Australian specifications and pricing have been announced for the new-generation 2018 BMW X3.
 
At launch, the range will consist of the X3 xDrive20d, X3 xDrive30i and X3 xDrive30d variants.
 
The new range will open with a price of $68,900 for the base model xDrive20d. The price of the new entry-level X3 has increased by almost $5,000 over the starting point of the outgoing range.
 
The xDrive20d will be powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine that produces 140kW of power and 400Nm of torque. BMW claims the xDrive20d can accelerate from 0-100km/h in a respectable 8.0 seconds. The combined fuel consumption figure is an impressive 5.7L/100km. All launch models will have power sent to all four wheels by an eight-speed automatic transmission.
 
For an entry model in the premium segment, the xDrive20d is well featured, standard equipment includes 19-inch alloy wheels, LED Headlights and Electric folding exterior mirrors.
 
Inside the cabin, buyers will find BMW’s latest infotainment system, iDrive6 which is accessed via a new 6.5-inch screen with the navigation system Business package. There’s also head up display, front and rear parking sensors, rear view camera and wireless phone charging.
 
Next up is the $75,900 (plus on-roads) xDrive30i which houses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, developing 185kW and 350Nm. 0-100km/h is achieved in a much quicker 6.3 seconds, and fuel use is rated at 7.6L/100km.
 
The additional fruit found on the xDrive30d includes 20-inch light alloy wheels, comfort access, ‘Vernasca’ leather upholstery, paddle shifters, parking assistant and Navigation system Professional with a 10-inch touchscreen.
 
At the top of the X3 launch range is the xDrive30d, at $83,900 (plus on-roads) it mirrors the specification of the xDrive30i, however, it’s powered by a 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine that delivers an impressive 195kW and 620Nm. This oiler accelerates to X3 from standstill to 100km/h in only 5.8 seconds and sips only 6.0L/100km.
 
Additional models will be added to the range in 2018. The highlight of the range will no doubt be the X3 M40i. This will be the hero model until the brand produces an X3 M. The M40i will be powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six that can produce 265kW of power and 500Nm of torque. BMW claims the M40i can cover the 0-100km/h sprint in just 4.8 seconds.
 
There’s also likely to be a xDrive20i which is available in other markets. The sDrive20i could also join the Australian portfolio, this model loses all-wheel drive which will mean a lower entry price.
 
As is often the case with premium brands, there are a variety of option packages for buyers to choose from.
 
The all-new third-generation X3 is available from November 2017.
 
2018 BMW X3 pricing (excluding on-road costs):
 
xDrive20d - $68,900
xDrive30i - $75,900
xDrive30d - $83,900
 
2018 X3 standard specification highlights:
 
xDrive20d
 
xLine exterior trim with matt aluminium design elements
19-inch light alloy wheels
Eight-speed automatic transmission
Electric folding exterior mirrors
Roof rails
Sport leather steering wheel
Electric sports front seats trimmed in combination cloth and leather upholstery
LED Headlights with extended contents
Full-colour Head-Up Display
Parking Assistant with front and rear park distance control and rear view camera
Driving Assistant with Lane Departure Warning
Wireless phone charging
Navigation system Business with Real-Time Traffic Information and Speed Limit Info
 
xDrive30i and 30d
 
20-inch light alloy wheels
‘Vernasca’ leather upholstery
Adaptive LED headlights with high-beam assist
Comfort Access System
Eight-speed sports automatic transmission with shift paddles
Driving Assistant Plus with galvanic embellishers
Parking Assistant Plus with Surround View
Multi-function instrument display with 12-inch display
Navigation system Professional with 10-inch touchscreen
 
Option packages:
 
M Sport Package ($4,550* on xDrive20d, $3,800* on xDrive30i and 30d)
 
‘Vernasca’ cloth/leather upholstery with black or blue contrast stitching (xDrive20d)
BMW Individual anthracite headliner
BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line
BMW Individual roof rails in high-gloss Shadow Line
Dynamic Damper Control
Interior trim in Aluminium Rhombicle pattern with Pearl Chrome highlights
LED fog lights
M Aerodynamics Package
M leather steering wheel
M Sport Suspension
19-inch M light-alloy wheels (xDrive20d)
Eight-speed Steptronic transmission with gearshift paddles (xDrive20d)
20-inch M light-alloy wheels (xDrive30i and 30d)
M Sport Brake
 
Innovations Package ($2,500* for X3 xDrive20d)
 
Comfort Access
Parking Assistant Plus
Multi-function instrument display
Adaptive LED headlights
 
Exclusive Package ($3,800*, all variants)
 
Ambient interior light
Sensatec instrument panel
Woodgrain interior trims
Front seat Lumbar Support
Front seat heating
HiFi Sound System
 
Rear Comfort Package ($1,820, all variants)
 
Roller blind for rear side windows
Seat heating, front and rear
Rear seat backrest adjustment
 
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