Six-pot diesel for 3 Series, twin-turbo V8 for X6

BMW will expand its 3 Series lineup to include a 520Nm six-cylinder turbodiesel model. The new 330d will arrive as part of the mid-life upgrade for the current E90 3 Series range.

The 330d features a single-turbo 3.0-litre direct-injected inline six rated at 180kW and 520Nm. BMW claims it sprints to 100km/h from standstill in 6.1sec and returns a fuel economy figure of just 5.7L/100km in combined testing.

The turbo-six will be matched to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The midlife upgrade is limited to the 3 Series sedan and wagon. With the exception of the arrival of BMW's M-DCT transmission in the 335i variants, the 3 Series coupe and cabrio continue unchanged.

Changes for the 3 Series sedan and wagon include a new front bumper/spoiler assembly featuring revised air intakes in the lower half. The headlights have also been mildly reworked, and there's a new bonnet with a power bulge of sorts.

Interior updates include the incorporation of the latest generation of the company's trademark iDrive controller and more services (including internet access) provided by the BMW ConnectDrive telematics system.

In other BMW news, the company has confirmed timing and local pricing for the twin-turbo petrol version of the X6 Sports Activity Coupe.

Priced from $145,000 (at 33 per cent LCT), the X6 xDrive50i is powered by a twin-turbo 4.4-litre petrol V8 that produces 300kW and 600Nm. The engine features petrol direct-injection and accelerates the four-seater behemoth from 0-100km/h in 5.4sec seconds. Combined fuel economy is 13.8L/100km.

The top X6 model, the xDrive50i rolls on 20-inch alloys and features a commensurately high level of equipment. BMW claims it is quicker and more frugal than its chief competitors -- the Range Rover Sport and Porsche Cayenne GTS.

The X6 xDrive50i hits BMW dealers in December.