Cheapest BMW X3 ever launched here

BMW Australia this week announced a fourth model variant to its popular X3 range that brings the starting price below $60,000 for the first time.

The new petrol-powered xDrive20i model will be available in local showrooms from next month priced at $59,200 plus on-road costs – lower than at any time since the X3 was launched here in 2004 and some $3000 less than the previous cheapest model.

Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine developing 135kW of power and 270Nm of torque, the X3 xDrive20i will accelerate from rest to 100km/h in 8.6 seconds – only one-tenth of a second slower than the diesel-powered xDrive20d that until now opened the range at $62,200.

Standard specification of the new entry-level xDrive20i matches that of the xDrive20d, including an eight-speed automatic transmission, 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control with braking function, rear view camera, auto-dipping interior mirror, parking sensors front and rear, automatic wipers and headlights, climate-control air-conditioning and Bluetooth.

BMW claims class-leading fuel efficiency of 7.5L/100km thanks to features such as idle-stop, electric power steering, brake energy regeneration and low rolling resistance tyres. C02 output is listed at 175g/km.

The other two models in the X3 range are the xDrive28i at $71,900 and the xDrive30d at $74,900.

BMW X3 pricing (pluson-roads):
xDrive20i(a)	$59,200
XDrive20d (a)	$62,200
xDrive28i (a)	$71,900
xDrive30d (a)	$74,900