Up until now, the BMW X3 was only available with the 3.0-liter, inline six-cylinder engine with intelligent all-wheel drive. By springtime, the X3 xDrive28i will be powered by a smaller, more efficient, high-performance engine. The X3 xDrive35i will still be powered by the V6 engine, but both models will come with a slew of new standard and optional features.

Here's what we know for sure: the new engine isn't new to the BMW lineup. It's the very same TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder engine that powers the BMW Z4, BMW 528iand BMW 328i. Yes, it's smaller than the naturally-aspirated V6 engine it's replacing, but it will boast the same 240-hp along with improved fuel economy. Official numbers have yet to be released, but the new four-cylinder engine in the 328i bumped the MPGs from 18 city/28 highway to 24 city/36 highway.

This is all part of BMW's mission to increase efficiency across the board. In a recent press release, BMW revealed, "The new 4-cylinder engine, which provides noticeably livelier power for more driving enjoyment, also comes with lower fuel consumption than its predessor."¹ Along with the new engine, the 2013 X3 will come with Auto Start Stop technology, Driving Dynamics Control with ECO Pro to boost performance and gas-mileage. Also new for 2013 - an available M Sport package, optional Driver Assistance Package with Lane Departure Warning, and a standard power liftgate.

Production of the new X3 will kick off in April, and the first new SAV will roll into Kuni BMW in May. Be sure to stay tuned with us for more updates on this and all of the other new BMW models that have started to arrive in our showroom at 10999 SW Canyon Rd Beaverton, OR 97005.

Source:¹http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/best-cars-blog/2012/02/BMW_Announces_New_Engine_and_Pricing_for_2013_X3/