Now that the new G01-generation BMW X3 has had its curtain pulled back, what are your feelings on it? There are many fans who feel that BMW hasn’t done enough. They feel as if it’s just a carbon copy of the old car with bigger grills and some new wheels, claiming it won’t sell. However, there are also many fans who love it. They feel as if it’s finally a big step forward and that it could be BMW’s best looking SUV and that it will sell like crazy. So which camp are you in? Or are you in the middle?
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From the outside, we can tell you which camp we stand in and it’s the latter camp. We feel that this new X3 is the largest departure for the model line. Its new styling is far different from before, with much more aggressive body lines, new design language and even newly changed fundamentals, such as the Hofmeister Kink and Kidney Grilles.
There are those who find the way the shoulder line and Hofmeister Kink sweep upward toward the D-pillar too similar to the previous-gen X3. Though, that’s a signature design trait of the BMW X3 and there’s no reason for the brand to change it. In fact, if BMW changed it, it wouldn’t look like an X3 anymore. Some familial traits must remain.
On the inside, the changes are far more radical and the redesign far more noticeable. Everything is entirely new. The dash layout, seats, materials, steering wheel and iDrive — all changed. In fact, we struggle to find any real similarity between this new G01 X3 and the previous F25 X3.
Now, different isn’t always better. Many find the simply and sophisticated lines of the F25-generation car to be better looking. And that’s fair, the new one is far busier and that can turn some customers off. However, we again land in the camp that feels this new one is better. The old car was just getting too long in the tooth, with every other car in the segment looking far fresher. Now, the X3 feels properly modern and can compete with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and Audi Q5.
Plus, everything under the skin is all new. This makes the new BMW X3 lighter, faster, sharper and more high-tech in every possible way. It boasts new engines, new technology and better agility than before. So objectively, it’s the better car.
But that doesn’t mean fans or customers will like it more, necessarily. Personally, we think BMW customers are going to love it. Dealers won’t be able to keep them on the lots, once the new X3 comes out. It’s sharp looking, brand-new, looks much different than before and has all new, eye-catching tech. We think it will be a big hit. But what do you think?
The current X3 F25 design is selling well even though it’s been in the market for 7 years. This design is much of the same again. So of course this will sell well.
i know someone who spent 40k GBP cash on an X3. pre face lift too. this one will sell very well imo
I like everything about the G01 with exception to those HUGE kidneys. It is unfortunately that BMW has to continually hit the front of the X3 with the ugly stick. There are many that feel this way…
Pedestrian safety feature: Suck them up, rather than throw them on the hood.
If people feel that the X3 has not changed enough (I don’t see how anyone can sya that) then they should switch to Japanese or American cars where the new model has no resemblance to the older model. BMW has a certain design language that it has kept for decades. The new X3 is simply the next iteration of the design. I personally found the old X3 a bit boring. I was considering an X1 because I love the more aggressive look. Now I don’t have to settle for an X1.
This air breather here is so nice, looks really sharp
I like the new X3 but I am leaning towards the Porsche Macan 4-cylinder model. The price difference has to be significant for me to pick the X3.
The price difference between a VAG 4 cyl. and a Bavarian inline turbo 6?
the new X3 will be a smash hit. I have a feeling that BMW won’t be able to meet the demand that this car will have. Infact, this can be the best seller for BMW globally.
As far as design is concerned, no doubt its an evolution from previous X3’s silhouette but it has progressed enough to appear as an entirely different car. Also, BMW got the proportions spot on.
Of course, compare to the F25 the new one is better ! But the main difference since 7 years ago is the competitors are more numerous and more competitive : GLC, new VolvoXC60 or japonese even the new DS7 crossback in europe or china… so of course bmw’s fans will buy the new one but in a global way im not sure the sells will be better…😳 And in the past BMW has an advantage…more 6 cylinders….today its not so true…🙁
Im sure it will sell well…my biggest concern is that G30 sales will now be cannibalized, they have put the same interior and one could argue X3 gives more value for the money. They should make distinction at least in interior, sedans should have different appeal…
“There are many fans who feel that BMW hasn’t done enough. They feel as if it’s just a carbon copy of the old car with bigger grills and some new wheels, claiming it won’t sell.”
When has changing stuff just for the sake of it brought anything positive to the table? Luk has done more than enough in my opinion.
Ferrari has had the same circular rear lights for decades now. I’ve never heard anybody complain about them. Same story with the largely unchanged G Class.
It can also be argued that design isn’t the main reason why BMWs sell well. Just look at an oddball like the F48 X1 or the critically panned E65 7 Series.
Very well said.
Personally, I really like it, particularly given how bland the Q5 and GLC look to me… I knew it was too much to hope for, but getting stuck with run-flats and no spare is still pretty disappointing.
I love the look of the new X3, but find it somewhat over-done. Audi’s “bland” design has always seemed rather preppy and refined to me, and the old X3 was the same. This GO1 model (which is markedly improved and will surely sell well) is like a Versace shirt: beautiful, but busy. The frequent branding on the pillars, cup holders, etc., reminding us it’s an X3 is overwhelming at times.
I’m definitely in the camp that loves the G01! I’m absolutely 100% positive it will sell like crazy. It looks so different from the previous gen, whilst still being recognisable. BMW has done an amazing job on this one, period.