BMW Australia has introduced the new 2012 BMW X3 xDrive28i. The variant features BMW’s latest 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine, replacing the outgoing 3.0-litre naturally aspirated straight six.
The new variant means the entire X3 lineup is now turbocharged. The 28i joins the entry-level xDrive20i – which features a slightly detuned version of the same 2.0 turbo engine (135kW/270Nm) – the xDrive20d (135kW/380Nm), and the range-topping xDrive30d (190kW/560Nm).
For the xDrive28i, the TwinPower engine produces 180kW from 5000rpm, and 350Nm available from 1250-4800rpm. Acceleration from 0-100km/h can be taken care of in 6.7 seconds, or around 0.2 seconds quicker than the outgoing 3.0-litre 28i model.
Despite the decent performance, the new xDrive28i comes with a combined fuel consumption rating of 7.5L/100km, which compares very well to the previous 9.0L/100km rating of the 190kW 3.0-litre. Stop-start technology is fitted as standard.
The new engine is slowly making its way into just about all BMW models, and is currently available in the new 3 Series 328i and the 5 Series 528i.
Full pricing for the new X3 range is as follows (excluding on-road costs):
2012 BMW X3 xDrive20i – $59,500
2012 BMW X3 xDrive20d – $62,500
2012 BMW X3 xDrive28i – $72,900
2012 BMW X3 xDrive30d – $75,900
