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2011 BMW X3 On Sale In Australia

Following its international unveiling last year, BMW Australia has today announced local availability for the all-new 2011 BMW X3.

Starting from $62,200 for the X3 xDrive20d, the new X3 opens with the same entry price as the current outgoing model,

Mike Stevens

23:1007 March 2011

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2011 BMW X3 On Sale In Australia

Following its international unveiling last year, BMW Australia has today announced local availability for the all-new 2011 BMW X3.

Starting from $62,200 for the X3 xDrive20d, the new X3 opens with the same entry price as the current outgoing model, while topping out at $74,900 for the xDrive30d - $2500 less than the current equivalent.

The only petrol model in the line-up will be the 180kW xDrive28i, priced at $71,900 - $2400 more than that the current 160kW xDrive25i, but a huge $3400 less than the 200kW xDrive30i.

Switching to BMW's next-generation 'F' model coding, the F25 X3 succeeds the outgoing first-generation E83, launched in 2004.

On the styling front, the new X3 borrows from its larger X5 sibling and a few elements from its little brother, the X1. The X5's wider, tougher stance is there, while a number of the X1's newer styling language can also be seen in the 2011 X3's body work.

As earlier spy photos showed, the new X3 is noticeably larger than its predecessor, measuring 12mm taller, 83mm longer, 28mm wider and sitting 12mm higher off the ground than before.

Its wheelbase is longer too, measuring 2810mm - up 15mm on the E83 X3. Dimensions may be up, but weight is down, the new X3 weighing around 20kg less thanks to the extensive use of aluminium in its construction.

Inside, the new X3's interior follows the same brand-wide design language featured in BMW's other more recent models, and offers the latest iDrive system and an 8.8 inch display in the centre stack.

Interior space is bigger all round, including rear storage which now measures 550 litres with the rear seats up, and 1600 litres when laid flat.

The xDrive20d is powered by a 2.0 turbo-charged four-cylinder diesel, producing 135kW and 380Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed manual transmission or BMW's eight-speed automatic, featuring two more ratios than the outgoing model's auto.

The diesel will get to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 210km/h. Fuel consumption is listed at 5.6 l/100km on the European combined cycle.

The 180kW xDrive28i makes its way to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds, thanks to its 180kW 3.0 litre inline-six. Fuel consumption is listed at 9.0 l/100km.

The new BMW X3 xDrive30d boasts a three-litre six-cylinder in-line diesel engine output of 190kW, 560 Nm of torque. The big diesel accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 6.2 seconds, with fuel consumption listed at 6.0 l/100km.

The new X3 also features BMW's third-generation xDrive all-wheel-drive system, offering improved stability-control and a 40/60 front-rear torque-split that is now controlled by an electronically-actuated multi-plate clutch steplessly varying torque between the axles.

The strut-front and multi-link rear suspension arrangement that featured in the updated version of the outgoing X3 is also featured, with basic upgrades including optional Electronic Damping Control.

The EDC system incorporates electronically-variable shocks that stiffen under heavy cornering loads, or as required by the driver through controls in the cabin.

Drivers can also use the EDC system to adjust torque-split with the Performance Control functions, switching to a 20/80 front/rear bias in steady-state cornering, while also applying the brake to the inside rear wheel and directing more power to the outside.

Optional in the outgoing model, the new new model gets Servotronic speed-sensitive power-steering as standard. The towing capacity of the new BMW X3 is 2000kg with a 200kg tow bar download.