BMW X3 gains two new models

By Matt Brogan | November 03rd, 2008

BMW’s X3 is set to receive two new model designations this December with the release of special edition ‘Exclusive’ and ‘Lifestyle’ packages to the model range.

The new additions have model names that coincide with an update to the engine designation, following in the footsteps of its bigger brother, the new BMW X6. Nomenclature is now referred to as X3 xDrive20d or X3 xDrive30d, etc.

With Australian sales of the X3 up 15 percent this year, taking total sales of the model to 5,200 since release, the new Lifestyle and Exclusive Editions add fresh combinations of paint colour, seat upholstery and alloy wheels to the line up for increased individuality. Both the Lifestyle and Exclusive are available with four and six cylinder diesel or six cylinder petrol engines.

The Lifestyle Edition comes with 17-inch V-spoke alloy wheels (18-inch available as an option), a graphite metallic finish grille and tail pipe finisher. A multi-function, leather trimmed sports steering wheel is also standard. Leather seat trim remains optional.

The Edition Exclusive, which sits above the Lifestyle Edition, gains 18-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlamps and an exterior lighting package. Exclusive also picks up the multi-function steering wheel as well as electric front seats (with driver’s side memory), front seat heaters, and fine walnut woodgrain trim.

New pearlescent chrome knobs for the radio the optional navigation system and the handbrake button are fitted across the range.

“These updates ensure the BMW X3 will continue its impressive story of success in Australia,” said Tom Noble, General Manager Marketing, at BMW Group Australia. “The BMW X3, particularly in the new xDrive20d guise with its sub-7.0-litres per 100km fuel economy provides a deliciously tempting package for customers who want to avoid paying Luxury Car Tax, yet still want to enjoy one of the most luxurious and competent all-wheel drive vehicles available.”

“The BMW X3 is a proven winner, securing a class victory in the 2008 J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Index recently undertaken in Germany, as well as being the No 1 choice of readers of the AWD magazine “Auto Bild Allrad”, whose readers previously selected it as “All-Wheeler of the Year” in 2006 and 2007″.

Pricing:

BMW X3 xDrive20d Lifestyle $61,830
BMW X3 xDrive25i Lifestyle $69,157
BMW X3 xDrive30i Lifestyle $74,877
BMW X3 xDrive30d Lifestyle $76,996

(Note: The Exclusive Package is optionally available for $2,900)

Reckless1

The outside design is so “busy”, it looks like a Korean vehicle with a copied grille.

No clean elegance there at all.
pious

agreed. not a fan of the marque (in its current style), but I do like the X5. The X3 looks too boxy and stunted. The Q5 suffers similarly. the XC60 might not be as good, but at least they got the lines right
Myke

It is a frumpy looking thing, the X5 is a much better opinion, plus if you added any options onto the X3, the price would be in X5 territory. The X3 and X6 look so reduntant next to the X5.
Alex

I agree on the looks being bad but somehow I’ve always liked it. Probably because it’s still one of the truly compact SUVs.
Sam

Oh thank God. I was beginning to think I was the only one to question the exterior design of this car. This is an ugly car from any angle. The pics of the upcoming X1 look even worse.
NotTheStig

All they have ever needed to do so that it wouldn’t turn me off totally would be to fix up the tailgate decor panel and the tailight extentions.

If they had just made them “normal” and not in silly 45 degree angles, it would be much more acceptable IMHO.
Andrew

I’d say they are losing a few customers to Land Rover with the Freelander 2 which has been some what of a success in Europe, MIddle East and Russia. Even so compared to this new variant the Freelander 2 has more torque, more boot space, more payload, more towing capacity, more of road capability, more standard equipment and is $9K cheaper or even more so if you option the X3 up to a similar specification.
Cupid Stunt aka No Name

Yep ugly – Its never been well received in Europe by the press when compared to the X5. Buy the freelander like Andrew says.
Dion

Meh, would much rather spend the money on a decent 2nd hand X5
LOVE GTR

I’m waiting for the XC60. Might not drive as well as the X3 on the racetrack but will be better looking, safer and cheaper.
Wild Colonial Boy

The best compact 4WD by a long way. OK a bit pricey, but get in one and it drives “like a BMW”. Simply saying not as good as the X5, and costs almost as much, doesn’t work now the X5 has 7 seats & has risen in price. (Some people don’t want an X5 size vehicle and would have moved elswhere.) Comparing X3 with ML280 (as some sites offer as competitor) is also rediculous, as you won’t get one of those on the road sub-$100,000. Nearest 2.0 diesel competitor from Europe would be the VW Tiguan, which it beats on size, performance,& economy. Most other midsize competitors don’t offer diesel option.
http://caradvice.com.au Alan

Now that the Q5 has arrived in Oz, we have a top quality mid-sized 4wd, with looks, engineering, performance, economy, safety, technology, space, and quality. This car will have BMW dealers squirming, as their slow selling X3 is usurped by the new kid on the block. No doubt there are buyers who will support BMW (for the badge cachet – ask Jeremy Clarkson) but for the complete package, there’s not a car out there that beats it………yep, not even the clever XC60, which is burdened with old engines.