BMW X3 Gets New Petrol and Diesel Engines, Australian Debut Unclear

BMW is preparing two new variants in the international X3 SUV line-up, in the form of the entry-level xDrive20i and the top-shelf xDrive35d. 

Nestled under the xDrive20i's bonnet is a 2.0 litre four-cylinder petrol engine, featuring a twin-turbo arrangement, direct injection, Double Vanos variable camshaft control and the Valvetronic variable valve control system.

Power for the 2.0 litre engine is rated at 137kW at 4800rpm and 270Nm from 1250rpm - 53kW and 40Nm short of the X3 xDrive28i - the current entry-level (and only) petrol model in Australia.

The xDrive20i will be offered with a six-speed manual transmission as standard, along with an eight-speed automatic. Fuel consumption figures for the xDrive20i have not been revealed.

On the diesel front, the X3 has a new flagship: the xDrive35d. Powered by a 3.0 litre six-cylinder common-rail turbodiesel, the 35d delivers 234kW and 630Nm between 1500 and 2500rpm - compared to 190kW and 560Nm for the Australian-delivered xDrive30d.

In the European market, the xDrive35d is equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard, along with BMW's stop/start system.

Australia

Speaking with TMR today, BMW Australia's Lucy McLellan could say only that, for now, the carmaker's local arm cannot confirm plans for adding either model to the Australian line-up.