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Thursday, August 28, 2008
Our spies have caught some great shots of the new BMW X3 in near-production form.
The prototype shows how the X3 will take much of its styling from the new BMW X5. Both the window line and the treatment of front and rear lights are very derivative of the X5, as are the high boot line and bonnet rakes leading back from the radiator grille.
The pictures also makes clear that the X3 has grown significantly in length compared to the current car.
When it goes on sale in 2010 it will be taking place in an enlarged BMW family, with the new BMW X1 sitting below it in the range. Sources inside BMW claim that the car will be 4.7 metres long - up 0.2 metres on the current model.
The new X3 will ride on a new platform derived from that of the current 3-Series, featuring the ‘xDrive’ and torque vectoring systems that are already offered on the BMW X6.
We’ve also learned that BMW is working on the development of a hybrid version, which is likely to use similar technology to the X5 Vision concept shown at the Geneva show. Other models in the range will be powered by engines familiar from other BMW products, including twin-turbo 3.0-litre diesel and petrol units.
There are no official launch dates set for the new BMW X3, which will compete with new models such as the Mercedes GLK and Audi Q5, but expect it to hit the showrooms in early 2010 after the X1 goes on sale in 2009.
Vicky Parrott
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