BMW holds pricing of next-gen X3

BMW will sharpen the value of its X3 when the grown-up second-generation SUV lands in Australian showrooms in March.

Despite a thorough re-engineering of the mid-sized all-wheel-drive wagon, the base price of the three-model range has been held at $62,200 for the 135kW/380Nm 2.0-litre X3 xDrive20d – the same as the first-generation entry level model.

This also is identical to the price of the equivalent Audi Q5 2.0 TDI, which went up by $500 last month.

BMW’s new mid-range 190kW/310Nm 3.0-litre X3 xDrive28i – replacing the 2.5 and 3.0-litre petrol six-cylinder-powered models of the former range – has been priced at $71,900, splitting the prices of the two outgoing models.

The price of the flagship diesel 190kW/560Nm X3 xDrive30d – which arrives mid year – will be cut by $2500 to $74,900, even though BMW claims a $10,000 gain in value. This undercuts the equivalent diesel Audi Q5 3.0 TDI by $600.

X3 pricing represents a $7220 premium over the AWD X1 in 2.0-litre diesel automatic form, creating a clear gap not only in price but – with a bigger body and lift in technology – function as well.

The X3 is also unlikely to clash in the market place with big brother X5, with a $17,200 gap between the most expensive X3 and the most affordable X5, the xDrive30d, at $92,100.

Announcing the pricing, BMW Group Australia acting managing director Peter Buchauer said the new X3 would build on the sales success of its predecessor with significant improvements in agility, efficiency and noticeably increased driving comfort.

“The new BMW X3 combines performance, elegance and practicality all in equal measure making it an especially relevant vehicle for the Australian market,” he said.

“In essence, it is the ultimate all-rounder.” All X3s will be equipped with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission that BMW claims affords gains in fuel efficiency and performance.

Fuel consumption is also aided by idle-stop – cutting the engine when the vehicle is stationary – and brake energy generation that charges the battery under deceleration.

Standard features across the range include rear view camera, a high-resolution 6.5-inch colour monitor, USB audio interface, Bluetooth, keyless start and electric power steering.

BMW X3 pricing:
xDrive20d	$62,200
xDrive28i	$71,900
xDrive30d	$74,900