BMW 3 Series X-Cross Render could help compete with Audi, Mercedes

BMW is the only German brand that hasn’t jumped on the silly lifted-soft-roading-wagon train yet. Audi started it, with the Audi A6 Allroad over a decade ago, but the trend has since been followed by both Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz since, with the Golf Alltrack and the E-Class All-Terrain, respectively. Yet, BMW hasn’t yet developed any sort of “All” terrain wagon as of yet and it’s actually a bit of a surprise, given the German brands’ propensity to copy one another. This render, though, shows what would happen if BMW did follow the trend and create a 3 Series X-Cross.

This render is the brainchild of designer Aksyonov Nikita, and it’s essentially an F31 BMW 3 Series Touring with a bit of a suspension lift. It also seemingly gets some black plastic body cladding, because no pseudo off-roader would be complete without it, and a front skid plate, which seems a bit overambitious.

These sorts of all-terrain wagons are, in reality, useless. They’re barely anymore capable than an all-wheel drive wagon version of the same car, yet they’re dynamically handicapped due to their higher ride height and center of gravity. So they do very little off road, if anything at all, and are worse on the road, with no practical benefit.

For instance, the Audi A4 Allroad is an absurd car because the Audi A4 Avant is already an all-wheel drive wagon that’s plenty capable in some dirt and mud, due to Quattro all-wheel drive. Lifting the body slightly is going to give customers almost zero real-life benefit.

In the case of the BMW 3 Series X-Cross render, it would barely be anymore capable than just a standard 3 Series xDrive Touring. Hell, remember back when BMW developed the 325ix? It was advertised taking on some serious snow and mud and it was regular ole sedan. Same goes for the original Audi Quattro (hatchback) or, hell, even the Audi 100 Quattro.

Original BMW 325ix

So the BMW 3 Series X-Cross is an absurd idea but, much to the dismay of many enthusiasts, would sell like molly at Coachella. Customers, especially in the U.S. love these sorts of cars. In fact, the Allroad is currently one of Audi’s best-selling models. So as silly as such a car would be, I actually couldn’t blame BMW if it decided to make it.

[Source: Car Scoops]

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