The most significant powerplant is a twin-turbo 3.0-litre diesel with an output of 286hp and 580Nm of torque that has been developed from the engine used by the BMW 535d. The X3 3.0sd has a zero to 62mph time of 6.6 seconds and a 149mph top speed.
*Refers to M Sport models with VR rated tyres. Completing the line up of new six-cylinder engines to the X3 are a 2.5-litre 218hp petrol unit and a new 272hp 3.0-litre petrol engine. Both of these powerplants are based on the world’s lightest production six-cylinder engine constructed of aluminium and magnesium alloy.
The smaller capacity engine can power the X3 from zero to 62mph in 8.5 seconds before going on to a top speed of 137mph. The higher output 3.0-litre engine reaches 62mph from zero in just 7.5 seconds before attaining a top speed of 142mph.
Two other choices of engine are offered. A 150hp 2.0-litre diesel represents the entry point of X3. Further up the scale the existing 218hp 3.0-litre diesel engine is also offered.
With the exception of the BMW X3 3.0si and 3.0sd, which use a six-speed automatic gearbox, all X3 variants come with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. A six-speed automatic gearbox is also an option on all six-cylinder engined cars.
The look of the X3 has changed slightly.
At the front a larger kidney grille sits above a redesigned front bumper and spoiler. On the new car a colour-coded spoiler with vertical uprights is positioned below the dark swathe of the bumper, while the front foglights are now incorporated into the main section of the bodywork. The X3 3.0sd rides on 18-inch light alloy wheels as standard.
The side profile remains the same, but the new rear light clusters feature rods of LED lights. The styling of the rear bodywork has also changed with colour-coded panels now extending lower down the bodywork.
Inside, there is a new three-spoke steering wheel and centre console materials improved.
For the first time on a BMW X model BMW’s Dynamic Stability Control + (DSC+) system is fitted as standard. DSC+ on the X3 comes with four additional features aimed at improving safety: brake pre-tensioning (shortens stopping distances during an emergency stop by priming the brakes should the driver lift off the accelerator sharply in preparation); brake drying (improves braking performance in the wet by periodically applying the brake pads to scrub away the film of water that can build up on the brake disc); hill start assistant (allows a manual transmission car to pull away smoothly on a gradient without rolling backwards) and brake fade compensation (applies additional braking without any extra effort from the driver should sensors detect that the brake pads are starting to lose ‘bite’ due to heat build up).
Prices and full specification of the new X3 will be announced before its on sale date in the autumn.
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