[Mark]

In a seeming reply from BMW about all the complaints over the flat black unpainted front bumper element seen on all the previously spied X3 prototypes so far, this new set of photos shows off the car with a painted lower front bumper element and a silver middle intake trim piece. This is likely the format that the US spec X3 would come with. Black tape still covers two slat areas above the brake duct intakes and is reminscent of the chrome accents seen on the 7-Series M-Sport, an additional trim piece may go in this spot further highlighting the front end design.

At the rear, the rear tailights' shape has been revealed which is themed heavily upon the X5 with the added protrusion of the lower edge to give visual distinctiveness.

These parts make a massive difference. Whats more, the overall angular appearance of this new X3 continues the theme of the current X3, but is a dramatic shift from the rest of the current BMW lineup. Overall, when judged at a glance and quickly, the car does give off the scent of a mini-X5, when compared to the competing models in this class (GLK/Q5) this is a GOOD, no GREAT thing.

Personally, I think this car will be an absolute hit, that is assuming the car meets the hype over its improved driving dynamics and quality standards.











UPDATED PHOTOS 4/6/10

[Bora20]

Now they are just screwing with us! I bet that the rear lower white piece will be black, but the middle black part will end up being painted.

The front looks pretty good the way it is, plus the chrome horizontal slats behind the tape will give it some definition to the lower front since the fog lights are so high up.

[BimmerGuyFL]

I kinda wish they would have given the new X3 a similar front end to what they gave the X1. Seems like it would be more inline with the new BMW's coming out. Such as the F01 7-series and F10 5-series.

[Oulixes]

This is certainly a very exciting truck.

[cristid89]

I want to see the difference between X3 and X1!

[Malbolge]

looks like old x5 and frankly, a bit boring after X1. This is a bit pointless car, i think if I want a silly pretend off roader then X1 will do just fine.. or E91 xi even, and best part either of those will be cheaper.

[135iSB]

does anyone else think that looks a little merc like?

[positiveions]

Originally Posted by 330iSB

does anyone else think that looks a little merc like?

the headlights look benzish to me.

[T89]

Originally Posted by Bora20

Now they are just screwing with us! I bet that the rear lower white piece will be black, but the middle black part will end up being painted.

I reckon the lower white piece will be part of a sport package or something similar. Like the X-line design pack on the X1 which has additional matt silver trims at the rear, front and side.


T

[Harajuku]

Front bumper looks like a mini x5 2011 LCI - that's what I'm talkin' about.

[Convertible]

Looks great! The X1 is so tiny compared to my current X3 and when the new one will grow in size it will be a hit. The frontend looks a lot better than that X1's awful "Darth wader" face, it's just too massive.

[zibawal]

Are they using one single Engine or Two? 330i and 335i N55? or N54?

330i was good but a bit less torque at higher speeds imo

[jonsibal]

Photoshoped without the Camo vinyls



Source:http://jonsibal.com/blog/2010/04/2011-bmw-x3-uncovered/

[zibawal]

335i N50 would be swell for this imo

[lvanderh]

Nice photo shop job
Would love to see the same happening on the "sparkling bronze" photos

[torzeck]

Nice Rendering! Can you put the Roundel on the hood?

[KEVIN88GT]

actually that rendering doesnt look so hot.. looks like a volvo/saab

[Harajuku]

Jon awesome rendering as usual. I think it is very accurate - although I don't like the shape of the headlights they do match the shape in the camo version so they are probably very close to life. They should have shaped them like the x5 or x6.

I took you seriously about that Content Fill feature on your site... haha, that would be truly amazing if it were so. Save your selection and when you get the real thing, apply the content fill to the camo and see what it does!

[jonsibal]

Originally Posted by torzeck

Nice Rendering! Can you put the Roundel on the hood?

Done. Can't believe I forgot that LOL.

Originally Posted by Harajuku

I took you seriously about that Content Fill feature on your site... haha, that would be truly amazing if it were so. Save your selection and when you get the real thing, apply the content fill to the camo and see what it does!

haha, yeah I'm curious how the content-aware fill will handle all this camo in real life.

[torzeck]

Jon,
Great with the roundel! what about the BMW headlamp eye brows? I would bet the new X3 will have those as well. I hope there's a version that opens up those front air dam brake ducts.

Also, kind of amazing how close that previous blue rendering is to the real deal.

[jonsibal]

Originally Posted by torzeck

Jon,
Great with the roundel! what about the BMW headlamp eye brows? I would bet the new X3 will have those as well. I hope there's a version that opens up those front air dam brake ducts.

Also, kind of amazing how close that previous blue rendering is to the real deal.

Updated it again and added the eyebrows. Refresh your browser to see it. Looks more modern now I think. It looked too old before. Thanks.

[Malbolge]

that's very bland, i guess X3 based on these images will remaing BMW's worse car once again.