The current BMW X3 has been in production since 2010 and it’s starting to show its age. Even though BMW gave it the traditional Life Cycle Impulse treatment (or facelift as it is more commonly known in the industry) back in 2014, the X3 is still very much due for a completely new generation. That new generation will apparently be unveiled in 2017 as a 2018 model.
Built under the G01 codename, the new X3 will be using all the latest tech BMW has to offer for a crossover. The architecture underpinning it will be the same as on the new 7 Series and 5 Series, commonly known as Cluster Architecture or CLAR for short. That means the new SAV will be lighter than its predecessor, which in turn should translate into lower emissions and better fuel consumption.
Under its hood you’ll find a carefully picked out range of 2-liter and 3-liter mills and rumors are even talking about a possible BMW X3 M version. Our own sources have confirmed that the F97 X3 M will be happening, with the same 3-liter twin turbo mill found under the hood of the BMW M3 and M4 models. It will be joined by an M version of the X4 under the code name F98.
For those looking for proper performance without the full-on M treatment, a BMW X3 M40i model will be available once the new version comes out with a reworked version of the B58 engine under the hood, making 360 HP and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque. And while the performance at the end of the stick seems very well taken care off, BMW officials just confirmed that the new X3 will also be getting a plug-in hybrid version once it comes out. That means the xDrive30e model will see the light of day, according to our sources in Munich, with a similar powertrain to the one found on the BMW 530e model. The F25 X3 will go out of production in July next year so expect the new one to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2017.
