New BMW X3 xDrive20i and xDrive35d Coming This Fall

German automaker BMW today announced the X3 range will expand from autumn 2011 with the addition of the BMW X3 xDrive20i and the BMW X3 xDrive35d. The new BMW X3 lineup will thus come with a choice of three petrol engines and three diesel units spanning an output range of 184 hp to 313 hp.

As for the two new units, the BMW X3 Drive20i will be available as the new entry-level model among the petrol variants. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine is particularly light in weight and reaches its peak output of 184 hp at 4,800 rpm. Maximum torque of 270 Newton metres is already available at 1,250 rpm.

The new BMW X3 xDrive20i features a six-speed manual gearbox as standard with the option of an eight-speed automatic transmission. In both versions, the standard range of BMW EfficientDynamics technology includes, among other features, the Auto Start-Stop function, which automatically switches the engine off when the car is stationary at traffic lights or in congestion in order to avoid unnecessary fuel consumption when idling.

On the other hand, the new 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel in the BMW X3 xDrive35d develops 313hp at 4,400 rpm, and 630 Newton metres on tap from as low as 1,500 to 2,500 rpm. The BMW X3 xDrive35d comes equipped as standard with the eight-speed automatic transmission including Auto Start-Stop.

For autumn 2011, the new BMW X3 range will also get extra special options, such as the automatic release of the electromechanical parking brake, and extended ange of mobility services from BMW ConnectedDrive. As an added option on the interior design front, the trim elements on the instrument panel can now also be specified in High-gloss Black.