BMW X3 adds new two-wheel drive entry-level model | CarAdvice

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BMW X3 adds new two-wheel drive entry-level model

BMW X3
By David Zalstein |
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The BMW X3 sDrive18d will expand the current BMW X3 range to include its first two-wheel drive variant and provide a new introductory price point into the Bavarian-built SUV.

The rear-wheel drive BMW X3 sDrive18d sports a 105kW 2.0-litre diesel engine delivering 360Nm between 1750-2500rpm and is available with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission.

The shift from 4WD to 2WD sees a significant weight reduction combine with fuel-saving technology including brake energy regeneration, optimum shift indication and auto stop/start, to provide fuel consumption figures of 5.1 litres per 100 kilometres (5.4L/100km auto) and emissions of 135 grams of CO2 per kilometre (142g/km of CO2 auto). These improved stats make the X3 sDrive18d the cleanest and most fuel-efficient model in the X3 range.

Despite the efficiency benefits, a 0-100km/h time of 9.9 seconds, a top speed of 195km/h and a towing capacity of 2000kg ensure practical usability remains.

BMW X3 Front Side

BMW Australia’s Piers Scott told CarAdvice that while the new entry-level X3 wasn’t on the current model range plan, the local brand isn’t ruling it out for the future. Strengthening its case could be the success of the entry-level two-wheel drive variants of the smaller BMW X1, which have proved popular since going on sale in Australia in October 2010.

Currently the BMW X3 range includes two diesels and two petrol engines spread across the xDrive20i, xDrive20d, xDrive28i and range-topping xDrive30d nameplates.


 

  • Michael Todd

    I trade so many AWD cars that were bought with the intention of heading “off road” and never did. Unless you use them all the time the cost of running the AWD gear under the car is significant. 

  • moi

    ????$$$$$

  • Martin

    What? Why would you not bring that in? Some people might find that amount of power to be less than sufficient and it would be a great entry into the BMW brand if they priced it around $55,000. I know my parents would like a BMW SUV and this would make egress and ingress much easier on them, and they don’t need to fly along so this would be perfect for them. 

  • Sydlocal

    David, you may need to amend your article. The X3 is not and has never been built in Bavaria. The current model is built in the USA alongside the X5 and X6 in Spartanburg, South Carolina with the previous generation being made in Austria.

  • 255surryhills

    What is the point of this article if BMW Australia don’t intend to import it?  Just filling space? Nothing worthwhile to discuss?