Facelifted BMW X3 breaks free

Has this BMW got the X-factor? Bosses wanted you to wait until later this year before casting your vote on the facelifted X3, but you can decide right now - thanks to our exclusive images.

They clearly show how the revised SUV will look, with a distinctive new front bumper design the most obvious difference. Other detail changes include fresh alloy wheels and a large body-coloured section in the rear bumper.

But the biggest alterations are inside, where high-quality materials replace the cheap-feeling plastics currently on offer. Trim levels are also expected to deliver value for money.

No tweaks to the chassis or suspension set-up are likely, although there will be welcome revisions to the engine line-up.

The X3 will use powerplants from the 3-Series, with the 2.5-litre petrol unit getting a 23bhp boost to 215bhp and the 3.0 powerplant uprated from 231bhp to 254bhp. There will also be upgrades to the diesel range. The facelifted X3 will slug it out with the new Land Rover Freelander for class honours when it goes on sale in October, after debuting at the Paris Motor Show. Prices are set to rise by as much as £1,000 across the board.