BMW rules out performance diesel SUVs

BMW has announced a diesel-powered sister to the X3 and X4 M40i but it won’t be coming to Australia.

The new M40d for both the X3 five-door and X4 coupe will be available in Europe later this year with performance figures of 243kW and 680Nm – 22kW less power but 180Nm more torque than the petrol M. The oiler is just 0.1 second slower in the 0-100km/h dash and visually the two look almost identical with added M Performance exterior kit.

But while the M40i is confirmed to arrive into the local X3 line-up soon, BMW Australia says interest for diesel engines for its mid-size SUV range is just not there.

“We’ve committed to M40i for X3, as the market here has moved further towards petrol engines in that mid-SUV segment,” BMW Australia product communications manager Adam Davis told Drive.

“That and the petrol engines are becoming so good now with their lighter weight than diesel and torque characteristics that are becoming diesel-like in response and fuel efficiency. We won’t be taking it in M40d form.”

BMW’s local arm has also confirmed the new X4 will arrive later this year but without detailing the model line-up. Though it’s likely that the X4 will mimic most of the new X3 stable which offers entry-level 20i and 20d grades, mid-spec 30i and 30d, and the range-topping M40i.

Further up the tree, BMW is preparing to launch its new X5 but BMW Australia can’t yet confirm local allocation for the large SUV – even if strong sales suggest it will continue to go on sale here.

The fourth-generation X5 has been teased testing across the globe on the ice fields of the Arctic Circle to the sandy plains of Africa, highlighting its new Offroad Package that could see additional extras such as increased ride height and bush bashing protection.

New terrain response settings setup drivetrain modes for sand, snow, rock and gravel, adjusting things like the suspension ride-height and traction control.

The new X5 will likely be offered with both four- and six-cylinder engines, as well as a large twin-turbo V8 for an upcoming X5 M model. The new platform has also been readied for electrification, including hybrid and potential full-electric systems.

Expected to launch at the Paris motor show in October, you can check out video of the new X5 testing below: