Here’s The New BMW X3 Before You’re Supposed To See It

The fourth generation BMW X3 has leaked ahead of its reveal. After countless spy shots and videos, this is our first look at the compact SUV and, true to BMW form, the latest model is littered with odd style and design choices. The kidney grilles may not be as offensive as those found on the iX and new i7/7 Series, but they now feature unusual oblique lines that combine with vertical grille lines to create a very distinctive look. The new BMW 1 Series also boasts this unusual design, albeit in a more subtle manner.

We can see that BMW borrowed styling elements from other BMW vehicles elsewhere. The XM SUV clearly inspires the grille shape, while the new headlights wouldn’t look out of place on the new X1 or 5 Series. There’s more than a hint of iX in the profile, with slab-sided doors and pronounced fender lines. The new X3 will also arrive with flush-fitting door handles, presumably to improve efficiency.

Unusual Exterior Styling

The front fascia is very blunt, but the aggressive styling should prove popular. The design may be more appealing when the X3 is previewed with M styling parts. The lower part of the bumper has a squared-off air inlet enhanced by silver trim. While there are no shots of the rear, spy shots suggest the XM influence will continue round back, with Y-shaped taillights and a relocated license plate holder.

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The new X3 is expected to carry over the existing engine range, albeit with minor changes. Global markets will include the 20d xDrive and 20 xDrive (which won’t reach America) and the 30 xDrive, 30e xDrive and performance-oriented M50 xDrive. Like the new 1 Series, the X3 will drop the ‘i’ suffix to limit customer confusion around its electric and gas-powered vehicles. Those seeking an all-electric version will have to wait for the upcoming iX3, an entirely different vehicle based on the Neue Klasse platform. An X3 M will be introduced at a later date.

Entering Production This Year

Plug-in hybrids will be offered; the vehicle in the leaked image above shows a charging port on the front fender of the new X3. Unconfirmed reports suggest the X3 will enter production in August and run until October 2033, which is a very long lifespan for a BMW vehicle.

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If this leak is legit, we are surprised that BMW has taken such a daring risk with its bread-and-butter model. The X3 is one of the best-selling cars in its lineup, and alienating customers with controversial styling may be detrimental. Then again, the brand’s bizarre design language hasn’t discouraged sales, with the Munich-based automaker shifting copious amounts of cars despite their large grilles, divisive detailing, and bloated bodywork.