BMW will start building its next-generation X3 next year.
The company has confirmed production of the next X3 in plug-in hybrid guise will begin at its Rosslyn, South Africa plant in 2024, and vehicles produced there will be exported to global markets.
While it hasn’t confirmed when in 2024 it will begin production, according to BimmerPost user ynguldyn – known for compiling leaks from within BMW – the start of production will be in August.
There reportedly won’t be an electric iX3 version in the next generation, with the current car to be replaced by a new SUV on the dedicated electric Neue Klasse architecture.
While the full 2024 X3 has yet to be revealed, the next-generation range will reportedly include carryover turbocharged four- and six-cylinder petrol and diesel variants, along with an X3 M flagship.
It’s likely the new X3 will be based on BMW’s rear- and all-wheel drive CLAR architecture.
Based on recent spy photos the exterior styling appears to be an evolution of the current model, resembling a scaled-up version of the design language from the smaller X1.
It appears BMW has sidestepped the larger distinctive double kidney grille it adopted for its latest generation 7 Series and 4 Series models.
It will also reportedly gain the option of an illuminated grille.
Inside, it will adopt BMW’s updated cabin layout with the BMW Curved Display, featuring a digital instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment system running iDrive 8 situated in the same wraparound assembly.
The steering wheel appears to have a mixture of scroll wheels and physical buttons.
In the centre tunnel there are two cupholders, a switch-style gear selector, an array of capacitive controls and an iDrive rotary controller.
BMW has invested 4.2 billion rand (AU$336 million) to convert its Plant Rosslyn to produce the electrified model.
Plant Rosslyn has manufactured a large portion of X3s since 2018, which it exports to over 40 countries including Australia.
Since it opened in 1973, Plant Rosslyn has produced 1.6 million vehicles.
The current X3 is also produced in South Carolina in the United States, while the iX3 is sourced from China.
Last year, the X3 was BMW’s best selling car in Australia. Its 4546 sales saw it comfortably ahead of the X5 (3111) and 3 Series (2818).
It also came second in the medium SUV over $60,000 segment behind the Tesla Model Y (8717), but ahead of its arch-rival, the Mercedes-Benz GLC (4325).
MORE: Everything BMW X3
