BMW Delays the Launch of the Next X3 in the U.S. to Mid-2011

BMW is going to delay the introduction of the next X3 by six months to launch a new system that will make it easier for buyers to custom order the X3.

This means that the next X3 will not arrive in US showrooms until mid-2011, a full six months after it launches in Europe. The delay will also allow BMW the ability to offer up to four different engines, which will lower the base price of the X3. According to Jim O'Donnell, president of BMW of North America, the X3 could be offered with a four-cylinder and a diesel in addition to the six-cylinder engines. BMW is going to decide by the end of the year if a four-cyl or six-cyl diesel will be offered. Production of the X3 is also going to X3 will shift from Magna Steyr in Austria to BMW's Spartanburg, S.C., factory.

Of course this delay is going to hurt sales of the X3. Its sales are off 67 percent this year.