The new BMW X3 is the second generation of BMW’s mid-sized Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) that is said to offer increased space, improved functionality and driving comfort.

The design of the new BMW X3 combines the typical BMW X character with a stretched silhouette. The body combines a flat front end and a high rear, which creates a wedge shaped profile that BMW say shows the vehicle’s sporting characteristics. The convex and concave surfaces are accentuated by distinctive lines that are intended to convey elegance and a sense of agility. At the front, the forward-slanting BMW kidney grille, a large headlight assembly, a bold front apron and the contoured bonnet combine for a self-assured presence. The new X3 also features daytime running lights that function by means of bright white LED light rings. The rear end is characterised by horizontal lines that hint at the X3′s tougher character, while the T-shape taillights remain as a characteristic X3 trait.

Thanks to a more spacious and versatile interior, the new BMW X3 promises improved comfort and practicality for passengers and their cargo. The X3 features a typical BMW driver oriented centre console, while both up front and at the rear the new BMW X3 has a number storage compartments, trays and cup holders. With a volume of between 550 and 1 600-litres, the luggage compartment of the new BMW X3 is the best in its segment. The rear seat backrest can be split at a ratio of 40:20:40 and the three segments can be folded down either individually or together.

The new BMW X3 xDrive20d now offers better performance and higher efficiency. It is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine with aluminium crankcase and Common Rail direct injection, delivering a maximum power output of 135 kW at 4 000 r/min and peak torque of 380 Nm between 1 750 and 2 750 r/min. The engine provides enough power to launch the X3 from 0 – 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds, reaching top speed at 210 km/h. With an average fuel consumption of 5.6 L/100 km, the BMW X3 xDrive20d establishes a new benchmark for efficiency in this vehicle segment (CO2 emission level: 149 g/km in conjunction with manual gearbox, 147 g/km in conjunction with automatic gearbox).

The sportier xDrive35i uses BMW’s renowned 3.0-litre straight-six engine, featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo, direct petrol injection and VALVETRONIC, to generate a maximum output of 225 kW at 5 800 r/min. Maximum torque of 400 Nm is available between 1 200 and 5 000 r/min. The sprint from 0 – 100 km/h takes a mere 5.7 seconds. Top speed is 245 km/h. Average consumption in the EU test cycle is 8.8 L/100 km (CO2 emission level: 204 g/km).

The new BMW X3 xDrive35i is equipped as standard with an 8-speed automatic transmission, with optional shift paddles behind the steering wheel. This transmission is also available for the BMW X3 xDrive20d as an alternative to the standard 6-speed manual gearbox.

BMW’s Efficient Dynamics technologies are becoming more prevalent throughout their model range and so, for the first time, the X3 is equipped with an Auto Start Stop function. When stopping at road junctions or in a traffic jam, the engine is automatically switched off. The car is additionally equipped with a gear shift indicator. Furthermore, the equipment featured in all model variants, which include brake energy regeneration, EPS Electric Power Steering, demand-controlled ancillary components, intelligent lightweight construction and tyres with reduced rolling resistance contribute towards lowering fuel consumption and exhaust emission levels.

Combined with the manufacturer’s xDrive four-wheel drive technology, the X3 is geared towards providing optimal traction together with the driving dynamics associated with BMW. Its electronic control unit, which is interlinked with the DSC Dynamic Stability Control, counteracts any tendency to oversteer or understeer. The new BMW X3 also features completely redeveloped suspension technology. The combination of a double-joint spring-strut axle at the front and a five-link rear axle offers, in conjunction with a 92 mm wider track than that of the previous X3, improved handling and driving comfort.

Electric Power Steering (EPS) is incorporated in all versions of the BMW X3 model for the first time and contributes significantly to precise handling. A further option is Dynamic Damper control. The electronically controlled dampers adapt to road surface conditions and the driver’s style of driving. The driver is able to influence the characteristic map of the damper control by means of the Dynamic Control system. This function, which is available for a BMW X model for the first time, enables the driver to choose between the “NORMAL”, “SPORT” and “SPORT+” modes using a button on the centre console.

Like all BMW X models, the new BMW X3 is also equipped with a torsion-resistant body, specific support structures and large deformation zones. The safety equipment package comprises front and pelvic thorax airbags, side curtain head airbags, three-point automatic seatbelts on all seats, belt force limiters, belt latch tensioners and crash-active front headrests as well as ISOFIX child seat mounts in the rear compartment.

The choice of optional features ranges from automatic climate control with 2-zone control, a panorama sunroof, high-end audio equipment and the navigation system Professional with hard-disk storage, to automatic rear lid operation and a tow coupling with electronically pivoting ball head. The choice of driver assistance systems offered by BMW ConnectedDrive is unique in the segment. The new BMW X3 can be equipped, inter alia, with the systems Head-up Display, Adaptive Cornering Headlights, High-beam Assistant and reversing camera including Top View. In addition, BMW ConnectedDrive enables unrestricted use of the Internet within the vehicle, a comprehensive integration of the Apple iPhone and other smartphones as well as the use of web-based services for navigation and entertainment functions.

Following the announcement of their new X3, BMW has released details of the M Sports package for the new SAV.

Outside, the BMW X3 M Sport features a monotone appearance thanks to a colour-coded body-kit that includes re-styled bumpers and side skirts. Other accessories include 19-inch light-weight M alloy wheels, ‘Shadow Line’ trim on the window surrounds/roof rails and optional Carbon Black metallic paint, available exclusively with the M Sport package.

Inside, BMW adds an M sports steering wheel, an M gear knob, gearshift paddles (on the xDrive35i with the eight-speed automatic transmission), sports seats, ‘Pearlpoint’ cloth / leather upholstery, and an anthracite roof liner.

Dynamically, the package has a sport suspension (with stiffer dampers) and variable sports steering.

Pricing information hasn’t been released, but the M Sports package will be available to European buyers during this second quarter of 2010.

BMW has unveiled the all-new 2011 BMW X3 with a new engine line-up, eight-speed automatic transmissions and more technology to make it safer, better on the road and kinder to the environment.

At 4.6 meters long, 1.8m wide and 1.6m tall, the new X3 is slightly larger in all dimensions than the model it replaces, while the wheelbase has also grown by 15 mm to 2 810 mm.

Luggage capacity is now 550-litres (up from 480-litres) and swells to 1 600-litres with the 20:40:20 rear seats folded completely flat.

A petrol and a diesel variant of the new X3 will be offered from the vehicle’s launch, with more models set to follow in the future.

The 2.0-litre xDrive20d delivers 135 kW of power and 380 N.m of torque (up 5kW and 30 N.m from the outgoing model), and accelerates from 0-100km/h in 8.5 seconds. Available with both a standard six-speed manual transmission and the new eight-speed automatic, the Euro V-compliant xDrive20d uses a tidy 5.6 litres/100km of fuel on the European combined cycle and emits 149g/km CO2 (147g/km for the auto).

The xDrive35i is powered by a 3.0-litre TwinPower Turbo petrol engine which generates 225 kW and 400 N.m (up from 200 kW and 315 N.m of the xDrive30i). The eight-speed auto is standard and combines for a 0-100km/h time of 5.7 seconds, fuel consumption of 8.8 litres/100km and CO2 emissions of 204g/km. The xDrive35i’s 245 km/h top speed is 35 km/h faster than that of the diesel.

Mated with the automatic transmission for the first time is Auto Start/Stop, which turns off the engine when the vehicle stops and restarts when the driver takes their foot off the brake pedal. Auto Start/Stop is also standard with the diesel engine.

Electronic power steering including BMW’s Servotronic function for speed-dependent power steering is also incorporated into the X3 for the first time, improving the vehicle’s handling and precision.

As expected, six airbags, stability control, dynamic traction control and hill descent control head a long list of standard safety and stability systems on the new model. Optional extras include adaptive cornering headlights, high beam assistant, reversing camera with Top View, head-up display, speed control with braking function and automatic/advanced emergency call.

Outside, the X3 maintains its urban yet capable appearance, combining a flatter front end, higher rear and more of BMW’s convex/concave surface highlights for a tidy, modern package. The headlights contain bright white LED light rings while the taillights adopt the family LED ‘night-time’ smokey design.

Inside, BMW says the seating position has been raised for more convenient entry while the new 8.8-inch high-resolution centre display is the largest on-board monitor in its segment. Optional features include internet access, BMW Online with parking information, Google connectivity and Bluetooth audio streaming and online.

Adapted from CarAdvice