BMW will most likely drop the current 2.5i variant that produces 160 horsepower, and will keep the 3.0si that produces 260 horsepower. The new 3.0 liter engine with twin-turbo chargers producing 300 horsepower found in the the 335i will most likely find its way under the hood of the 2010 X3 (hence the slightly larger intakes under the grille).
Why big change all of the sudden? Well, mainly because the new Infiniti EX, which is powered by a 3.5 liter V6 producing 290 horsepower, will give the X3 some strong competition. Not to mention the Volkswagen Tiguan and the Audi Q5 are also on their way to compete in the compact SUV segment next year.
According to Automotive News, the next-generation BMW X3 will make its debut in 2009 as a 2010 model followed by a new 3-Series and 5-Series.
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