BMW SUV's Added X Appeal

This week's mag pictures prove that BMW's X3 is getting an early makeover in readiness for increased competition from Land Rover's eagerly anticipated all-new Freelander and the Volvo XC50.

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By Chris Thorp

12th May 2005

While the styling changes are subtle, the 4x4 gets revised bumpers front and rear. The idea is to give the X3 a sleeker appearance; the current car's looks have been criticised for their fussiness, and designers want to make things simpler.

The biggest changes come inside. Bringing BMW's smallest off-roader in line with the X5, trim will be dramatically upgraded. High quality soft-touch plastics will replace the cheap-feeling material found on the dashboard, while equipment levels are expected to be revised to improve value for money.

Under the bonnet, the X3 will feature cutting-edge powerplants from the new 3-Series. The 2.5-litre petrol unit will get a 23bhp power boost to 215bhp, while the more costly 3.0-litre engine is also uprated from 231bhp to 254bhp.

Extra sound-deadening material will improve refinement on all variants. But no chassis alterations are expected - rather than deliver a complete overhaul, BMW intends to address specific minor weaknesses in the X3 package.

Facelifted models will go on sale in Germany in September next year, with right-hand-drive cars due before the end of 2006. Competition in this class is set to be fierce, with the Volvo and Land Rover using the next Ford Mondeo platform.