2014 BMW X3 refreshed with more equipment and new diesel engine

BMW Australia has announced the pricing and specification of the updated BMW X3,with prices increasing by between $900 – $1,900. With rejuvenated exterior styling, including a comprehensive refresh to the face of the car, better equipment and more powerful and economical diesel engine, BMW said the new X3 is sure to please.

Read ForceGT’s BMW X3 Review here.

“The X3 has always been a very successful vehicle for the BMW Group, especially in Australia, and is recognised for its sparkling performance, style and functionality.

“These additional styling upgrades complement the vehicle’s dynamic on- and off-road capability, and the increased value – up to $6,000 of extra standard equipment in some models – makes the X3 a more attractive proposition than ever before.

“The end result? The customer is the winner,” said Toni Andreevski, General Manager of marketing for BMW Group Australia.

The new X3 now sports a bolder interpretation of the iconic BMW kidney grille that extends to meet with the restyled twin circular headlights. Both front and rear bumpers have also been updated with contour lines, while the LED indicators are now housed in the exterior mirrors.

The interior has similarly been enhanced and now boasts high-gloss black panels for the automatic climate control system, new cup holders in the centre console with sliding cover and four new interior trims, including three new wood trim options with pearl-effect chrome highlights.

Three new leather upholsteries featuring specific stitching and X embossment on the front seat headrests (standard for X3 xDrive28i and X3xDrive30d) are available in black, mocha and ivory white.  A stainless steel finisher protecting the luggage compartment entry sill and a BMW xLine designation on the door sills are further refinements to the new BMW X3.

Also new for the updated X3 is the diesel powerplant in the X3 xDrive20d. The new generation all-aluminium 2.0 litre diesel engine uses common rail direct injection running at an increased pressure of 2,000 bar which, amongst other improvements, pushes the output to 140 kW and 400 Nm of torque, an increase of 5kw and 20 Nm over the predecessor. This increased performance cuts the car’s 0-100 km/h by 0.4 seconds to 8.1, whilst also returning improved fuel consumption figures and emissions of 5.2L/100 km and 138 g/km.

BMW has also increased the standard specification across the X3 range.

For both the X3 xDrive20i and X3 xDrive20d this has resulted in Bi-Xenon headlights, gearshift paddles, extended smartphone connectivity including audio streaming and the lights package now included as standard above the predecessor. In addition, the new design 18-inch alloy wheels combine with the new xLine styling package to further enhance the vehicle’s dynamic appeal.

Upgrades for the X3 xDrive28i and X3 xDrive30d include standard fitment of the sports automatic transmission with gearshift paddles, 360 degree surround during parking manoeuvres, lights package and the 12 speaker HiFi sound system. Also included are newly designed 19-inch alloy wheels and extended content for the xLine package – such as Nevada leather upholstery with specific stitching and X embossment on the front headrests.

Coinciding with the launch of the new BMW X3 is the arrival of BMW ConnectedDrive, which provides access to a comprehensive range of in-car services and apps for unrivalled connectivity. This means all models in the new X3 range will come equipped with a permanent SIM card installed with BMW Teleservices and Intelligent emergency call activated. Optionally available is the ConnectedDrive Lifestyle package which includes ConnectedDrive services (BMW Online and apps) and Remote services or the ConnectedDrive Freedom package which adds Real Time Traffic Information and Concierge services as well as ConnectedDrive services and remote services.

BMW X3 Australian Pricing: