[javax3m]

It’s crazy how few angles and complex surfaces exist on the exterior of the new X3. Everything just looks so…round and smooth in the front and sides. I’m really curious to know if this really is what the market has indicated it wants, or if it’s a cost-reduction measure (or both).

Edit: IMO the X1 is what the G45 X3 should have looked like, both outside and in. The back of the X3 is a slam dunk, but the front looks like a jelly bean with a BMW badge stuck on…

[drover135]

Wow. I just said this on the recent X7 post, but why does this look like a minivan with a long front end? I really liked the previous gen(s), they were tough looking SUV’s. These are not good

[Montaver]

Originally Posted by Cortexiphan

Cars have been on this trajectory forever. Minimalism is the trend everywhere, not just cars. Check out the concept cars from 90s, they were already minimalist.

Also, new X3 likely cost more to build than the old one, but probably will cost less in the future as production ramps up. (More complicated hybrid tech, processor & screen upgrades cost more than stitching or plastics) - Oh also I'd take the new one over the old one any time. Simply better in every relevant way, and faster.

Its a recycled CLAR platform, with a technical update on the engine, zero new features, cheapened interior with physical controls removed. The entire car is a cost cutting exercise, just look at the moonroof. It couldn't be an any lower effort release than it already is. Somehow that's simply better in every relevant way?

[///M TOWN]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

I guess he agrees with you.

🤣

[///M TOWN]

Originally Posted by Montaver

Its a recycled CLAR platform, with a technical update on the engine, zero new features, cheapened interior with physical controls removed. The entire car is a cost cutting exercise, just look at the moonroof. It couldn't be an any lower effort release than it already is. Somehow that's simply better in every relevant way?

Removing the opening roof absolutely killed the spirit of the car

100% agree with that observation

Unreal ❕

[TacosRule!]

Originally Posted by Germanauto

Odd face, minivan profile, downmarket-looking interior (I'm sure materials are acceptable but the design 'aint it).

It will still sell in droves thanks to the badge on the hood

The materials were very subpar for a $76K (!!!) vehicle. The one I sat in had the extended merino but the rest of the interior just felt very cheap. The seats are very comfortable for sure. The "textile" material in the dash felt very off, like some recycled pvc "cloth".

The light bars surrounding the door handles looks absolutely shitty and look/feel like some tacked-on shit from aliexpress.

The rear climate screen looks really cool and is functional, better than the ones in my F97.

[Germanauto]

Originally Posted by TacosRule!

The materials were very subpar for a $76K (!!!) vehicle. The one I sat in had the extended merino but the rest of the interior just felt very cheap. The seats are very comfortable for sure. The "textile" material in the dash felt very off, like some recycled pvc "cloth".

The light bars surrounding the door handles looks absolutely shitty and look/feel like some tacked-on shit from aliexpress.

The rear climate screen looks really cool and is functional, better than the ones in my F97.

The textile/"recycled" stuff looks and feels terrible irl in my opinion. I've ridden in a lot of Polestars and that material choice just gives me rental car vibes.

It gets marketed as "vegan" but in reality its all plastic produced in a factory, and feels like it.

[Eljefe25]

I don’t even have an X3 but reading this thread is hilarious 😂.

The absolute disgust in some posts vs the reluctant acceptance in others.

Good stuff.

[14all41]

I drove the M50 yesterday. Sorry, didn't think to take any pics. It was Grey. I agree that it is not as ugly in person but it is still ugly. The interior was the Merino leather and the interior was not as bad in person either. They had all the interior accent lighting off so that helped.

Drives nice, seats and ride are more comfortable. Engine was great, and it goes. But I felt the steering was very loose. Had a lot of play in the steering wheel.

While we were driving, the salesperson pointed at the moonroof and said it does not open. I said you are kidding right? He said no and I said that's a dealbreaker for me. So I guess it's either going to be an X5 or it's time to buy the Audi SQ5 or the Porsche Macan.

I couldn't drive the X5 that they had because of a braking system recall, so another time I guess.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by Eljefe25

I don’t even have an X3 but reading this thread is hilarious 😂.

The absolute disgust in some posts vs the reluctant acceptance in others.

Good stuff.

…vs. the people who genuinely think it looks good/menacing.

[co_440i]

Camry headlights. Sigh. Remember when there was a unified design language across the brand

[BimmerFix]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

Correct, sir, and they will likely be the first to come with solid state EV batteries for long range, quick recharge, and no thermal runaway. The battery chemistry will be my make-or-break for my first EV, likely my next car in a few years.

I very much doubt that. Totally agree they will dominate the cheap EV landscape

But solid state + no thermal runaway is a mighty tough ask . The U.S is at the forefront of this tech

I’m heavy in this exact sector via the stock market.

Check out KULR and Amprius just to name a few I’m familiar with.

+ not only EV’s but crucial applications in aerospace & DoD

It’s why I’m waiting a good 5-10 years before all this becomes the new standard. Then and only then will I buy/lease/ purchase an EV . One that will really last and not depreciate in value by half, within a few years

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by BimmerFix

I very much doubt that. Totally agree they will dominate the cheap EV landscape

But solid state + no thermal runaway is a mighty tough ask . The U.S is at the forefront of this tech

I’m heavy in this exact sector via the stock market.

Check out KULR and Amprius just to name a few I’m familiar with.

+ not only EV’s crucial applications for this in aerospace & DoD

Part of the basis for my prior statement:

https://www.electrive.com/2024/04/15...eries-in-2026/

https://amp.scmp.com/news/china/scie...y-breakthrough

https://www.reuters.com/world/china/...ce-2024-05-29/

https://www.techtimes.com/articles/3...ev-battery.htm

https://source.benchmarkminerals.com...ry-powered-evs

[GuyOh]

I just hate how the interior has no trim piece material on the front dash or on the door panels. Also can’t believe no ambient lighting bar on the rear passenger doors. Interior looks very cheap.

Exterior wise, overall i do think it looks pretty good minus the head lights and the weird split chin on the bottom bumper

[Tallest]

How does it drive compared to Porsche Macan?

[avi66]

Originally Posted by Germanauto

The textile/"recycled" stuff looks and feels terrible irl in my opinion. I've ridden in a lot of Polestars and that material choice just gives me rental car vibes.

It gets marketed as "vegan" but in reality its all plastic produced in a factory, and feels like it.

The green wash stuff is the knitted dash fabric is made from recycled polyester, so less C02 produced in theory during its manufacturer. Looks and feels crass.

[avi66]

Originally Posted by ghaffari46

It’s a beautiful (in its own way) mini x7.
You have to give this one to BMW.

The G45 takes design inspiration from the XM, not the X7.

[Plusforce]

Is it possible to disable ASS function?

[///M TOWN]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

…vs. the people who genuinely think it looks good/menacing.

I’m curious… What do you think Steve?

[ModernAngel]

Originally Posted by Tallest

How does it drive compared to Porsche Macan?

Test drove a Macan S a month or so ago so memory is a bit fuzzy but IMO the Macan S (with PASM) drove better than the G45 M50 but the M50 pulls better and I prefer the B58 over the Macan S’s V6.

My biggest issues with the Macan are that I’m personally not a huge fan of its looks, its infotainment is super dated (doesn’t even support Android Auto) and to get comparative performance to an M50 you need an S or GTS which cost way more than an M50. The base Macan matches an M50 on price with a “meh” 4 banger engine.

[avi66]

Originally Posted by Plusforce

Is it possible to disable ASS function?

Using Sport mode?

[JMD]

I'm not a fan of the slopping "Ford Explorer" roofline! I hope the next X5 doesn't has that same 'sloppy-slopping' roofline. It makes a vehicle looks like it has a "BIG FOREHEAD"!