The 2.0-litre diesel will be the first variant to reach the market and is expected to be the most popular model. With 184hp BMW claims it will reach 210km/h flat-out and accelerate from 0-100km/h in 8.5 seconds. Fuel consumption is 5.6 litres/100km (50.4mpg) while CO2 emissions are 149g/km.
Specifying an automatic transmission does not affect performance or economy, but does bring a 2g/km improvement in emissions. It is also the first BMW in Ireland to offer Auto Start-Stop with the eight-speed automatic gearbox as well as on the manual variant. The emissions put this version of the X3 in Band C for €302 annual road tax.
Standard equipment includes leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, an iDrive controller and colour display. Customers can also specify a range of options including panoramic sunroof, premium audio equipment and Xenon headlamps.
Next year BMW will expand the X3 range with two more diesel versions and an M Sport model.
Click here for our pre-production drive of the new BMW X3.
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