Despite being far from a track-tuned monster, BMW has been spied testing the next-generation X3 at the famed Nurburgring, eager to iron out any issues with the compact SUV on the most gruelling of circuits.
In the clip, the test mule’s tires can be heard screaming in agony as a BMW engineer tests the car to its absolute limits and despite its size, it remains quite composed when tackling ‘Green Hell’, even though it isn’t very fast.
Underpinning the third-gen X3 will be the Bavarian’s CLAR architecture, a platform already used by the 7-Series and to be adopted across most of BMW’s sedan and SUV ranges. Modest weight savings can be expected thanks to these refreshed underpinnings and to complement the car’s new diet, a range of existing and new engines will be available.
The same selection of 2.0-liter petrol and diesel four-cylinder engines as the existing X3 are to be expected, albeit with a selection of performance and efficiency improvements. They’ll also be a 3.0-liter turbo’d straight-six available in at least two states of tune, one of which will deliver over 350 hp. An efficient four-cylinder plug-in hybrid petrol unit is also thought to be on the cards.
Design wise, the new X3 should adopt a plethora of changes from the current car but given the camouflage covering current prototypes, it’s hard to pinpoint what changes are to be expected. With that being said, expect the usual suite of new bumpers, lights and wheels.
The model should launch in the second half of 2017 and hit North American shores as a 2018 model.