The BMW X3 has always been a popular all-rounder for everyday life. Combining versatility, efficiency, luxury, and BMW 
driving dynamics, it’s no wonder that it sells so well. Just refreshed for the 2015 model year, the model enjoys subtle styling upgrades to mimic the freshest BMW designs. Also, a new four-cylinder diesel joined the lineup. However, a full redesign is expected for the 2017 model year. This redesign will entail upgraded power, a new modular design which should improve interior space and comfort, and the latest BMW technology. A plug-in hybrid is also in the works.The most exciting news, however, is the announcement that the X5 M and X6 M have a little brother on the way.
While the current 2015 X3 easily meets most peoples’ needs, expect the 2017 version to go above and beyond. According to the German publication Autobild, BMW wants to make sure that they cover all possible grounds with the redesign, so in addition to the current, versatile model lineup now, look for an M-Performance model likely dubbed the X3M40i, with a 3.0-liter inline six producing upwards of 340 horsepower.
Do not confuse this with an official M car — but don’t worry; sources hint at an all-out X3 M likely due sometime after that, sharing the new screamer-of-a-mill S55 engine, good for the at least the 425 horsepower it currently provides in the new M3 and M4. We speculate upwards of 450 ponies for the 2017 X3. Expect a 15-horsepower increase in both of the the non-M gasoline models offered in the U.S.
Updated 11/11/2015: Our spy photographers caught the next generation BMW X3 testing in Germany. The next X3 is rumored to be built on BMW’s future CLAR platform – a change that will make it lighter and more fuel efficient.
Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 BMW X3.
Spy Shots
November 11, 2015 – First testing session
Exterior
Naturally, in its camouflaged form, the new X3 looks to be quite similar to the current X3, but there are a few noteworthy changes. Right away, we notice that the front fascia has changed a bit. On the current X3, there is a small opening below the front grille, but based on these spy shots, the new X3 will have a small insert there instead. The lower opening in the fascia carries the same shape as the current X3, but the air vents below the fog lights look to be smaller and more rectangular than those on the current model. From what we can see on the front fascia, it looks like the fog lights on the 2017 model will more than likely be rectangular, as opposed to the circular units on the current generation. The headlamps are well camouflaged, but they look like they might be a bit smaller, and won’t come to a point on the fenders like the previous models.
The fog lights on the 2017 model will more than likely be rectangular, as opposed to the circular units on the current generation.
On the sides, the A-pillars and rear glass appear to go unchanged from the current model, but the upper body lines look to be milder in comparison. The lowest body line on the doors seem to protrude from the body more than the current version. To the rear, we see a similar spoiler as the one on the current model, and the taillights are clearly fake — if they aren’t faked, they have been modified to conceal their true look. The taillights do hint toward having clear lenses and probably won’t wrap around the rear quarters as much as those on the current model.
The body lines on the rear hatch appear to have been toned down a bit as well, with only a small lip protruding from the bottom of the rear window. The rear fascia looks like it will only see minor changes – I do see a small indent in the camo in the middle, so I suspect we’ll see some kind of insert there. As we can see from the spy shots, this particular model has dual exhaust. The roof looks to be fitted with a moonroof that is likely large enough to provide a view of the sky for both front and rear passengers.
Interior
At this point, we know almost nothing about the interior, and the spy shots don’t exactly help in this department. We can see the dash is slightly elevated over the instrument cluster, just like in the current model. The A-pillar on the inside looks like it may have a small speaker about halfway up. Outside of this, the interior is a mystery. I suspect a similar instrument cluster will be used, but the infotainment screen will likely grow by at least an inch. I expect no less than leather seating and a 60-40 folding rear seat to extend cargo room. The new X3 is expected to be built on the CLAR platform, which should allow it to maintain similar cargo room and passenger space. Hip and legroom may actually increase a bit, but not by much.
Drivetrain
There is no telling what engines will be available for the 2017 X3 at this point, but sources hint that there will be a number of gasoline units and at least one diesel available. Current models are available with a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-banger that puts out 240 horsepower, a turbocharged 3.0-liter that puts out 300 horsepower, and a diesel turbocharged, four-cylinder diesel that’s good for 180 horsepower. I don’t expect Bimmer to stray away from the engines available in the current model, but it may up the output on each a bit to gain a little headway. That said, I don’t expect it, but I wouldn’t put it past the Germans to offer an all-new engine with the release of the 2017 model.
Prices
In current form, the X3 starts out at $38,950 for the base model. The next trim begins from $40,950. Moving to the diesel model, it sets you back $42,450, while the high-end trim with the 3.0-liter hits the bank for $46,800. I don’t think the starting prices will change much with the 2017 model, but expect to see a small increase — maybe $1,000 at most. We’ll keep you updated on pricing as more information is made available.
Competitors
Land Rover Evoque
First on our list of competitors is the Land Rover Evoque. Land Rover gave a mild refresh to the Evoque for the 2016 model year, with the most noticeable change being the updated headlights. The Cabin took some updates as well, which will make it more worthy of competing with the X3. U.S. models are powered by a 240 horsepower, 2.0-liter engine, while the European market received two new diesel engines. The base model starts out at $41,475, while the high-end, Autobiography trim fetches $60,475. It should also be noted that the Evoque is also offered in two-door form starting at $46,675 and 2017 will also bring two convertible models that will be priced between $50,000 and $60,000.
Read more about the Land Rover Evoque here.
Audi Q5
The Audi Q5 launched back in 2008 to compete directly with the likes of the BMW X3. It took on a face lift in 2012, but 2017 should bring us a newly designed model built on the MLB platform. The 2017 Q5 should receive a 2.0-liter four-cylinder good for around 230 horsepower and a 3.0-liter good for closer to 300 horsepower. A diesel engine may also be available, pushing somewhere in the neighborhood of 250 horsepower. No pricing information on the 2017 model is available yet, but we suspect to see a starting price in the area of $43,000 before options.
Read more about the Audi Q5 here.
Conclusion
These spy shots do shed some light on the upcoming 2017 X3, but BMW has done a good job of concealing the cars full design. Considering BMW likes to test vehicles with parts from its current models retrofitted to its test mules, it’s quite possible that the front and rear fascia’s and rear hatch will change by the time the production model goes public. That said, I think we’ll probably see a front fascia that is similar to what we see on the mule, and I really hope they get rid of the circular fog lights from the current model – rectangular lights would just look better in my opinion. I’m a bit surprised to see the body lines toned down as much as they are on this mule, considering they are so dominate on the current model. At this point, we haven’t seen a whole lot, but we will continue to update as new photos and details emerge.