The new BMW X3 is coming, and while we’ve seen a prototype on the outside (albeit clad in camouflage), images of the interior have eluded us. That changes today with a new set of photos that take us inside the small SUV.
As is so often the case with spy shots, we have good news and bad news. Most of the interior is hidden under cloth coverings, so most of the design details remain under wraps. That’s obviously bad news, but the interior’s most significant features are presented to us in full view. As with other recent BMW models such as the X1, a single screen that combines the digital driver’s display and the central infotainment system takes center stage. It’s a significant change from the current X3, but not surprising since it’s become the standard edition greenhouse for the new Bimmers.
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On closer inspection, there are several other interior details worth mentioning. The flatbed steering wheel looks slightly smaller than the full-circle wheels on the current SUV, and this could suggest that this is an M-enhanced model. The shift knob on the center console is gone, replaced by a small switch. The bottom screen and big red buttons are obviously there for testing purposes only.
Outside, we weren’t greeted with anything we hadn’t seen. The next X3 won’t stray too far from the familiar BMW design formula, though it may grow a bit. The grille should be wider and slightly shallower, flanked by slimmer headlamps, but we’re not seeing a discrete headlight design here. The placeholder taillights are still attached to the back, and while everything looks neatly rounded, there’s a faux panel under the black camouflage. We think BMW will stick with the softer edges on the new X3, but we won’t know for sure until some camouflage drops.
Under its skin, we’ve seen a prototype running a pure combustion, plug-in hybrid powertrain. Rumors of power have yet to surface; The current X3 boasts the familiar 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 248 horsepower.
Our spy sources believe an official debut will occur in late 2023. That likely means the next-gen X3 will debut for the 2024 model year.
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