There's nothing like a little healthy competition to get designers racing back to their drawing tables. According to BMW North America CEO Jim O'Donnell, BMW's current X3 will see a shorter life cycle in an effort to counter the ever-expanding competition in the compact premium SUV segment and create space for the coming X1. The Bavarian automaker faced little competition outside of the Lexus RX when the X3 was first released, but in 2009 several other challengers have emerged, including the Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLK, and Volvo XC60.
In an effort to counter the latest offerings, BMW will reportedly be giving the 2010 X3 a slightly lower roof line, along with rounder corners and a sportier look cued from the new X5. To separate the X3 from its more compact X1 brother, the X3's dimensions will increase to offer a larger interior cabin and more cargo space. The next-generation X3 is expected to measure 15.25 ft. long, 6.07 ft. wide, and 5.51 ft. tall. The current X3 measures 15.00 ft. long, 6.08 ft. wide, and 5.50 ft. tall. The latest BMW electronic wizardry will also be available in the 2010 X3, including the automaker's Night Vision System, Head-Up Display, and Adaptive Headlights. The interior will also be upgraded, a common request from BMW owners.
Engine selections for the 2010 X3 are expected to be two gasoline engines and four diesels. The gas engines are expected to be the 3.0L I-6 with 260 hp and the turbocharged 3.0L I-6 with 306 hp. The top diesel engine will be the turbocharged 3.0L I-6 with 265 hp and 425 lb-ft of torque found in the X5d and 335d.
To ensure the soon-to-be-released X1 has a viable position in the BMW lineup, the MSRP for the X3 is expected to increase in order to create space in the market for the smaller X1. The BMW X1 will be replacing the X3 as BMW's entry-level compact premium crossover SUV.
Source: BMW Blog