Mont-Tremblant, Quebec – In 2004, BMW created a new niche in the SUV segment with the launch of the X3, becoming the first European manufacturer to follow in the trailblazing footsteps of Lexus and its RX.
The Bavarian company took a different path to get there, however. While Lexus banked on regal comfort and luxury, BMW endowed the X3 with enough muscle and ruggedness to venture into the woods. Basically, it had the soul of Tarzan.
Since then, premium SUVs have exploded onto the scene and the executives in Munich have realized that most owners spend much more time in crowded cities and popular backcountry spots than in the jungle. As the Mercedes-Benz GLK350, Audi Q5, Volvo XC60 and others increased their market shares, they decided that their X3 needed a personality change. Basically, they turned it into Jane.
Familiar lines
It was important that the vehicle retained familiar lines in the process. ''The X3 has its own unique identity, one that appeals to people and becomes instantly recognizable. Naturally, we did not want to mess this up,'' explained Joe Wierda, Product Manager at BMW of North America, who presented the all-new 2011 X3 to the media during a special event in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec.
The signature double-kidney grille is back along with the twin circular headlights with ''halo'' running lights. The profile is once again defined by ultra-short overhangs and delta-shaped side glass. Three new character lines make their appearance to visually set the X3 apart from the smaller X1 and larger X5, both sporting a similar physique. The rear section does remind of the X5, although bright T-shaped LED taillights distinguish the X3.
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| The BMW X3 has been overhauled for 2011. While the lines remain familiar, plenty of significant changes can be found. (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com) |
The Bavarian company took a different path to get there, however. While Lexus banked on regal comfort and luxury, BMW endowed the X3 with enough muscle and ruggedness to venture into the woods. Basically, it had the soul of Tarzan.
Since then, premium SUVs have exploded onto the scene and the executives in Munich have realized that most owners spend much more time in crowded cities and popular backcountry spots than in the jungle. As the Mercedes-Benz GLK350, Audi Q5, Volvo XC60 and others increased their market shares, they decided that their X3 needed a personality change. Basically, they turned it into Jane.
Familiar lines
It was important that the vehicle retained familiar lines in the process. ''The X3 has its own unique identity, one that appeals to people and becomes instantly recognizable. Naturally, we did not want to mess this up,'' explained Joe Wierda, Product Manager at BMW of North America, who presented the all-new 2011 X3 to the media during a special event in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec.
The signature double-kidney grille is back along with the twin circular headlights with ''halo'' running lights. The profile is once again defined by ultra-short overhangs and delta-shaped side glass. Three new character lines make their appearance to visually set the X3 apart from the smaller X1 and larger X5, both sporting a similar physique. The rear section does remind of the X5, although bright T-shaped LED taillights distinguish the X3.
 |
| The signature double-kidney grille is back along with the twin circular headlights with ''halo'' running lights. (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com) |