2018 BMW X3 20i revealed

BMW is taking the fight to Audi and Mercedes-Benz with new cut-price X3 SUV. 

The German carmaker has lowered the point of entry in to its luxury mid-size X3 SUV range and doubled the amount of petrol options with the addition of a new 20i variant. 

Pricing starts from $65,900 before on-road costs, which is the same as the base Audi Q5 and $1600 cheaper than the most affordable Mercedes-Benz GLC. 

BMW has ditched the all-wheel drive layout, with the 20i variant driving the rear wheels exclusively. 

Power comes from 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 135kW and 290Nm and is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. 

The X3 20i mirrors the same standard specification as the former base 20d model, with highlights including; 19-inch alloy wheels, auto tailgate, head up display, navigation accessed through a 6.5-inch display, auto headlights and wipers, leather trimmed upholstery and a reversing camera. A range of active safety equipment including lane departure and lane change warning round out the standard kit. 

Potential buyers will need to pay and additional $3500 (which includes GST but not LCT) for the M Sport trim package. The package adds adaptive damper control, M aerodynamics package, M leather steering wheel, 19-inch M alloy wheels and several interior and external cosmetic touches. 

The BMW X3 sDrive 20i is available locally from March, 2018. 

BMW has also hinted at a fully-electric X3 e variant and a high-performance X3 M at some point in 2018.  

2018 BMW X3 prices* 

X3 20i - $65,900 

X3 20d - $68,900 

X3 30i - $75,900 

X3 30d - $83,900 

*All prices exclude on-road costs 

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