At a time when most companies are shelving their hybrids, BMW has announced it will be adding a diesel variant of its X3 SUV.
The BMW X3 40d xDrive joins the two petrol variants, the 20 xDrive and X3 M50 xDrive, and the X3 30e xDrive plug-in hybrid — to bring even further choice to Australian customers.
As with the petrol offerings, the new diesel variant features a 48-volt mild hybrid system that brings significant advances over the outgoing X3 xDrive30d.
Its 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder powerplant produces 210kW and 670Nm, representing increases of 15kW and 50Nm respectively over its predecessor.
This enables it to complete the standard sprint 0.4 seconds faster, achieving the mark in just 5.4 seconds.
Fuel consumption and engine emissions are still to be confirmed.
Priced from $108,900, the BMW X3 40d xDrive also brings a significantly increased standard specification, combined with a new look inside and out.
The X3 40d xDrive mirrors the specification of the X3 30e xDrive – which includes the M Sport Package as standard and striking 20-inch alloy wheels – but replaces the plug-in hybrid-running gear with the BMW TwinPower Turbo diesel powertrain.
Highlights are listed below, with bold elements denoting additional features over the X3 20 xDrive:
- M Sport package inc. M Sport brake system with blue callipers
- 20-inch M light alloy wheels
- BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system
- 3-zone auto climate control
- 6-speaker 100-watt hi-fi system
- Acoustic glazing
- Acoustic protection for pedestrians
- Adaptive LED headlights
- Adaptive Suspension
- Automatic tailgate
- BMW Digital Premium (90-day trial)
- BMW Iconic Glow illuminated kidney
- BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant
- BMW Live Cockpit Pro 14.9-inch plus 12.3-inch curved widescreen display, featuring Operating System 9
- Comfort Access and Digital Key Plus
- Comfort Package:
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- Active seat ventilation
- Heated steering wheel
- Luggage compartment separating net
- Privacy glass with sun protection glazing
- Seat heating for first and second rows
- Sun blinds, manual for rear-side windows
- Driving Assistant Professional including Steering and Lane Control System, Active Cruise Control inc. Stop&Go and Blind Spot Monitor
- DAB Digital radio
- Electric Seat function, front row
- BMW Head Up Display
- M headliner in anthracite
- M Sport leather steering wheel
- Mirror package, including anti-dazzle function
- Parking Assistant Plus including Surround view camera, Reversing Assistant and Drive Recorder
- Panorama glass sunroof (fixed)
- Remote Software Updates
- Tyre pressure monitoring system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Wireless phone charging
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