BMW reveals Aussie pricing for X3 M40i

BMW has announced the price and specification details for the X3 M40i, the powerful new flagship of the X3 range.

Due here in July, the X3 will just sneak in below a hundred grand, at $99,900 before on-road costs.

For that sort of money, the buyer gets a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder petrol engine producing 265kW and 500Nm. Peak torque is available from 1520 to 4800rpm.

The engine drives through an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission with shift paddles, and BMW's adaptive xDrive all-wheel drive system. To maximise the performance available – 4.8 seconds for 0-100km/h – a launch control system is fitted as standard.

Other standard features include Adaptive M suspension, M Sport differential, M Sport exhaust, M Sport brakes and 21-inch alloy wheels. The brake calipers are presented in blue. Tyres are mixed run-flats, measuring 245/40 R21 at the front and 275/35 R21 at the rear.

Despite the big chunk of powerplant up front, the X3 M40i retains BMW's traditional 50:50 weight distribution, with intensive use of lightweight materials. That helps fuel consumption also, which BMW claims to be 8.9L/100km in the combined-cycle test.

Externally, the X3 M40i comes with an M Aerodynamics Package (comprising a rear wing on the roof, body fixtures in coordinating Cerium Grey and black chrome exhaust pipe tips), adaptive LED headlights, LED fog lights/tail lights, and BMW Individual Shadow Line trim and roof rails.

Comfort and convenience features consist of leather Vernasca upholstery for the seats, front-seat heating with electric adjustment (including lumbar support), a BMW Individual anthracite headlining, M leather-bound steering wheel, aluminium decorative trim, a 16-speaker Harman/Kardon Surround Sound audio, with 10.25-inch infotainment touch screen, iDrive6 control and voice recognition.

Additionally, a 12.3-inch multi-function (instrument and trip computer) display presents information for the driver in selectable modes: Eco-Pro, Comfort, Sport and Sport+.

Active safety and driver-assist technology in the X3 M40i is enhanced with Driving Assistant Plus, which incorporates Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go, front cross-traffic warning, Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Lane keeping assistant and Side Collision Warning. Parking is made easier with the X3's Parking Assistant Plus, which features Active Park Distance Control, Surround View, Panorama View and 3D View.

“We welcome the first-ever M Performance version of the X3, the M40i, to what is a highly competitive market in Australia,” says BMW Australia CEO, Marc Werner.

“With that wonderful BMW turbocharged six and a distinctive M Performance look and feel, the M40i is a fantastic combination of versatility, luxury, dynamics and sensational performance,” Werner was quoted saying in a press release.

BMW X3 pricing (plus ORCs):
X3 sDrive20i – $66,900
X3 xDrive20d – $69,900
X3 xDrive30i – $76,900
X3 xDrive30d – $84,900
X3 M40i – $99,900 (new)