BMW is at once upgrading and downsizing the engine fitted in its three-year old X3 SAV. Please, allow us to explain.

With four-cylinder capacity, the 2013 engine is smaller than the naturally-aspirated V6 it replaces. And because, they didn't want drivers to sacrifice power for greater efficiency, it's not just any 4-cylinder engine. It's the same TwinPower Turbo four cylinder that's featured in the new BMW Z4, BMW 528i and BMW 328i.

How does the new 2013 BMW X3 stack up in terms of  power, fuel economy and acceleration? Very well. Backed by 240 horsepower (hp) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, it can sprint from zero to 60 miles per hour (mph) in as little as 6.5 seconds and tops out at 130 mph.

Thanks to Auto Start Stop technology, standard in both the BMW X3 xDrive28i and BMW X3 xDrive35i for the first time for the 2013 model year, the critically-acclaimed SAV will also deliver up to a three-percent improvement in fuel economy. For those not familiar with Auto Stop Start, it essentially serves to automatically shut the engine off while the X3 is at a standstill.

However, having the most powerful next-gen BMW four-cylinder engine beneath its hood isn't the X3 SAV's only claim to fame. Wanting to do with the 2013 X3 what they did with the inaugural model in 2004 - namely redefine the class segment - the Bavarian automaker is also adding new features and package options. This include an all-new Driver Assistance Package, among many other things.

Needless to say, drivers are already clamoring for the updated BMW X3. Fortunately, you don't have too long to wait until the sought-after model arrives to Preston BMW located conveniently at 3843 Youngstown Road South. The new 2013 BMW X3 SAV is headed to production in April and should be available at BMW dealerships across the U.S. shortly thereafter.