinder turbos. The entry level models are expected to be the xDrive18d and xDrive23d, while at the top, the xDrive35i will take the crown. A hybrid version based of the new X3 is also on BMW’s agenda.

The 2011 BMW X3 will continue to offer an all-wheel drive system and it is unknown at the moment if an optional rear-wheel drive, as in the X1 line-up, will be offered at the launch.

First photos of the BMW X3 are expected to be released at the beginning of summer with sales commencing early next year.

[Photos: SecretNewCars ]

Another highly expected BMW this year, is the second generation BMW X3, codename F25, due to launch later this year. According to sources close to the brand, the new X3 will be technologically more advanced than the first generation X3 E83 and will offer better steering and improved suspensions tailored to a car that plans to become even more dynamic and sporty than its predecessor.

Design wise, the rear kicked-up quarter light window, as introduced on the E83 model, gets a better integration thanks to the sloping roof which thankfully does not compromise headroom. The new design cues show a very dynamic sporting look, with rounder corners and better aerodynamics. At the rear-end, the window is now shorter, thanks to the glass area rising towards the rear of the car while the roof slopes downwards. This gives the new X3 a more cohesive appearance and dynamic look.

The rear arches are very reminiscent of how the first generation X5’s rear and front arches met with the shoulder line.

The interior has been an area where BMW spent a lot of time. One of the most common negative aspects in reviews revolved around the interior design of the car introduced in 2003. Although the 2006 facelift addressed some of these issues and offered better quality materials.

The new X3 takes the interior design to a new level, regaining the premium status seen in some of the newer models. High quality materials and components found in other latest BMW’s, such as the 5 and 7 Series , 5er GT and Z4, will make their way into the F25 model.

The first generation BMW X3 has surpassed 550,000 sold units since its introduction in 2003, a number that outlines the X3’s success and why BMW’s competitors were eager to introduce their own vehicles in the mid Premium SAV/SUV segment.

The latest rumor around the Munich HQ says that an “is” version is being considered, but everything is in a planning stage at the moment. A similar aerodynamic packages as on the Z4 could indeed be available in the future.

While BMW has not confirmed the launch date, we expect the 2011 BMW X3 to debut at the Paris Auto Show this fall.

Another model coming back into focus in the second generation BMW X3. Due to be unveiled at the end of this year, the 2011 BMW X3 is looking to regain its status in the premium mid-compact SUV/SAV market. With Audi revealing their Q5 model, it was clear that a new and refreshed X3 is due and a new approach needed to be taken.

The recently launched BMW X1 takes the entry-level spot in the X-models line-up, while the 2011 BMW X3 moves up a notch, both in size and style. With similar dimensions to the first generation BMW X5, the newly redesigned X3 will be aimed at customers looking for a dynamic SAV and United States remains the main market.

The 2011 BMW X3 is built on the next generation 3 Series platform and measures 15.15 feet in length, two inches longer than the current model featuring more rounded design lines and a sleeker look.

The “kicked-up” window line that first saw the daylight in the X3 will be again evident and it will be seen as an X3 characteristic, a design element that will be associated with the model. As illustrated in this rendering also, it will have a roof line slightly lower than the current mode, giving the car a sportier look.

Under the hood is already clear that efficiency will play a big role, thanks to the EfficientDynamics program. Sources close to the Bavarian automaker state that the new BMW X3 will bring lower fuel consumption numbers that its competing models from Stuttgart and Ingolstadt. A wide range of engines will be available, from four cylinder petrol and diesels to the more powerful six-cylinder turbos. The entry level models are expected to be the xDrive18d and xDrive23d, while at the top, the xDrive35i will take the crown.

A hybrid version based of the new X3 is also on BMW’s agenda.

The 2011 BMW X3 will continue to offer an all-wheel drive system and it is unknown at the moment if an optional rear-wheel drive, as in the X1 line-up, will be offered at the launch.

2011 BMW X3 is scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. in the Spring of next year.

Earlier today, several auto publications reported that the second generation BMW X3 is being delayed by at least six months. While we were lead to believe that the new X3 will make its debut at the Detroit Auto Show, truth is that BMW has never officially acknowledged the X3 launch at the first auto show of the year.

MotorAuthority reports, based on an information from BMW North America CEO, Jim O’Donnell, that the six months push back will allow the company to offer a new ordering system that allows customers to pick and match their vehicles to their exact specifications.

At the same time, the article reports that initially the new X3 will be offered with four engine variants and the complete X3 lineup will feature four-cylinder units as well. BMW is considering both gasoline and diesel engines for their U.S. models.

Rendering by Auto Motor und SportWe reached out BMW USA Communication for confirmation on these news, but what we learned instead was that the redesigned X3 has always been scheduled to go on sale in early 2011 and will launch with only two engine variants.

The current BMW X3 production has not ended yet and the Magna Steyer manufacturer is still producing them at the Austrian plant. The changeover from the X3 to the new MINI Crossover will occur in the future as the X3 production line moves to Spartanburg.

On a different note, some reports indicate that associates in Spartanburg are being trained on the new X3 and more hiring will commence for the X3 production lines.

With a launch scheduled for 2011, we expect the new X3 to make its debut at one of the auto shows in the second half of 2010. The Detroit Auto Show in January will host the unveiling of the BMW X5 facelift.

BMW’s second generation X3 is getting ready for its official launch at the Detroit Motor Show next January. With a new bodystyle and increased overall dimensions, the redesign X3 is looking to regain its supremacy in the premium compact Sports Activity Vehicle segment. Before we take a look at the new rendering by Auto Motor und Sport, let’s recap some of the things we learned about the new 2011 BMW X3.

According to unofficial numbers, the second generation X3 will have similar proportions as the first X5 SAV allowing the new BMW X1 to position itself as the entry level BMW SAV.

The “kicked-up” window line that first saw the daylight in the X3 will be again evident and it will be seen as an X3 characteristic, a design element that will be associated with the model. It will also have will have a roof line slightly lower than the current mode, giving the car a sportier look.

The interior design receives a much needed upgrade as well and according to sources close to BMW, the new design is a step up from the current model and it will be similar to the one in the new X1. As seen in some of the previous spy photos, the AC control buttons resembles the one seen in the E9x 3 Series models, another indication that many interior elements are being used across the line-up.

To successfully compete in its market, the new 2011 BMW X3 is rumored to feature some of the gadgets seen in higher-end models: Night Vision System, Adaptive Headlights, Head-Up Display and seats with ventilation.

The six cylinder engines missing from the X1 line-up, will find their way into the new X3. Various turbocharged gasoline and petrol powerplants will be available, based on the market where the vehicle will be sold. Later after the launch, BMW plans to offer an ActiveHybrid X3 which will use a mid-line diesel powerplant.

The future X3 is moving its production from the Magna factories in Graz, Austria, to the U.S soil at the Spartanburg plant.

2011 BMW  X3 models will arrive at U.S. dealerships in the second half of next year and it will be slotted between the X1 and the 3 Series, with the base price set accordingly

With less than three months away before its world premiere at the Detroit Motor Show, next generation BMW X3 prototypes have been spotted once again during a test drive session.

Seven years after its debut, the newly redesigned X3 hopes to conquer again the premium compact Sports Activity Vehicle market. The new model will be aimed at customers looking for a dynamic SAV, and the U.S. market remains the main target.

For the first time, spy photos of the interior design have been posted today by MotorAuthority. While the images could be clearer, we’ll take what we can get for now. As expected, the new interior design is a step up from the current model and it will be similar to the one in the new X1. Judging by the image below, the AC control buttons resembles the one seen in the E9x 3 Series models.

To successfully compete in its market, the new 2011 BMW X3 is rumored to feature some of the gadgets seen in higher-end models: Night Vision System, Head-Up Display and seats with ventilation.

On the outside, nothing new is being shown in these new spies, the funky camouflage still covers the design lines, but we expect to see more within the next few weeks.The overall dimmensions have been increased and the new X3 will move up in the BMW lineup making room for the recently launched BMW X1.

The future X3 is moving its production from the Magna factories in Graz, Austria, to the U.S soil at the Spartanburg plant, a move that will reduce some of the manufacturing costs.

Engine offerings are similar to the ones found in the X1 and 3 Series models. Several four cylinder diesel choices, mostly for the European market, and of course, six cylinder turbo engines for the U.S. A new hybrid model is also rumored to be launched sometimes in the near future.

First 2011 BMW X3 models will start to appear in your local dealerships in the second half of next year.

[Photos by MotorAuthority ]

Another model to launch in early 2010 is the second-generation BMW X3. Seven years after BMW introduced their first premium compact Sports Activity Vehicle and they are ready to surprise us one more time. The newly redesigned X3 will be aimed at customers looking for a dynamic SAV and U.S. will remain the main market.

The “kicked-up” window line that first saw the daylight in the X3 will be again evident and it will be seen as an X3 characteristic, a design element that will be associated with the model. It will also have will have a roof line slightly lower than the current mode, giving the car a sportier look.

The 2011 BMW X3 was built on the next generation 3 Series platform and measures 15.15 feet in length, two inches longer than the current model. The six cylinder engines missing from the X1 line-up, will find their way into the new X3. Various turbocharged gasoline and petrol powerplants will be available, based on the market where the vehicle will be sold.

Later after the launch, BMW plans to offer an ActiveHybrid X3 which will use a mid-line diesel powerplant.

We also learned in the past that the new X3 will have all the whistles and bells available found in other models, such as the Night Vision System, Head-Up Display, Adaptive Headlights or seats with ventilation. The interior design will receive a well deserved upgrade, fixing one of the complaints that many X3 owners had.

The future X3 is moving its production from the Magna factories in Graz, Austria, to the U.S soil at the Spartanburg plant, a move that will reduce some of the manufacturing costs.

With the new X1 takings its place as an entry level SAV, the new 2011 BMW X3 will be slotted between the X1 and the 3 Series, with the base price set accordingly. The new model will make its world debut in January at the Detroit Auto Show.

The second generation BMW X3 is months away from the moment will unveil itself at the Detroit Auto Show. In the years since BMW introduced the premium compact Sports Activity Vehicle -X3-, lots of competition has joined the segment. Learning from BMW’s success or mistakes, luxury carmakers like Infiniti, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Acura, have brought fierce competitors to the X3.

With the introduction of the new BMW X1, the X3 loses its status of a “small SUV”. To overcome this perception, its successor will be positioned a notch above the current model. In an effort to compete against the Audi Q5 and Mercedes GLK, the new generation X3 will increase in size. Based on the 3 Series platform, the X3 measures 15.15 feet in length, two inches longer than the current model. The 2011 BMW X3 will have a roof line slightly lower than the current model and will follow the X5’s steps by getting more round corners and a sportier look.

Being wider and higher than the X1, the interior of the new X3 has been entirely rebuilt, offering increased passenger space. The interior design features high quality materials and a range of equipment not available in the X1: Night Vision Camera and Head-Up Display.

Compared to the X1 which focuses on four-cylinder bangers, the X3 retains access to most of the six-cylinder powerplants available, both gasoline and diesel. We expect to see an entry level xDrive30d mode with 245 horsepower and a higher-end unit, xDrive35d with 306 horsepower. For the European market, smaller four-cylinder engines will be offered, similar to the ones in the X1: 20d and 23d.

The future X3 is moving its production from the Magna factories in Graz, Austria, to the U.S soil at the Spartanburg plant. Since United States is the largest market for BMW SAVs, the move will reduce costs and exchange rates fluctuations will not be a disadvantage anymore.

As we mentioned earlier, expect to see the new BMW X3 at the Detroit Auto Show in January 2010.

[Source: Photos by Adam at Bimmerfest ]

We’re anxiously waiting for the first FEP photos of the second generation BMW X3, but in the mean time, several prototypes continue testing on the Old Continent. This time, the 2011 BMW X3 test mules have been taken into the Alps for more road testing, including some towing exercises.

Not a secret anymore and as you can see in these photos, the new X3 has grown in size when compared to the first generation X3. According to unofficial numbers, the second generation X3 will have similar proportions as the first X5 SAV.

The 2010 BMW X3 will have a roof line slightly lower than the current model and will follow the X5’s steps by getting more round corners and a sportier look. With the X3 moving up in the X-class range, the X1 urban vehicle will be considered the entry level BMW SAV.

While the X1 will be primarily targeted towards European market, the 2010 BMW X3 is all about the U.S. market where competitors like Audi Q5 or Mercedes GLK are already pulling ahead.

Along with the more dynamic and sporty design lines, the new X3 will feature a variety of engines, from the EfficientDynamics turbo diesels to the powerful award winning 3.0 liter twin-turbo.

The 2010 BMW X3 will be built at the Spartanburg plant in South Carolina and is expected to make its debut at the 2010 Detroit Motor Show. Full press release and photos are said to be released a few weeks prior to the show.

[Source: Spyshots | AutoWeek ]

Our friend Palbay is back on duty and it brings new, fresh photos of the upcoming 2011 BMW X3. Due to launch January 2010 at the Detroit Motor Show, the second generation X3 has been completely redesigned. The overall body style is more massive and larger than the current X3 and it will emulate the dimensions of the first BMW X5.

Moving up in size, the new 2011 X3 will become BMW’s mid-size SAV, the entry-level title will be attributed to the upcoming BMW X1. Even though we don’t have a front-end shot this time, from what we’ve seen in the prior spy photos the front-end becomes more aggressive in the second generation X3. The front-air takes and a sportier bumper come to confirm this.

The roof line is is slightly lower than the current X3 and the “squarish” corners will be more refined and…..rounded, giving the car a sportier look. The new 2011 BMW X3 is designed to be a more dynamic and performance oriented Sports Activity Vehicle, an idea happily embraced by the BMW fans.

We expect in the next few weeks to see X3 test mules being driven around sporting less camouflage, so we will form a better idea of what BMW has really designed for us.

No spy photos of the interior design have been published so far, but based on what we leaned in the past from our sources, many design elements and options found in the X1 will be available in the new X3 as well.

The new X3 production line has moved to Spartanburg where it will be built along the other SAV/SAC models: X5 and X6.

Engine wise, gasoline and diesel engines are definitely in, so far sources confirmed two gasoline powerplants being offered together with four diesel engines. If the X5 will follow the X6 Hybrid with a version of its own, we expect to see a hybrid model in the X3 line-up as well.

The main target for the new X3 is once again the American market, therefore the plans to launch the product at Detroit Auto Show, still stand.

[Source: LeftLaneNews ]