As previously reported, BMW is believed to be working on a new crossover based directly on the 3-Series. Today, spy photographers caught the first glimpse at a test mule for this new vehicle. BMW engineers are using the body of a 330xd wagon on top of the new crossover’s chassis.
Over half a year ago, company insiders reportedly said the new model — codenamed F3 — will probably arrive as a 2010 model.
While these photos don’t tell us anything about how the F3 will look, they do confirm development is underway.
The vehicle will likely resemble the 3-Series, looking closer to a station wagon than the truck-like X3. The F3 is expected to target the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4.
In early 2007, BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer apparently gave the project a “definite thumbs up,” after years of deliberation by previous management. The car will provide the high seating position of a crossover with the space and layout of a traditional station wagon.
01/21, 12:31 PM
posted by:
6ix
BMW…please stop adding models. You have enough. Don’t become like Mercedes, please. By keeping your offerings smaller, you keep the brand and models more prestigious. You don’t have to be everything to everyone. I like you just the way you are.
01/21, 12:33 PM
posted by:
Stuart
6ix - Im pretty sure BMW has already exceeded Mercedes in amount of models sold. They almost have the same amount as ford worldwide
01/21, 12:37 PM
posted by:
Gonzo
BMW is going to spread itself too thin soon.
01/21, 12:38 PM
posted by:
Stuart
1,1 coupe(2),3,3 coupe,5,7,x1,x3,x5,x6,v3,v5,z1,z4,m10,new GT, THIS
A,B,C,E,S,CLK,CLS,CL,SL,SLK,SLR,GLK,M,GL,R
BMW = 17
MERCEDES = 15
01/21, 12:39 PM
posted by:
Stuart
BMW also has the 6 series so that makes 18 to mercedes 15
01/21, 12:46 PM
posted by:
SwerveEarly
6ix pronouncing his love and Gonzo accusing BMW of spreading. I love the passion.
Dont forget your Vagens if your counting coupes to. BMW has 3 and 5 vagens and M-B has E vagens and not sure if they make a C vagen.
01/21, 12:50 PM
posted by:
seanm415
“The F3 is expected to target the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4″….???
Wow, when did BMW drop into the sub-luxury tier?
01/21, 1:08 PM
posted by:
Impulsive
Hmmmm, looks just as bland, anonymous and forgetful as most everything else in the line-up … who cares?
01/21, 1:22 PM
posted by:
6ix
Impulsive….are you completely clueless??? Dude, it’s a freakin’ mule.
I love how a lot of idiots on this site go on and on about mules not looking great. They’re not supposed to!! They’re testing the guts, not the sheetmetal.
01/21, 1:28 PM
posted by:
6ix
Stuart…I don’t think we’re counting the same things. What’s a Z1 anyhow?
How about this comparison? Who has more worthless models? Mercedes. Thing is, I really like the new C-class but Mercedes really needs to get their act together and not EVER put out stuff like the R-class again. BMW should use them as a model for what not to do.
01/21, 1:43 PM
posted by:
autonut
One thing is going for BMW that they did not screw up with R class. Insofar they had only one ugly duckling Z4 and not so terrific redesigns as 5 and 7 series. But public still parts with their money for a blue propeller. Perhaps they totally confused with market direction (and everyone else as well) as well as head of design Chris Bangle. They should relegate hom back to Ford where he came from and probably belongs.
01/21, 1:50 PM
posted by:
Madcapp
BMW needs to cross back into making real 3 series, instead of pseudo 3 series. Thank god for the 1 series.
01/21, 2:25 PM
posted by:
Astonman12
they dont need this vehicle.
01/21, 2:38 PM
posted by:
Driven
BMW is beginning to dilute their brand in the US. BMW has always viewed their brand in the States as an exclusive luxury brand & they have made efforts to protect that while under the guidance of Helmut Panke. Since hes been gone BMW has started to move more models into the US. There are good short term economic reasons for this but I dont think there are good enough long term reasons to risk diluting the brand. I hope another new model doesn’t make it to the US in the short term.
6ix may have been referring to how BMW has fewer model designations than MB in the US.
BMW: 3,5,6,7,x3,x5,z4 (1 and x6 are new this year & arent on sale yet)
MB: C,E,S,CLK,CLS,CL,SLK,SL,SLR,M,R,GL,G
01/21, 2:54 PM
posted by:
Driven
Actual models - not just model designations - are about the same for BMW and MB in the US.
BMW: 3 sedan, 3 coupe, 3 wagon, 3 vert, 5 sedan, 5 wagon, 6 coupe, 6 vert, 7 sedan, x3 sav, x5 sav, z4 coupe, z4 vert (1 coupe, 1 vert, x6 sav on its way)
= 13 (16 later this year)
MB: C sedan, E sedan, E wagon, S sedan, CLK coupe, CLK vert, CLS sedan, CL coupe, SLK vert, SL vert, SLR coupe, SLR vert, M sav, R minivan, GL suv, G suv
= 16
01/21, 3:40 PM
posted by:
hunter
Great job BMW.
Always a head bevor all car builder! NICE AND PROFESSIONAL SPY SHOTS
01/21, 3:54 PM
posted by:
Impulsive
‘6ix’, you need to relax. Sometimes I need a break from posting FACT over and over … this time was a jab at a company that I believe DOES build bland vehicles.
01/21, 4:06 PM
posted by:
CA36GTP
Introducing the new BMW Z32-series M 4219dcxi Tii!
01/21, 4:34 PM
posted by:
6ix
Impulsive…sorry ’bout that.
01/21, 6:56 PM
posted by:
DeansterTJ
Add the Gran Turismo to the fray
01/21, 8:59 PM
posted by:
Veda
Probably a mule for the 3 series wagon.
01/22, 3:10 AM
posted by:
Stuart
6ix - BMW’s model are more worthless then mercedes. Mercedes sells a $500000 SLR, $200000 SL, CLS, CL and S-class. BMW sell ONE car in that range and that is the 7 series which it find hard to sell at that price.
Z1 is the two seater planned to based on the 1 series chassis to fit below the Z4 to compete with the Mazda MX-5.
R-class will soon have a rival from BMW which will be called the V5.
http://www.channel4.com/4car/gl/gallery/spy+shot/15639/1
Ironically you thought the R-class was ugly lol
01/22, 10:16 AM
posted by:
Impulsive
Leave ‘6ix’ alone … he’s just biased. You can’t make the blind see.