New BMW X3 from under $70K
BMW has announced pricing for the launch range of its third-generation X3BMW’s third-generation X3 mid-size premium SUV will launch Down Under in November, priced from $68,900 (plus on-road costs)
All-new, with external design by BMW’s Aussie star scribbler Calvin Luk, the new X3 will be offered in three model grades from launch. More variants including a hi-performance version are expected to be added from 2018.
For now, the entry model is the turbo-diesel X3 xDrive20d. With 140kW and 400Nm, it is powered by a 2.0-litre direct-injection powerplant coupled an eight-speed auto and BMW’s xDrive permanent all-wheel drive system.
BMW quotes a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 8.0sec and ADR Combined fuel economy of 5.7L/100km.
The X3 xDrive20d’s standard equipment includes a small screen ‘Business’ navigation/infotainment system, DAB+ tuner and combo cloth/leather upholstery. Three zone air-con, 40:20:40-split folding rear seating and a powered tailgate are also standard, as are cruise control, auto parking, head-up display and auto speed zone detection.
The base X3 rolls on 19-inch rubber and features a powered driver’s seat and BMW ConnectedDrive functionality.
We’d expect BMW Australia to introduce a cheaper 2.0-litre petrol rear-drive sDrive20i X3 variant before too long.
The other X3 launch variants are the four-cylinder turbo-petrol X3 xDrive30i and six-cylinder turbo-diesel X3 xDrive30d, priced from $75,900 and $83,900 respectively.
Identically specified, the xDrive30i and xDrive30d add comforts such as full leather upholstery keyless access and full size ‘Professional’ nav and black-panel centre stack. The models run on 20-inch alloys and driver assistance features added include adaptive cruise control, 3D camera and the like.
BMW’s X3 has never been a top-seller Down Under. Audi’s Q5 has consistently outsold it.
With the new model BMW Australia will be seeking to turn the tables on the Q5 and relative newcomers to the segment such as Mercedes-Benz’s GLC range.
“This third-generation BMW X3 sets a new bar in the medium SAV [SUV] segment,” BMW Group Australia CEO Marc Werner stated.
“We expect the BMW X3 to be at the forefront of our brand for many years,” he added.
2018 BMW X3 pricing (plus ORCs):
X3 xDrive20d
2.0-litre turbo-diesel: 140kW, 400Nm, 5.7L/100km — $68,900
X3 xDrive30i
2.0-litre turbo petrol: 185kW, 350Nm, 7.6L/100km — $75,900
X3 xDrive30d
3.0-litre turbo-diesel: 195kW, 620Nm, 6.0L/100km — $83,900
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