BMW has taken almost 4,000 advanced orders for the X3, eight months before the compact sports utility vehicle goes on sale here.

Following its debut last week at the Frankfurt Motor Show, BMW has this week revealed details of engine line-up, specifications and prices for the United Kingdom market.

When it is launched in the spring, the X3 will be be fitted with either 3.0-litre or 2.5-litre petrol engines, with a 2.0-litre diesel joining th line-up next autumn..

The US-built X3 arrives in the showrooms next May, and total sales for next year are expected to be about 6,000.

"We could well be sold out before we even reach the start of sales," admitted a BMW insider. Those 4,000 advanced orders are all "firm commitments" with dealers taking deposits.

Prices for the 2.5-litre will start at £28,615 on the road and £32,015 for the 3.0-litre.

The 3.0-litre SE promises a maximum 231bhp, taking it from 0-62 mph in 8.1-seconds and on to a top speed of 130mph, or 137mph for the 3.0i Sport model which also debuts at launch. An impressive 300 Nm torque is achieved at 3,500 rpm with drive delivered through a standard five-speed automatic gearbox. A manual gearbox will not be available on X3 3.0i models.

Joining the 3.0-litre launch models will be the 2.5i SE, priced at £28,615 on-the-road, together with the 2.5i Sport. Powered by BMW's award-winning192bhp six cylinder engine, the 2.5-litre develops 245Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm. Its six-speed manual box comes as standard; an optional five-speed automatic is also available. Additional performance figures for the X3 2.5i SE and Sport will be confirmed closer to launch. The new X3 represents the latest in a line of segment-defining vehicles from BMW. It is the first premium Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) in the compact/mid-size sector.

All models in the X3 range feature BMW's new four-wheel drive system, xDrive, which distributes drive to the axle which most needs it in an instant, improving stability, driving pleasure and safety. The system can respond more quickly than more conventional systems.

In most circumstances xDrive is also able to intervene before any serious loss of traction takes place, because it is constantly processing vehicle data from Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) sensors. These measure individual wheel speed, steering angle, lateral acceleration and yaw rates and give xDrive its 'intelligence', allowing it to pre-empt problems rather than merely reacting to situations where traction is lost.

Naturally stability control functions, but "intelligent" xDrive means it is needed less frequently. While xDrive ensures optimum grip by channelling drive forces axle-to-axle, stability control acts on individual wheels only where one starts to slip, cutting power and, if necessary, applying brakes.

Updated: 16:45 Thursday, September 18, 2003