180kW TwinPower mill for BMW X3

The writing was on the wall for the 3.0-litre six-cylinder powering the X3 xDrive28i. BMW has been steadily replacing the six-cylinder variants right across its product range with the 180kW version of the N20 turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine — and the six-cylinder X3 is the latest to be struck down.

The importer made the announcement today, softening the blow for six-cylinder enthusiasts by mentioning the four's 350Nn torque peak, available across a range of revs from 1250 to 4800rpm. Power is 10kW shy of the six's maximum, but comes in at 5000rpm, rather than the 6600rpm level that applied to the six.

Featuring Valvetronic, double-VANOS timing and High Precision Injection, the turbo four will propel the X3 to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds, which BMW claims cuts 0.2 seconds of the acceleration time for the six-cylinder model. Fuel consumption is 7.5L/100km, a saving of 1.5 litres per hundred and the CO2 emissions have been reduced by 35 grams to 175g/km. According to the manufacturer the lower fuel use is a by-product of the new variant's auto-start/stop facility.

BMW has bumped up the price by a grand to $72,900, but the four-cylinder variant gains business navigation and Driving Experience Control, including Eco Pro mode. The navigation system is also added to the specification of the X3 xDrive 30d.

Pricing for the upgraded X3
X3 xDrive 20i           $59,500
X3 xDrive 20d          $62,500
X3 xDrive 28i           $72,900
X3 xDrive 30d          $75,900

All prices quoted are manufacturer's list price and include a Luxury Car Tax component.

Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...