BMW Tests Latest X3, Keeps ICE Machines And Offers PHEV Mobilizers

The latest BMW X3 is being tested with a camouflage sticker (photo: dock. carcops)

JAKARTA - BMW is reportedly developing an update of one of the SUV models, X3. This is evidenced by the screenshot of a spy camera showing the car being tested wrapped in a camouflage sticker.

Reporting from Carscoops, Tuesday, April 16, the latest X3 will carry the old CLAR platform. However, this German manufacturer presents a number of changes such as a more square nose and a slim door handle.

In addition, it is reported that this car will have a wheelbase of 2,865 mm or 1 mm longer than before. This car is seen retaining the rear window perpendicular along with a more conventional front culll configuration.

Meanwhile, the interior is equipped with the latest iDrive OS9 system with a wider and curved infotainment screen. Then, traditional dentists are replaced with switch buttons.

Although the console section is getting a number of changes, the old iDrive player is still presented at the latest X3. The car also maintains a five-seater configuration and gets a trunk of 20 liters wider than before.

The manufacturer, based in Munich, Germany, also brings a change to this model in terms of an engine with an M50 XDrive badge that can produce about 396 dk of power. It is also reported that the British market will get a version of gasoline and a 4-cylinder diesel, both of which carry a multi-hybrid technology driven all-wheeled or xDrive30e powered by Plug0In Hybrid (PHEV).

For the PHEV version, the latest X3 will get a fresh 4-cylinder engine that produces more than 288 dk of power combined with a large-powered electric motor. It is hoped that the car can cover a distance of up to 60 km in pure electric driving mode.

In November last year, BMW also tested a pure electric version of X3, iX3, which uses the basis of the Neue Classe concept. It is estimated that iX3 will be the first model to adopt the platform to a production version.

It is likely that iX3 will start its production period in 2025 at the Debrecen factory, Hungary and release it to the market in 2026.