Facelift and more horses for X3

BMW has officially launched its facelifted X3 model range Down Under. Debuted to the press in north eastern Victoria today (December 14), the mid-sized SUV is already on sale with first local deliveries underway.

Three models make up the range with price increases limited to a maximum of $1500 (for the 3.0si) in spite of the arrival of more powerful (and efficient) petrol engines, an upgrade in safety equipment including standard Dynamic Stability Control and quality and equipment changes across the range.

The entry level X3 2.5si now boasts a mag-alloy 160kW/250Nm 2.5-litre six mated to a choice of six-speed manual or auto gearboxes. The 2.5si are up $1000, priced at $65,900 and $68,500 respectively.

The X3 3.0si jumps from 170kW to 200kW/315Nm adopting the new-generation 3.0-litre engine so admired in the likes of the Z4 3.0si Coupe and 530i. Priced at $73,900 it is offered in auto only – now also a six-speeder.

Auto-only too is the sole X3 diesel, the 3.0d with its 160kW/480Nm turbodiesel. Increased just $500, the 3.0d is priced from $75,900.

BMW claims significant performance increases for the new petrol engines as well as fuel economy benefits of up to 12 per cent. The 200kW 3.0si accelerates from 0-100km/h in 7.5sec, an improvement of around 0.6sec, says BMW.

The marque has also taken the unusual step of standardising the original equipment offered across the engine grades. Difference between the entry-level 2.5si, 3.0si and turbodiesel 3.0d are limited to the powertrains and new 17-inch alloy wheel designs.

All three X3s benefit from a facelift that sees both front and rear restyled. At the front there are new headlights, a deeper signature double-kidney grille and more aggressive front bumper and air-dam profile. The rear also gets new inner lamps and a reprofiled valance. Gone are the swathes of black plastic that gave the previous X3 a somewhat down market look.

Inside the cabin benefits from an upgrade aimed at raising the perceived quality of the X3, which previously suffered in comparisons with its 3 Series cousins and X5 stablemate.

The new cabin features a redesigned instrument panel, new steering wheel, centre console, seats, revised trim levels and new door trims and roof lining.

All models feature ‘Nevada’ leather upholstery and a choice of brushed aluminium, fine wood in poplar grain grey, ash grain or poplar grain light interior trims. The new X3 also adds four new exterior colours (Crimson Red, Platinum Bronze, Monaco Blue and Montego Blue).

Convenience items such as Bluetooth phone preparation, MP3 input, ski-bag, rear cargo net and so on are also now included in the standard spec.

Today’s X3 launch also marked the last official media call for departing BMW Australia boss, Dr Franz Sauter. Dr Sauter returns to Germany in early 2007 to take up a position as the worldwide chief of BMW Quality Management and Customer Care. His replacement, Mr Guenther Seemann commences in February.

Look out for CarPoint’s launch review of the revised X3 range soon.