New BMW X3 xDrive18d Details and Photos

The spring Sports Activity Vehicle collection received a new addition with the release of the new BMW X3 xDrive18d, a new entry level version which set its goals to deliver better fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions.

The new X3 is powered by a 2.0l four-cylinder diesel which delivers 143 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 350 Nm at 1,750 rpm. The new BMW X3 xDrive18d accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 10.3 seconds and has a top speed of 195 km/h (121 mph).

Making use of the standard EfficientDynamics the BMW X3 xDrive18d provides an average fuel consumption rate of 6.2l/100 km in EU test cycle (45.6 mpg) and a CO2 rating of 165 grams per kilometer. This makes it even more economical and cleaner than the former leader on the efficiency scale, the BMW X3 xDrive20d.

The permanent xDrive all-wheel drive system ensures variable distribution of drive power front-to-rear, with drive power constantly going to the wheels where it can be converted most effectively into actual driving forces on the road.

The new addition to the Sports Activity Vehicle range brings the number of total BMW X3 SAVs to no less than seven. The customer has the choice of three petrol-engine models with power output ranging from 150 horsepower to 272 horsepower and four diesel models, the most powerful of which is the 286 horsepower engine found on the BMW X3 xDrive35d.

BMW's decision to release yet another SAV version onto the troubled market might raise some eyebrows, but it seems the company thought this through. According to EurotaxSchwacke's AutomobilForecastIndex 2008, the SAV segment registered the lowest decline in value.