Cosmetically, the new model gains new headlights – available in optional full LED specification along with optional LED front fog lamps – with a more prominent kidney grille and new surround. Front and rear bumpers have also been revised and there’s five new alloy wheel designs.

Inside, there’s changes to the centre console with optional automatic climate control system (with high-gloss black panel) and wood panelling with pearl chrome highlights. There’s also four new upholstery colours and four new interior trims.

The 2014 line-up also sees the addition of a new XLine trim level, which sits between the existing SE and M Sport specs, with a £1,500 price premium over the SE model. Features include metallic inserts in the bumpers, aluminium side cladding and bars in the air intakes, simulated underguards at the front and rear and exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the new model features exclusive xLine leather upholstery, Dark Copper trim and a Sport leather steering wheel.

The X3 also features BMW’s new generation of TwinPower Turbo diesel engines, which offer increased performance along with improved fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. All of the engines meet EU6 regulations as standard.

The line-up includes the X3 sDrive18d – the only rear-wheel drive model in the line-up – which, with optional 17-inch alloys, achieves a combined fuel consumption figure and CO2 emissions of 60.1mpg and 124g/km; best-in-class figures according to the brand.

There’s also the X3 xDrive20d, which features increased power, up from 181bhp up to 187bhp. Paired up with new optional 17-inch aero wheel and reduced rolling resistance tyres, the X3 xDrive20d delivers class-leading figures of 56.5mpg with 131g/km.

The range-topping variants of the new BMW X3 are powered by latest versions of BMW's 3.0-litre, six-cylinder in-line, turbo-diesel engine. The X3 xDrive30d offers a 0 to 62mph time of just 5.9 seconds, with a combined fuel consumption of 47.9mpg and CO2 emissions of 156g/km. It develops 254bhp with a peak torque of 413lb.ft.

The flagship model is the new 309bhp xDrive35d, which can reach 152mph flat out and sprint to 62mph from rest in 5.3 seconds, whilst achieving a combined fuel consumption of 47.1mpg and CO2 emissions of 157g/km – both reduced over the outgoing X3.

Other changes include the latest, enhanced-capability generation of the Professional Multimedia navigation, complete with ECO PRO route guidance and an iDrive Touch Controller with integrated touchpad. The touchpad allows drivers or passengers to use their finger to write letters for text inputs such as a navigation destination, for example.

There’s also a full-colour Head-up Display, anti-dazzle High-beam Assistant and Driving Assistant Plus, while the BMW Emergency Call function is now fitted as standard.

The new BMW X3 goes on sale in June 2014, priced from £30,990 OTR for the X3 sDrive18d SE.

• BMW will be attending this year’s Fleet World Fleet Show, which takes place at Silverstone Circuit on 9th April and provides fleet decision-makers with a unique opportunity to test drive the latest new cars and vans, meet new fleet suppliers, learn new fleet management techniques and network with peer-group fleet professionals. To find out more, visit: http://www.thefleetshow.co.uk/visiting/