BMW X3 2017 pricing and spec confirmed

BMW Australia has confirmed pricing for its third-generation X3 due in November, with the initial three-tier range to kick off from $68,900 before on-road costs.

The introductory line-up will consist of mid-range 20d, 30i and 30d variants, while the entry-level 20i and flagship M40i are both likely to be added earlier in 2018.

Priced at $68,900, the 20d is $1100 dearer than before, but buyers will be compensated with more standard equipment and safety technologies than its predecessor.

Kit levels extend to 'xLine' exterior trim with matte-aluminium highlights, 19-inch alloy wheels, electric folding side mirrors, roof rails, leather sport steering wheel, front cloth/leather electric sports seats, LED head- and tail-lights, colour head-up display, wireless smartphone charging, 6.5-inch 'iDrive' multimedia system, 'Connected+' smartphone connectivity and satellite navigation with real-time traffic.

On the inside, there is a leather sport steering wheel, front cloth/leather electric sports seats and colour head-up display.

Safety and driver assistance features include park assist, front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera, lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning and pedestrian detection.

Employing a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine, the 20d has outputs of 140kW/400Nm, which enable a dash from zero to 100km/h in 8.0 seconds.

Fuel consumption on the combined cycle test is rated at 5.7 litres per 100 kilometres for the oil-burner, while its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are 149 grams per km.

All X3 variants are exclusively paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with power sent to the ground via BMW's 'xDrive' all-wheel-drive set-up.

The $75,900 30i and $83,900 30d (up $2900) share the same equipment levels, with 20-inch rims, 'Vernasca' leather upholstery, adaptive LED headlights, keyless entry, gear shift paddles, galvanised interior trim, 12.0-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.0-inch 'iDrive' touchscreen multimedia system on offer.

Their safety and driver assistance levels also increase to include high beam assist, steering and lane control assist, adaptive cruise control, cross traffic alert, lane keeping assist and 360-degree cameras.

A 185kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-pot unit motivates the 30i, which completes the triple-digit sprint in 6.3s, drinks 7.6L/100km and emits 174g/km.

Meanwhile, the 30d's 3.0-litre turbo-diesel six-cylinder powerplant outputs 195kW/620Nm, allowing a 5.8s zero-to-100km/h run, as well as 6.0L/100km fuel economy and 159g/km CO2 emissions figures.

Four options packages will be available, including 'M Sport' ($4550 for 20d, $3,800 on 30i and 30d), 'Innovations' ($2500 for 20d only), 'Exclusive' ($3800 on all variants) and 'Rear Comfort' ($1820 for all variants).

According to BMW Group Australia CEO Marc Werner, the new model is ready to claim top-of-the-class honours in the local mid-size SUV market.

“This third-generation BMW X3 sets a new bar in the medium SUV segment,” he said. “With an intelligent lightweight design, leading-edge infotainment systems and a spacious, family-friendly cabin environment, we expect the BMW X3 to be at the forefront of our brand for many years.”

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