[Mark]

For the first time ever, we caught the next generation X3! The current X3 will have to soldier on for a few more years until the arrival of an all-new model slatted for the 2011 model year. Nonetheless, these are the very first spy-shots of Munich’s (and Spartanburg’s!) compact SUV photographed earlier today.

The new X3’s dimensions will hardly change compared with the current one, and its styling will be shaped to reflect elements from the CS Concept. The basic shape will remain much the same, however the new model is expected to feature a more prominent grille plus new wraparound headlights.

Designers will also focus on improving the quality of the interior, as the new X3 will be facing stiff competition from the recently unveiled new Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLK.

Production of the X3 will be moved to BMW’s Spartanburg plant, where it will be built alongside the new X6 and X5.

Expect to see the twin-turbo 3.0-liter from the 335i make its way into the X3 range, as well as the powerful but frugal new 204-hp 2.0-liter turbodiesel. A new hybrid model is also tipped to be on the table.

[Year's_End]

Anything will be an improvement over the outgoing X3.

[kpcoupe]

Originally Posted by Bimmer Loyalist

Anything will be an improvement over the outgoing X3.

+1

[chuck92103]

Originally Posted by Bimmer Loyalist

Anything will be an improvement over the outgoing X3.

+1 The current model was dated before the first one ever left the factory.

[Imola.ZHP]

^ interesting comment from an x6 owner, lol...

On topic, glad to hear the TT will be put in the next gen. x3, with a few "plug and play" items it should make for a quick little SUV...

[veryhuman]

Anyone know if that camo is available to buy? Be fun to use it on a road trip.

[chuck92103]

Originally Posted by Imola.ZHP

^ interesting comment from an x6 owner, lol...

On topic, glad to hear the TT will be put in the next gen. x3, with a few "plug and play" items it should make for a quick little SUV...

LOL good one. The current X3 styling was fine. The interior and lack of modern features that a $40k car should have is what was lacking. Handling can only take a car company so far.

[omerfar23]

Originally Posted by Bimmer Loyalist

Anything will be an improvement over the outgoing X3.

so true. I got a loaner x3 today and from outside it looks pretty good but right when you get in its feels really outdated. First thing I said to my friend was anyone who paid 40K+ for this car needs to have their heads examined.

[red.66mustang]

Where are the kidney grilles????

First Amber gauges are gone from the F01, could it be another BMW hallmark is being washed away?

[BlackJetE90]

Originally Posted by Bimmer Loyalist

Anything will be an improvement over the outgoing X3.

+1

Current X3 is UGLY!!!!

[TahBOSS]

Yeah please anything is better.

[wooter]

The current X3 is together with the Z4 the only two cars that are still based on previous model technology (E46). Easy to explain then why it look and feels so dated today.

[UltimateBMW]

Originally Posted by red.66mustang

Where are the kidney grilles????

Um... it's camo'd? If you look closely you can see their sillouette on the front there. But putting kidney grills, which are purely aesthetic in form, on a campo'd test mule would kind of defeat the purpose of all the camo.

[UltimateBMW]

Edited, double post. On a laggy work computer.

[Imola.ZHP]

Originally Posted by wooter

The current X3 is together with the Z4 the only two cars that are still based on previous model technology (E46). Easy to explain then why it look and feels so dated today.

^ ouch!

Interesting that you say that yet I have a lot of people miss-understand that my car is NOT brand new. When people make certain comments I remind them that she's 5 years old, their reaction is usually something like "Really?"

e46 is a classic design IMO. While I do agree the x3 is not a great deal at MSRP, they have made great CPO'd vehicles for more than one friend of mine, usually around the cost of 60-65% of the original MSRP...

/OT

[ianbiz]

Originally Posted by chuck92103

LOL good one. The current X3 styling was fine. The interior and lack of modern features that a $40k car should have is what was lacking. Handling can only take a car company so far.

+1

[will@longbeachbmw]

I LOVE the way the 2008 X3 3.0si 6-speed manuals drive. LOVE them.

[keanu1]

i hope the interior and the exterior stays different from the x5 as the present x3!!
but i hope will be different from 1 series or 3 series!!

[fijigabe0]

you're always going to get some cross-over on the interior accutriments, however, each vehicle has its own layout, which makes it unique.

i'm really happy that the X3 won't be going up in size too much. the addition of the TT engine will really wake up the truck, as the 3.0si just isn't quite up to the task when you want to do some spirited driving.

[ALPINE6SPD]

Originally Posted by Bimmer Loyalist

Anything will be an improvement over the outgoing X3.

Why do you say that. Have you driven the X3 that was produced after 2006? The 07 and 08 model year cars are a HUGE improvement. I sell BMW's and have for over 4 years and the LCI model after 06 model year drive smoother, gets better gas mileage, handles better, and is faster. Most people who say this have NEVER even driven an 07 or 08 and I am sure you have not either. If you drove my wifes X3 with teh manual transmission for a week I know you would have a toally different opinion. The older ones were not that great I agree.

[ALPINE6SPD]

Originally Posted by omerfar23

so true. I got a loaner x3 today and from outside it looks pretty good but right when you get in its feels really outdated. First thing I said to my friend was anyone who paid 40K+ for this car needs to have their heads examined.

what year and color?
I really need to post pics of our X3 in Alpine white with a sport package and special order Tobacco Brown/Black Leather interior. The interior look much nice in that color. The X3 look old inside because the Nav and interior are from the old e46 so of course it is a little dated but its not as bad as most people make it out to be. The pre 07 model had less wood inside and the plastics were cheaper so it may have even been one of the older ones with the cheaper looking interior.

[ALPINE6SPD]

Originally Posted by will@longbeachbmw

I LOVE the way the 2008 X3 3.0si 6-speed manuals drive. LOVE them.

THANKS YOU
Finally someone gets IT. I won an AW with Tobacco Brown and a 6 speed manual with teh Sprt package and M components. The car handles AWESOME for an SUV. Very happy with it. You sell them so you can se what I am talking about when I say the chages in 2007 on the X3 were HUGE.