(October 22, 2010) The BMW X3 was one of the first compact luxury crossover to hit the market, and it's already time for a complete remake.

The 2011 X3 will be ready for the public sometime this winter.

And the big news is that the 2011 X3 will be built in the expanded BMW plant in South Carolina next to the X5 and X6. This seems to signify BMW's desire to increase its desirability and sales in the American market.

The 2011 X3 will be bigger in all dimensions than its predecessor, growing to a size that's just a bit smaller than the original X5 midsize SUV. This will provide a welcome increase in interior space, both for people and their stuff.

The 2011 X3 will be offered with a choice of two models that correspond to different engines. The xDrive28i will feature a naturally aspirated 3.0-liter inline-6 (240 horsepower), while the upgraded xDrive35i gets the same turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 (300 horsepower) that's standard on the X5.

All-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission will be standard on both. Notably, the new X3 is lighter than the old model, which means you can expect quicker acceleration and fuel economy.

BMW recently released photos of the new small crossover that will start at just under $40,000 including destination charge. That's about the same price as the outgoing 2010 model.