For the US, the entry-level BMW X3 xDrive28i will feature BMW's award-winning magnesium/aluminum 3.0-liter inline-6. In 2006 and 2007, the "N52" was awarded the distinction of being one of Wards 10 Best Engines of the Year. Its magnesium/aluminum construction, Valvetronic variable valve lift and Double-VANOS are features found only on BMW engines, and it is currently the lightest six cylinder engine for its size class in the world. The N52 in the BMW X3 is rated at 240 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 230 lb-ft of torque between 2,600 and 3,000 rpm.

That's good enough to accelerate from 0 - 60 mph in 6.7 seconds. That's nearly a half-second quicker than the previous BMW X3 xDrive30i equipped with an automatic transmission.