The BMW X3 isn’t scheduled for a full redesign until mid-2009, but the compact crossover will get a mid-cycle freshening this fall for model-year 2007.

A significant change is the installation of a new engine, a DOHC 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder that delivers 260 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. In the 2007 X3 3.0si, it will be mated to a standard six-speed manual gearbox, with a new six-speed Steptronic automatic offered as a no-cost option in place of the current five-speed automatic. All variants come with xDrive all-wheel drive as standard.

With 35 more horsepower on tap, the X3 3.0si will be able to gallop from rest to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds with the manual box (7.1 seconds with the automatic), an improvement of nearly a second over the current model, according to BMW.

The exterior makeover includes restyled front and rear bumpers, grille, head- and taillamps, and wheels. The cabin also gets an upgrade, with new materials including wood trim.

The ‘07 X3 will bundle dynamic stability control with dynamic traction control, adding such enhancements as brake drying, brake standby and brake fade compensation — all designed to improve emergency braking capability.

Options include adaptive headlamps, adaptive brake lights, 18- and 19-inch alloy wheels and heated rear seats.

This entry was posted on Friday, June 30th, 2006 at 4:00 pm and is filed under Car Models [t], Car Reviews [t]. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.