The all-new 2017 BMW X3 is revealed – but at £40,000 it looks pretty familiar…
The BMW X3 will take the fight to the Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60 but the new model looks remarkable like the old one
DON'T worry, we've not got our pictures mixed up.
This really is the all-new BMW X3, although you'd be forgiven for thinking it wasn't new at all.
Side-by-side images show that little has changed on the new model - yet it's nearly £4,500 more than its predecessor.
The X3 will go on sale in November priced from £38,880 with top-spec models commanding a £51,280.
Expect a range-topping M model and a 250-mile fully electric model to up the price even more later this year.
There's a reason BMW has played it safe as 1.5million X3s have been sold since the original launched in 2003 - after all, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
This third-generation model is 55kg lighter than the outgoing version and there are three performance options from launch.
An xDrive20d with a 187bhp 2.0-litre diesel, an xDrive30d which ups power to 262bhp from a 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel, plus the M40i - a M Performance model with a 355bhp turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol.
A 2.0-litre turbo xDrive20i will come later.
UK buyers will also get a choice of three trim levels: SE, xLine and M Sport.
The entry level has 18-inch alloys, climate control, sat-nav and leather seats, while xLine adds more of an off-road look.
M Sport models benefit from a range of racier features such as sports seats.
All models come with LED headlamps, a full leather interior and alloy wheels as standard.
Other extras include BMW’s Display Key and gesture control.
Practicality is in line with rivals too with 550 litres in the boot - that matches the Audi Q5 and Mercedes GLC but is down on the Jaguar F-Pace.