BMW have released initial specifications of the second generation BMW X3 and the SUV will be officially launched at the upcoming Paris Motor Show this October 2010. The mid-sized BMW SUV keeps its same position in the BMW hierarchy by slotting in neatly between the small hatchback sized X1 and the Range Rover sized X5 SUVs. As usual, it blends in both the new X1 and X5 looks and is a familiar shape with all the latest BMW styling cues especially that new larger, nostrils err... kidney grill on its nose and the Hoffmeister kink at the C-pillars (or D-pillars since its an SUV). It looks slightly better than the previous X3 but it is still not something I would go crazy over.

So what is new with the new but very similar X3? It now boasts and extra 78mm in length (now 4648mm). It is slightly narrower, which is surprising (4mm less and now 1855mm) and 14mm taller at 1675mm. It also sports a 15mm longer wheelbase (now 2810). The rear door apertures are larger so that big people have easier access (I don