BMW has released its new X3 SUV lienup with extra kit but no change in price for the entry-level model.
The three-model lineup is xDrive20d at $62,200, xDrive28i priced at $71,900 and xDrive30d stickered at $74,900. BMW says the extra kit included in the latest models represents great savings with the range-topping 30d model scoring $10,000 worth of extras but rising in price over the previous model by only $2,500.
BMW’s latest X3 is actually larger all-round (length up by 83mm to 4,648mm, width up by 28mm to 1,881mm and height up by 12mm to 1,661mm) but pleasingly styling changes for the handsome X3 range are minimal. Range-topping xDrive30d now gains the X Line Package as standard equipment – aluminium window frame moldings and side sills, titaniuam-look inserts for the bumpers and stainless steel for the load sill and door sills.
There are also some new colours.
Inside, styling is also relatively unchanged, but there is some extra space, a standard 6.5-inch screen for the BMW iDrive system or segment-biggest 8.8-inch screen with the Navigation System Professional. Entry-level xDrive20d runs Sensatec seat trim in black or beige, while 28i and 30d score standard Nevada leather in beige, black, Havanna/black, oyster/black or red brown/black (the leather is available as an option in 20d).
Luggage space is 550-litres with the seats in place or a very handy 1,600-litres with all seats folded.
Performance gets a boost with the entry-level 20d (2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel) now good for 135kW at 4,000rpm and 380Nm from 1,750rpm. The 20d also improves fuel economy (helped by the introduction of auto start/stop) – now down to 5.6l/100kms.
BMW X3’s petrol version is now the six-cylinder 28i with 190kW/310Nm and fuel consumption rated at 9.0l/100kms.
And the range-topper is the 30d six-cylinder diesel providing 190kW/560Nm with fuel consumption as low as 6.0l/100kms (also featuring auto start/stop.)
Underneath, BMW has totally revised the X3’s suspension and introduced electric power steering (first time on an X model) plus optional Dynamic Damper Control with driver-select, push-button Dynamic Drive Control. BMW X3 runs BMW’s xDrive four-wheel-drive technology as standard.
On the options list are a head-up display, BMW’s superb Top View camera system (a rear view camera is standard) amd B-Xenon headlights.
And from June, the usual M Sports package will be available for the X3 ($4,000 for the 20d, $4,100 for the 28i and $3,000 for the 30d). This includes the expected aesthetic enhancements as well as 18-inch alloy wheels and Performance Control for the four-wheel-drive system.
