The all-new 2024 BMW X3 has been leaked ahead of its global debut next week, with an official image of the upcoming mid-size luxury SUV being posted to the Cochespias forum page.
Just a single image of the bigger new fourth-generation BMW X3 has been leaked so far, but it does show off the new model’s key front-end and body-side designs, including an enlarged double kidney grille with new crosshatched slats and an illuminated surround between fresh headlights with twin LED DRL signatures.
The squared-off front fascia is accompanied by a contrasting silver chin, smooth flanks and wide rear haunches to produce an overall exterior design that blends elements of the smaller X1 and flagship XM.
But there’s also a charging port on the front left wing, which along with an ‘e’ suffix on the German numberplate is enough to confirm this as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the new X3.
No concrete details accompanied the leak, which means we’ll likely have to wait until the official reveal in the coming days, but BMW has already confirmed the new X3 will be larger, more efficient and significantly more advanced than its predecessor.
A stiffer body and platform should yield improved dynamics across the board without hindering ride comfort, while PHEV versions will feature an upgraded battery with a higher net energy capacity than previously.
With bigger proportions and more power, efficiency and technology, it’s safe to assume the new X3 will bring price increases over the model it replaces (currently priced from $83,100 plus on-road costs), especially given BMW Australia’s recent history of price rises.
Expect the M Performance versions and the eventual X3 M flagship to advertise their extra firepower more brazenly, and for the former to adopt the ‘M50’ badge in place of the familiar ‘M40i’ nomenclature.
Apart from the PHEV and top-shelf six-cylinder turbo-petrol all-wheel drive M, M Competition and M50 xDrive variants, the 2024 BMW X3 should also be available with turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines in the replacements for the current 20i, 20d, 30i and 30d variants.
BMW is currently making final adjustments to the new X3 at its development testing centre in southern France.
The 2024 BMW X3 is due to enter production in both the US and South Africa from August, which means it may not arrive in Australia until early 2025.
The existing third-generation X3 is BMW Australia’s second best selling model behind the smaller X1, which overtook it in 2023, and last year it was outsold in the premium (over $60,000) medium SUV segment by the Tesla Model Y, Lexus NX and Audi Q5.