Ever since the BMW X3 made its debut in the company’s 2004 lineup, it has not seen any major performance changes or redesigns. But don’t worry; a total redesign to the X3 is on the table for 2010 along with some performance upgrades.

When the BMW X3 originally made its debut in the 2004 model lineup, it was offered in a 2.5i and a 3.0i variant. After critics complained that the X3 was too overpriced, seeing as the basic 2.5i which lacked cruise control or automatic headlights and had vinyl upholstery with a price tag that exceeded $30,000, BMW decided to make some changes in 2005 and 2006.

After 2005, BMW added a 2.0d diesel variant in some markets, pulled the 2.5i out of the U.S. market, gave the U.S. 3.0si the ‘M’ body kit as standard, added a softer suspension and added some interior upgrades. Even then, sales of the baby BMW SUV remain to be sluggish. As Jeremy Clarkson once said “the X3 was for people who are clinically insane.”

Well now for 2010 BMW has a whole different game plan for the X3. The 2010 X3 will get a new aggressive design including a new front fascia with a large prominent grille, redesigned headlamps and a slightly redesigned rear end. The interior will also see a major upgrade from the current X3.

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.

MUNICH, Germany — The first prototype for BMW's all-new 2010 X3 has broken cover, and spy photographers caught it in action yesterday on the streets of Munich.

Despite the heavy camouflage, the sleekness of the revamped X3's new shape is unmistakable. From this first look, it seems that a little more "sportwagen" has crept into the new X3's exterior design. The X3 continues to ride on a BMW 3 Series platform, but it has been stretched and widened for additional functionality.

From an earlier X3 test mule cloaked in 3 Series wagon sheet metal, we have already surmised that the future X3 will get a redesigned suspension setup compared to the current model.

Expect additional mechanical specifications to continue to leak into the media as the X3 nears its launch date.

What this means to you: Bigger would be better for BMW's baby SUV. — Kelly Toepke, News Editor