The BMW X3 is one of the most popular SUVs in the market and is always favored by buyers.

The model was originally launched in 2003 and even after a decade, it continues to be a strong competitor for similar mid-sized SUVs from other brands.

BMW is going to completely revamp the existing model so as to compete with other brands including Audi, Mercedes and Porsche. The next gen version of the X3 is scheduled to get launched in the mid of 2017. Official pictures of the car had emerged online giving us a glimpse of what to expect from the new mid-sized SUV.

The engineers have already spent many years in designing the 2017 BMW X3 but they have kept it under wraps successfully until now. The spy shots of the car confirmed that even though the automobile manufacturer is keen to upgrade the SUV with innovative changes, they are not going to change the car’s proportions drastically. They are instead focusing on reducing the weight with a new lightweight chassis and implement rear wheel drive system.

With the help of the new architecture, the team has managed to boost the car’s performance to an extent and increased its overall length with better legroom. The spy shots are extremely limited and the camouflage didn’t allow us to look through its design. However, it is evident that BMW is not going to bring any drastic changes to the X3’s design and keep it familiar so as to retain its buyers.

It is expected that the car will be showcased at the Detroit auto show next year. The entry level version of the SUV is expected to weigh around 1,700 kilograms, which should be 50 to 100 kgs lesser than the outgoing model. The car might be powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine capable of delivering 250 horsepower.

Despite the changing trend in the automobile world where electric cars and hybrids are gaining popularity, diesel SUVs continue to enjoy strong support from the buyer community. BMW X3 diesel edition is confirmed but there is no word on the powertrain the company plans to use with it. All entry level models will use rear wheel drive paired to a six speed manual gearbox system. Four-wheel drive will be available only in select models and probably as an upgrade with an eight speed ZF automatic transmission system. We will know more about the SUV towards the end of this year.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/90842/new-bmw-x3-spied-pictures#0