The BMW Group announced that the all-new, second generation BMW X3 will arrive in dealerships by the end of this year.

The new X3 will be produced in an expansion of the BMW Spartanburg, South Carolina plant.

BMW first introduced the sports activity vehicle with all-road capability in 2004. More than 600,000 X3s were sold worldwide and 150,000 were sold in the U.S.

Design: Exterior

The new X3 is a half-inch (12mm) taller, 3.36-inches (83mm) longer, 1.1-inches (28mm) wider, and features a half-inch (12mm) more ground clearance. It rides on a wheelbase which is 0.6-inches (15mm) longer, at 110.6 inches (2810mm).

The vehicle comes equipped with optional Xenon headlights.

Interior: First-class ambience, intelligent functionality.

The vehicle's interior has cargo volume between 19 and 56.6 cu.ft. (550 and 1,600 liters), and the luggage compartment of the new BMW X3 is the largest in its segment.

The rear seat backrests can be split at a ratio 60:40 and can be folded down either individually or together. The optional rear seats with ski pass-through has three segments of 40:20:40 can be folded down individually or in combination making it possible to adapt the luggage compartment in varying degrees according to need.

The vehicle comes with an optional navigation system with the fourth generation BMW iDrive. The system features in 8.8-inch high-resolution trans-reflective screen that is the largest on-board monitor in its vehicle segment.

The X3 xDrive28i: 6-cylinder power for the entry model.

For the U.S., the entry-level X3 xDrive28i will feature BMW's award-winning magnesium/aluminum 3.0-liter inline-6. In 2006 and 2007, the "N52" was awarded the distinction of being one of Wards 10 Best Engines of the Year, and it is currently the lightest six cylinder engine for its size class. The N52 in the X3 is rated at 240 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 230 lb-ft of torque between 2,600 and 3,000 rpm.

The X3 xDrive35i: Class leading performance and efficiency.

The new top model BMW X3 xDrive35i features BMW's newest turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 "N55" engine combining direct fuel injection, twin-scroll turbo technology and Valvetronic. The N55 engine develops a maximum output of 300 hp at 5,800 rpm, with peak torque of 300 lb-ft available all the way from 1,200-5,000 rpm. Redline is 7,000 rpm. Top speed is electronically limited to 150mph when fitted with the optional Sport Package.

The all-new X3 also features an 8-speed automatic, two additional gears, xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive, redeveloped suspension technology and an extensive range of standard and optional BMW ConnectedDrive functions.