It wasn’t mentioned in the official release of the 2011 BMW X3, but it seems the latest Bavarian crossover will be offered with an M Sports package, which will add some sporty flair and a stiffer, more responsive suspension.

Apparently leaked by German Web site BimmerToday, these photos show the reputed X3 Sports Package components. Featured are 19-inch alloy wheels, a stiffer suspension, a multi-function leather steering wheel, and a M Sport bodykit. Other package amenities include new seats, variable steering, an M-branded gear selector, and special roof liner and upholstery. Exclusive Carbon Black metallic paint (not pictured) will be part of the deal as well.

A few weeks ago, we also learned the 2011 5 Series would offer its own M Sports Package in the future. We will formally meet the new X3 at the Paris Motor Show this fall, and if the M Sports Package roll-out for the United States is similar to the 5 Series, we can expect it to show up on order forms in 2011.

The 2011 X3 hits dealers later this year.

Source: BimmerToday

It wasn’t mentioned in the official release of the 2011 BMW X3, but it seems the latest Bavarian crossover will be offered with an M Sport package, which will add some sporty flair and a stiffer, more responsive suspension.

Apparently leaked by German Web site BimmerToday, these photos show the reputed X3 Sports Package components. Featured are 19-inch alloy wheels, a stiffer suspension, a multi-function leather steering wheel, and a M Sport bodykit. Other package amenities include new seats, variable steering, an M-branded gear selector, and special roof liner and upholstery. Exclusive Carbon Black metallic paint (not pictured) will be part of the deal as well.

A few weeks ago, we also learned the 2011 5 Series would offer its own M Sports Package in the future. We will formally meet the new X3 at the Paris Motor Show this fall, and if the M Sport Package roll-out for the United States is similar to the 5 Series, we can expect it to show up on order forms in 2011.

The 2011 X3 hits dealers later this year.

Source: BimmerToday

 Autocar is reporting that at the Paris auto show in October, a larger and lighter second-generation X3 will be revealed, carrying with it new technology from the upcoming 3 Series. Expect a new all-wheel drive system, and a ThyssenKrup-developed mechanical-electric steering system that will replace the ZF hydraulic setup found in the current model.

According to Autocar, who cites unnamed, “highly placed” sources at BMW, an X3 ActiveHybrid variant is in development but likely won’t emerge until 2012.

The 2011 X3 will grow larger in every dimension, per the report: 3.3 inches longer, 1.1 inches wider, 1.4 inches taller, and with a wheelbase lengthened by 0.6 inches. Yet, despite the increase, BMW engineers say weight falls by 55 pounds in the European entry-level model, the — deep breath — X3xDrive20d.

The exterior growth also creates more interior space. Rear seat legroom is up 0.8 inches, and luggage capacity grows by 2.8 cubic-feet. According to the report, BMW has also turned its attention to interior quality, adding upgraded dashboard and trim materials.

Autocar pins the entry model with the standard Getrag six-speed manual, but the rest of the lineup will use a ZF eight-speed automatic and stop-start technology. In Europe, two gasoline and two diesel straight-sixes will be available, the former ranging from 268 horsepower without power-adders to 302 horsepower with two turbochargers.

Stay tuned for more as the next-generation X3’s launch date nears.

Source: Autocar, BMW