X3world - View Single Post

stangmatt66 · #2 06-26-2007, 09:15 PM

Wow, I love that mule! Looks like a rough and tough 3-series wagon! I can't wait to see what the next X3 will looks like!

These are the first pictures of what will eventually become the 2010 BMW X3. Yes, it's a long way off, but the current X3 just received its midcycle refresh for 2007, so don't expect the fully redesigned model for at least another few years. Clearly, it will continue to ride on the same platform as the current 3 Series which should mean shared engine and drive systems as well. Obviously, the 3 Series wagon sheetmetal doesn't reveal much about the styling of the next X3, but there are a few differences between this mule and the current X3.

From the rear, this test mule appears to have a redesigned suspension setup compared to the current X3. That lower control arm looks pretty close to a wishbone in shape, but without a better angle it's hard to tell for sure. The cross brace is new too, but appears temporary. Same goes for the support arm bolted to the protruding mount on the side. The rear view also shows how much wider the next X3 is compared to the 3 Series, hence the big fender flares necessary to contain the relatively tame tires.