Spy shots in the current issue of Auto Express magazine reveal a shock new 2+2 version of the forthcoming BMW X3 SUV, and the German company is serious about putting it into production.

The X3 is a 3-Series-based off-roader, and will debut as a five-door Land Rover Freelander rival. But our spies tell us there's much more going on in BMW's design studios - and first up will be this two-door version, likely to be called the ATC, or All-Terrain Cruiser. The car can be converted to a small pick-up by folding the rear seats into the floor, dropping the tailgate and removing the glass roof panel.

Several accessories will be available, including a portable bike stand that fits across the loadbay, and a plastic boot liner to protect against muddy objects. With the seats in place, the model will be similar in size to a three-door Freelander and carry four passengers. The removable roof will allow the option of open-air driving.

But if you want a full cabriolet off-roader, another X3 is on the way, offering wind-in-the-hair pleasures. BMW will launch a 'proper' convertible version late in 2004. As niche models, the cabrio and ATC will have a smaller engine range than the standard X3, with a likely choice of 2.0 four-cylinder or 3.0 six-cylinder petrol units, plus the 3.0-litre diesel from the 330d saloon.

British drivers should be able to buy the cars from early 2005, with prices for the ATC expected to be between £26,000 and £32,000.

 

those arent spy photos, those are just drawings....it an interesting design, however it just looks so small, to small to be an SUV, to SUV-ish to be a car...i dunno

 

I know but that is what the article writes. Maybe there are spy photos in the mag. DOnt know.

 

I posted spy shots of the X3 last week in this thread: http://www.acura-cl.com/forums/showt...4&highlight=x3

Gavrill, you're slipping. :P (i do still appreciate your news)

 

thats kinda hot looking...

mighty small it seems tho... hope its not as small as freelander


cant wait to see more pics/info

 

i guess those bmw guys who say "bmw is cool...they dont share platforms" are gonna be pissed.

 

looks like a nice RAV4
it only has 2 doors...why?
is this supposed to replace the current BMW SUV?

cuz its a totally different car...
it kinda reminds me of that weird truck that converts into an SUV or something like that...you know the one with the stupid commercials...

 

no silly, the X3 will be a smaller, less expensive SUV in addition to the X5. It will def. have 4 doors. Probably 2 doors only in Europe, but it might come here too.

I would rather see an X7 than the X3. (i now here there prob. won't be an X7)

 

here is a pic neither posts have and i think is the best looking one

 

see...thats a good lookin car...
i like that version of the X3
maybe a little smaller and hopefully a little cheaper
looks nice tho

 

That X3 is phat as hell!....Mini X5 basically, which is the best looking SUV on the planet.....depending on the price and actual size and power #'s...i would definetly consider parking one in my driveway!