When the X3 launched in 2004 there was no Mercedes GLK or Audi Q5. Now that the other Germans have come with the competition, reports are indicate BMW is moving the launch of the 2010 X3 up to make sure it can compete.

The next X3 will be about four inches longer, a half-inch narrower, and a fraction of an inch taller. The extra length will help improve interior room, but the Sport Activity Vehicle is said to be tuned for increased sporting performance. The features list will include hand-me-downs from the 7 Series such as Night Vision and Heads Up Display, and -- in Europe at least -- six engines will be offered: two gasoline and four diesel. We in the U.S. will probably still make do with the either the naturally aspirated or turbocharged 3.0-liter gas engines and possibly a turbo'd four.

[Source: BMW Blog]

BMW has just announced a new addition to its SUV Sport Activity Vehicle line called the X3 xDrive 18d. Have we mentioned how much we dislike the current naming scheme for BMW 'utes? In any case, the new X3 will come equipped with a 2.0-liter (oddly, not a 1.8-liter as you'd expect from the nomenclature) direct-injected and turbocharged diesel engine that puts out 143 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. More importantly, the 18d manages about 38 miles per gallon (46.5 mpg Imperial, 6.2L per 100 kilometers) in the EU combined cycle. That equates to 165 g/km of carbon emissions, for those keeping track of such things. Despite the all-wheel-drive system's extra weight and drag, the new X3 xDrive 18d is reportedly capable of scooting to 60 mph in just about 10 seconds. Any chance it'll come to the U.S.? Don't count on it. Full press release after the break.



[Source: BMW]

Boy howdy does that camouflage make it difficult to suss out what's underneath! BMW's cooking up a new X3, expected to drop in 2011, and the changes don't look to be huge. The smallest SAV – BMW's acronym for Stupid Ass Sports Activity Vehicle – will get rhinoplasty to bring some Concept CS cues to the X3. The heavy camo on the rear windows suggest that BMW might be addressing some of the awkwardness that afflicts the current model, a definite plus. Word is that much sweat will be expended over an updated interior in order to keep up with competitors. A less-hideous X3 that retains its chassis moves while coddling you with a better interior? Sounds good to us, even though we'd still rather have an M3 wagon.

[Source: BMW blog, Photo: Priddy]

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The closest BMW has ever come to having an off-road vehicle was sticking its V8 engines into Range Rovers. Even it's "Sport Activity Vehicle", the X5, rarely sees time off the pavement and sticks to hauling kids to school and soccer practice. Hartge has set out to change that with an off-road program for Bimmer SUVs, the latest of which is an X3 dubbed the "Hunter". The Bavarian tuner gives the mini-ute increased ground clearance with longer springs and shocks as well as spacers up front. An underbody stainless steel skid plate, shortened axle ratio, and automatic differential locks on both axles improve its exploring capabilities. All-terrain tires are a must, and they are mounted on Hartge's lightweight 18-inch "Classic 2" wheels. For the true enthusiast, Hartge offers washable seat covers and a "green look" interior. We doubt Land Rover and Jeep owners will be flocking to their local BMW dealership for a trade-in, but it's definitely one of the more capable off-road BMWs we've seen. The press release is after the jump, and you can view the X3 Hunter in action in the gallery below.

[Source: Hartge]

The arrival of the X6 is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to BMW's impending onslaught of CUVs. We mustn't forget one of the CUVs that started it all for the Munich-based automaker – the smallish X3. Though just refreshed, the current X3 is awkward looking, something BMW hopes to fix when the 2010 X3 arrives in late 2009. Shown here in resplendent rendered speculation (click the Read link to see the full version), the next X3 will adopt a front end inspired by the BMW CS Concept that debuted at last year's Shanghai Motor Show. It would appear the concept's flaired nostrels have made their way to the X3's nose, while those split air intakes on the lower bumper are shared with the new X6 and will also likely become a future design cue for BMW activity vehicles. Of course, all new BMWs are getting the ubiquitous but excellent twin-turbo 3.0L inline six-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower, and we expect the X3 will be no different. That's a good thing, as Dan Roth discovered the current 260 HP 3.0L six in the current X3 gets winded pulling around the vehicle's 4,100+ lb. curb weight.

[Source: egmcartech]

The K-9 unit in Hilliard, Ohio is completely funded by donations from local businesses and organizations. The latest firm to give something to the K-9 team is BMW Financial Services, which provided a specially modified BMW X3. The $50,000 SUV was given to the department in honor of the unit's second birthday and its stellar arrest record. The X3 was kitted out by BMW and other suppliers with a light bar, canine cage, remote controlled door latches, and it touted as being dog and criminal ready. In Hilliard at least, a dog's life has gotten just that much easier.

Thanks for the tip, Oss!

[Source: Auto-Talk]

Volvo's new rival for the BMW X3 is apparently getting close to production. The new Volvo XC50 should reach dealers around the same time as another new Euro rival, the Audi Q5. Looks like there are going to be a lot of good competitors in the premium mini-ute segment. The XC50 will most likely be built on the C1 chassis underpinning the Euro Focus, Mazda3, Volvo S40 and V50. Engines should be similar to the V50's, minus the smaller ones. We're probably going to see gas engines ranging from 145 to 220hp, and perhaps the new diesel D5 unit putting out 180hp.

The Volvo XC50 will look like a mini-me version of the larger XC90. Not a copy, but similar. Infomotori sources are saying that the platform is the same as the V50, with a strong family resemblance to the new Volvo C30. It is also expected to share much with the next-generation Land Rover Freelander/LR3, including its trick AWD system.

Although only labeled a concept at this point, the car should be unveiled at the NAIAS in Detroit in January and go on sale as early as Spring 2008. Expected to be approximately the same size as the Toyota RAV4, it will compete a bit further upscale with the likes of the Lexus RX, BMW X3 and new Acura RDX.

[Source: InfoMotori]

Related Posts:

• Spy Shots: Volvo readies XC60 mini-ute for NAIAS in January
• Volvo XC50 in the pipeline
• Land Rover Freelander becomes baby LR3

After much anticipation, Acura's RDX will hit the showroom floor on August 10 with a sticker price starting at $33,610. The vehicle, slated to compete with the likes of the BMW X3, seats five and cranks out 240 hp thanks to its turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder engine, the first turbo'd Acura this side of the pond.

Adding the optional Technology Package scores you a 410-watt audio system and navi with voice recognition and rearview camera, among other goodies, but it will cost you -- the price jacks up to $37,110.

Acura projects that it will sell 16,000 by the end of 2006 and 40,000 when it has a whole year to work with in '07.

[Source: Automotive News]

Well, Detroit's automakers may be struggling with their SUV models, but that's not stopping Europe's luxury brands from filling out their sport-ute lineups. The latest rumored entry in the soft-roader wars is the Mercedes Benz GLK, which comes to us courtesy of the Photoshop wizards at Auto Bild.

The baby GL will go up against the BMW X3 and the Audi Q5 in the entry-level luxury SUV segment, and offer both RWD and AWD powertrains, the latter to be based on the 4Matic version of the new C-Class. The RWD GLK will be offered with either a new 2.2-liter, four-cylinder diesel or a 3-liter V6, while the AWD version will be available with either a 3-liter diesel or a 3.5-liter gasoline engine.

Auto Bild reports that we can expect the GLK to hit the market around the end of 2008.

[Source: Auto Bild via eMercedesBenz.com]

BMW's UK division officially revealed the restyled BMW X3 today, and the alterations to the little ute aren't just skin deep.

The car's overall shape is fairly unchanged, but a quick look fore and aft reveals restyled front and rear lower fascias. In front, a new bumper and spoiler are incorporated. Openings below the bumper are now larger, and the foglights have been moved up into the main bodywork. This gives the X3 a tougher appearance when viewed head-on. In back, the rear bumper receives a very subtle restyle, and the taillight clusters now house LEDs instead of traditional bulbs.

Inside, the center console benefits from improved-quality materials, and a new steering wheel is fitted (it should be noted that based on the press photo, this is the same wheel used on the North American model, save for an aluminum accent on the bottom spoke).

Underhood, things get interesting ...

(Keep reading after the jump. Photos, press release also follow)

[Source: BMW UK]