It seems that virtually every nameplate grows in size with every new iteration, and the 2010 BMW X3 SUV will be no different. In fact, the next-generation X3 is tipped to be very similar in size to the original X5, but BMW expects pricing to remain similar to the current X3.

Thanks to that bump in size — along with an increase in content — the 2010 X3 will be moving up-scale from the current model, but buyers shouldn’t expect a proportionate increase in price. New entrants like the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLK will keep BMW honest when it comes to pricing and a production shift to the U.S. will allow for that honesty.

The current BMW X3 lists for about $40,000, which makes it about $2,000 more than the Audi Q5 and a hefty $6,000 more than the Mercedes GLK. In order to keep the X3 priced within the segment, BMW will aim to keep the 2010 model at the same price point.

Although that may seem like a difficult task – given the new car will be bigger and more well-equipped – BMW’s Jim O’Donnell revealed to Automotive News that the 2010 X3’s U.S. production will save a great deal of money. The X3 is currently produced in Europe, resulting in a difficult exchange rate and costly transportation, but the next iteration of the SUV will be built in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

However, even though the 2010 X3 promises to be better than the current model in every way, BMW isn’t being overly optimistic with its sales forecast. BMW sold 18,000 units of the X3 in the U.S. last year, but is calling for just 6,000 sales this year.

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