BMW now offers the new X3 sDrive18d, the first rear-wheel-drive model in the range, making X3 ownership highly accessible. The new model is equipped with a 143hp, 2.0-litre diesel engine, and comes with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic gearbox. It offers a smooth performance with excellent CO2 emissions and unsurpassed fuel economy. The new BMW X3 sDrive18d comes with a wide-ranging set of EfficientDynamics technologies. It has a CO2 emissions rating of only 135g/km and offers a combined fuel consumption of 55.4mpg, which means that it’s the most frugal X3 model as well as being the cleanest. These figures enable the sDrive18d to be positioned at VED Band E, with a Benefit in Kind (BIK) taxation rate of just 21%.
The outstanding fuel economy doesn’t affect performance with the 2.0-litre diesel engine producing 143hp, with a peak torque of 360Nm between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. As a result, the BMW X3 sDrive18d can accelerate from a standstill to 62mph in 9.9 seconds and can reach a maximum speed of 121mph. The SE model has a starting price of only £28,580 OTR, which means that the X3 sDrive18d is priced £2,890 lower than the xDrive20d.
The sDrive18d has the same standard equipment as the xDrive20d in every respect except for the Hill Descent Control, which is intended for four-wheel-drive models. The SE models use Auto Start-Stop, 17-inch alloy wheels, Drive Performance Control, Nevada Leather upholstery and BMW iDrive with a 6.5-inch colour screen. The M Sport models are sportier with extra features like a set of 18-inch alloy wheels, M aerodynamic bodystyling, Sport seats and Sport suspension.
