BMW is pitching a new variant of the X3 SUV into the local market and will undercut Audi's popular Q5 by thousands of dollars.
The new vehicle is named X3 xDrive20i and is powered by a new 'N20' four-cylinder engine featuring a twin-scroll turbocharger. BMW claims power and torque figures of 135kW and 270Nm respectively, delivering an acceleration time to 100km/h of 8.6 seconds. Fuel efficiency is boosted by standard auto-stop/start, brake energy regeneration and low-rolling resistance tyres. For the combined-cycle fuel consumption test, the new X3 variant uses 7.5L/100km and emits 175g/km of CO2.
The price of $59,200 is subject in part to the Luxury Car Tax, since the new X3 variant doesn't match or better the 7.0L/100km LCT dispensation for green cars. As standard, the X3 xDrive20i features eight-speed automatic transmission, 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, electrically-assisted Servotronic power steering, rear-view camera, electro-chromatic mirror, Park Distance Control (front/rear), auto-on/off headlights, rain-sensing wipers, climate control, BMW Professional audio and Bluetooth connectivity.
The new model is scheduled to arrive in Australian BMW dealerships next month.
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