BMW F3 V3 spy shots

The BMW F3 is set to be released in the 2010 model year and will be based on the BMW 3-Series platform. It will be placed below the X3 in the lineup, and is expected to compete up against the Acura RDX, Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class.

This BMW F3 prototype test mule was spotted recently. What’s interesting about this particular test mule compared to past spyshots is the camouflaged front-end (previous versions had the E90 sedan’s front end). This indicates that the F3’s eventual front-end design is most likely on this car under the camouflage. Look for the rest of the car to be camouflaged eventually as actual exterior F3 panels are added to the rest of the car.

The F3 will use the same engines as the 3-Series. First will be a 3.0-liter inline-six engine developing 235 hp and the second one will be a twin-turbo engine with an output of 300 hp. A diesel engine or two will also be available for the European market.

The first options will be a rear-wheel drive system. Next to it, BMW will add a xDrive four-wheel-drive system in combination with certain engines.