BMW X3 facelift, paisley X1
As the X3 prepares for a mid-life facelift, garish paint does little to disguise the upcoming X1Don't expect too much change in the next facelift version of BMW's X3. With an all-new replacement still some way off, BMW is taking a second swipe after upgrading for the 2007 model year X3 in late 2006.
The styling cues include the bigger BMW grille being flaunted on all new BMW models, as well as side mirror repeater lamps -- and, almost certainly, LED indicators flanking new headlights. LED indicators are also expected to be built into the taillights.
Carparazzi snapped these pics of the X3 outside BMW's Munich headquarters and says the interior will get further upgrades to remain competitive with the likes of Audi's Q5.
The upgraded X3, which is said to be in line for the 225kW twin-turbo 3.0-litre six as well as a stronger 2.0-litre turbodiesel producing 152kW, is also to be produced at BMW's plant in Spartanburg, USA.
And, for the all-new entry-level BMW X1 SUV -- or, in company parlance, SAV for "Sports Activity Vehicle" -- the Paisley spray can has been whipped out yet again in an attempt to conceal its boxy lines.
Hardly necessary though, for BMW actually did the job itself of revealing the Honda CR-V size X1 in close to production guise at this year's Paris motor show.
Tipped to be the real thing apart from a few detail changes, the Paris X1 was a virtual in-the-flesh iteration of the vehicle snapped by Carparazzi. The lines of the X1 clearly mirror many of the elements seen in the X3, but with a less rugged look.
And although reports persist that there will be close connections between the X1 and Mini's upcoming SUV, the fact that one is based on a front-drive platform (Mini) and the other on a rear-drive platform (X1) it's hard to see how there could be much interchangeability.
Instead, it's expected that, despite the dearth of BMW-supplied information other than body dimensions at the Paris show, the X1 will use a driveline based on AWD versions of the 3 Series that are sold in Europe.
You could bet safely that the X1, although it will come with BMW's xDrive 4WD system, will be less bush-friendly than either the X3 or X5.
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