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(from BMW Press Release) The new BMW X3.

Characteristics.

• Second generation of the Sports Activity Vehicle with significantly increased space, optimised functionality and enhanced driving comfort.

• Strengthening of leading position in terms of agility and efficiency through new engines, eight-speed automatic transmission, innovative suspension technology and BMW EfficientDynamics.

• Two engine variants at time of market launch: BMW X3 xDrive20d with four-cylinder diesel engine (135 kW/184 bhp) and BMW X3 xDrive35i with straight six-cylinder petrol engine (225 kW/306 bhp).

• Auto Start Stop function featured for the first time in conjunction with six-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission.

• Four-wheel drive technology BMW xDrive harmonised for optimised driving dynamics featured as standard, Performance Control optional.

• Newly conceived suspension technology, electric power steering featured for the first time in a BMW X model, variable sports steering optional.

• First BMW X model with optional Damper Control and Dynamic Drive Control.

• Highest degree of interior variability thanks to folding and 40 : 20 : 40-split rear seat backrests, maximum luggage compartment volume: 1,600 litres.

• Range of BMW ConnectedDrive options unique in the segment:
Head-up Display, Internet access, reversing camera with Top View.

• Engine variants:

BMW X3 xDrive20d: Straight four-cylinder diesel engine with aluminium crankcase, turbocharger and Common Rail direct injection,
displacement: 1,995 cc, power output: 135 kW/184 bhp at 4,000 rpm, max. torque: 380 Nm at 1,750 – 2,750 rpm,
acceleration [0 – 100 km/h]: 8.5 seconds,
top speed: 210 km/h,
average fuel consumption according to EU: 5.6 litres/100 km,
CO2 emission according to EU: 149 g/km,
exhaust emission standard: EU5.

BMW X3 xDrive35i: Straight six-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo, direct injection and VALVETRONIC,
displacement: 2,979 cc, power output: 225 kW/306 bhp at 5,800 rpm,
max. torque: 400 Nm at 1,300 rpm,
acceleration [0 – 100 km/h]: 5.7 seconds,
top speed: 245 km/h,
average fuel consumption according to EU: 8.8 litres/100 km,
CO2 emission according to EU: 204 g/km,
exhaust emission standard: EU5.

BMW’s press department has released official photos and early details on the European X1, its new entry sport-ute.  From what we gathered, three diesel engines and one petrol will be offered to the EU market; rear- or all-wheel-drive is available.  The figure BMW boasted was for its diesel-powered sDrive18dcame to 45 mpg in the European driving cycle and had a top speed of 124 mph.

US specs and pricing are unknown.