SPIED: Spotted For The FIRST Time — Get Your FIRST Look At The Next-Gen BMW X3's Interior!

Earlier tonight I ran photos of the all-new Audi Q5. While it's not a massive change from the current-gen model, it is clear that there is some difference going on.

I wouldn't say that's the case with the all-new BMW X3 that's been spied. In previous spy shots we've seen, we noted it didn't look like a revolution was on the way.

But, in these latest shots it is even more clear that the next-gen X3 will continue with the Bavarians not rocking the boat. In other words, do not expect the design to be outrageous or groundbreaking.

It's clear the vehicle will get a bit bigger in all directions — really take a look at the side profile and the rear window's glass. As the X5 gets a tad bigger and there's a range-topping X7, it gives the X3 a bit more space to grow and make the X1's back seat habitable for adults. We welcome this maturity.

The BIG news tonight though are these snaps of the X3's interior. As expected there will be a large infotainment screen sitting atop the center stack. From there the interior follows the same formula of BMW interiors of yore. HVAC vents and the typical controls on the center stack. If you look closely you'll note the instrument panel appears to make use of TFT screens or black panel technology that will illuminate the tachometer and speedometer.

See anything else that's interesting? Let us know in the comments below!

**SEE the full collection of spy shots by clicking "Read Article," below!

...The engine line-up for the new X3 is set to include a range of updated four-cylinder and all-new six-cylinder direct-injection petrol and common-rail diesel units. A six-speed manual gearbox will be standard with selected four-cylinder engines, while a new ZF-produced nine-speed automatic with the latest fuel-saving technology is likely to be mated to all other powerplants...

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jameswisrik - 5/6/2016 7:39:37 AM

+1 Boost

boring...

TomM - 5/6/2016 8:13:13 AM

+3 Boost

I am sorry - but BMWs are just beginning to look a little OLD. They have stuck with the same design for so long that they may as well add running boards - and a crank up front to start the car. Of course - that would be a change for the better.

The reality is - in the high end cars - something has gone seriously wrong. Their once reliance on unstated elegance has morphed into large numbers of comic book cars from Audi and Lexus (With cow catcher grills) - and the overstyled efforts of Infiniti and Cadillac (WHo are finally toning it down with the CT6). Even Jaguar went "swoopy". I suppose this is a result of the designs (Or lack thereof) of American Luxury cars of the 60's and 70"s with the huge grills and continental spares. Yet - when a truly elegant car like the Mulsanne comes along - at least we can admire it - even if I don't want to spend quite that much on a V-8. THe fact is -the prior S-class was less busy looking than the current one - even if the current one is a better car.

I believe we will see a lot more of the new Continentals than we think. Over the years - Ford has produced a number of just plain good looking cars - like the Continental from the early 60's - the original mustang - and others - that sold on their look. GM was a master at that - probably ending in the 1979-85 Eldorado which just plain looked great. One of the few cars I bought just for the look.

GermanNut - 5/6/2016 2:05:21 PM

+2 Boost

BMW will continue to pay a huge price for creating cheap interiors. Audi has long been praised for its impeccable interior quality and now Mercedes-Benz has stepped up with the new C-Class and S-Class.

BMW's sales in the U.S. are down 10% YTD vs a 5% increase for Audi and just 2% decline for MB.

BMW needs to realize its cheap interiors need to be completely re-designed or it will be outsold by MB globally and eventually Audi.

Agent00R - 5/7/2016 7:04:14 AM

+1 Boost

Valid points.

Not sure if its YTD sales are down because of interiors necessarily, but it certainly plays a part in the mix.

HughJass - 5/13/2016 1:30:23 PM

+1 Boost

I like BMW interiors, simple and cleanly laid out. MB is too busy with about 500 extra buttons you don't need. Audi interiors are good.