BMW Boosts X3 With New Engines

Available 272-hp Allows X3 to Outpace Competition

Since 2004, the BMW X3 has been the only serious vehicle in the premium compact sport utility vehicle marketplace. While the SUV scene has provided some alternatives, no rival has yet mated BMWs level of comfort and on-road dynamics in such a small, easy to manage package. Things are now starting to change, however, with Mazda having unveiled its performance oriented CX-7, Land Rover just recently announcing its replacement to the woeful (and discontinued) Freelander, now dubbed LR2, and Acura preparing to launch its RDX, a vehicle bearing the brands amazing Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive system, and Acuras (and Honda, for that matter) first turbocharged engine for North America.

With the number of new competitors in tow, it was only right that BMW update the X3 in order to keep pace - which is the exact focus of the forthcoming facelift. Under the hood, the engine displacements might appear unchanged at 2.5- and 3.0-liters, but theyre completely new, the same as can be found under the hoods of the 3-Series, 5-Series and Z4. In fact, the engine upgrades and naming scheme for the North American market are identical to those in the 2006 Z4.

Though the base X3 has an engine displacement of 2.5-liters, it will be called the X3 3.0i. This engine produces 218 horsepower, which is very impressive; thats just 7 horsepower off the pace of the old, top of the line 3.0-liter I-6. Buyers interested in the top-level X3 3.0si will be surprised to find that the new motor, while identical in displacement to the current 3.0-liter I-6, produces an amazing 272 horsepower. Performance for the 272-hp model includes a 0 to 60 mph time of 7.4 seconds with a top speed of 142 mph, while the 2.5-liter hits 60 mph in 8.4 seconds, and has a top speed of 137 mph. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard equipment with both engines, while a six-speed automatic is optional.

To ensure that the X3s chassis can cope with the extra performance, BMW has boosted its baby SAV with its Dynamic Stability Control + (DSC +) system. This is the first time that this system will be fitted to an X model, as well as the new Dynamic Traction Control, which, when selected by the driver, allows for a greater degree of wheelspin before cutting in; ideal for enthusiastic driving. Of course, xDrive, BMWs all-wheel drive system is standard on both models, as is an intelligent braking system which features a brake-fade warning system to alert drivers when the brake system is overheating.

Alongside these technical updates, BMW has also addressed the criticisms directed towards the X3s styling. The new car wears new, less cluttered front and rear bumpers, which have been creased and painted in, body color - something any car billed as premium needs. This differs from the first incarnation of the vehicle, which had matte black bumpers. Although the new car still integrates black plastic, its been reduced to just a wrap-around belt. Other stylistic adjustments include a wider version of the traditional twin-kidney grille, a roof spoiler and, LED brake lights.

The revised X3 goes on sale this autumn; information about availability and pricing will be announced closer to that point in time.