The wraps have come off the second-generation BMW X3. Yes, there are no great changes on the visual front, though with a length of 4648mm it has swollen rather close to the size of the original X5. A little perplexing in a world focused on downsizing, perhaps…
 
Most changes have taken place under-the-skin, the old car’s rather dated interior dropped for a fresher design, which sits more cohesively with the rest of BMW’s more recent efforts. The influence of the latest 5-series is most clearly evident, chiefly in the steering wheel and the large ‘joystick’ sprouting from the transmission tunnel.    
 
The lever itself is screwed - in more expensive models - to perhaps one of the largest mechanical changes to the new car; the eight-speed automatic transmission, which is standard on high-end six-cylinder petrol models, and optional on the 2-litre diesel four-pot.
 
BMW claims that the taller cruising gears at the top of the ‘box contribute to reduced fuel consumption, emissions and noise levels when driving - with the new auto being seen as central to the EfficentDynamics concept. (See more on this clever new auto gearbox in the tech box below).
 
As far as engines are concerned, the new X3 will be available from launch with a 181bhp 2-litre four-cylinder diesel (mated as standard to a manual gearbox) which majors on efficiency, offering CO2 emissions of 149g/km and 50mpg fuel consumption.
 
The one that interests us most, though, is the xDrive35i, with the same cracking engine as the BMW 335i, boasting 302bhp and 295lb ft and a 0-62mph time of 5.7sec. It gets the trick eight-speed auto as standard.
 
As far as technical highlights are concerned, a quick dig into the options list offers up an Electronic Damping Control system, which tweaks steering assistance, gearshift speed, suspension firmness and throttle response.
 
The newest electronic gizmo available on the X3 is the enticing Performance Control feature, which allows 80 per cent of the available torque to slide to the rear wheels under a steady throttle. The BMW system also brakes inside wheels and sends power to the outer under cornering, to resist understeer and provide a more neutral feeling.  
 
Prices are yet to be disclosed, will likely kick off at around £30k, a small rise over the outgoing car. The new BMW X3 will be unveiled publicly at the Paris motor show in October.