2010 BMW X3 Set to Debut in December

Here we have the first official news that the new generation BMW X3 will enter production later this year in December, with first models to hit the streets in early 2010. The car will be sold as model year 2010 and will be launched shorter after the German manufacturer rolls out the new BMW X1, a report by bmwblog.com informs.

The news was confirmed by Jim O’Donnell, CEO of BMW North America, who also revealed that the current generation BMW X3 will be soon ended to make room for the revised model due in December.

The future X3 will measure 4.65 meters long, 1.85 meters wide and 1.68 meter tall, according to the aforementioned source, which obviously translates into more interior space and a larger trunk. And speaking of interiors, they have been upgraded as well, with lots of newly-developed gadgets to be included. Night vision, Head-up Display, Adaptive Headlights, are all likely to join the revised BMW X3 range.

In terms of engine configurations, the 2010 X3 will be offered with both petrol and diesel powerplants. There will be two two gasoline options, straight-six 3.0-liter and twin-turbo configuration, with maximum output going as high as 306 horsepower. Still unclear but it seems like the top-of-the-range diesel configuration will be the one available on the X5d or 335d sedan, the aforementioned source noted.

Obviously, the X3 will play a key role in BMW's long-term market strategy and will compete with several other successful products, including the newly-launched Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLK. However, official details and specs are yet to be released so keep an eye on our news section for more info.