The Highlight of the Minor Change: The 2.0-liter Diesel

X3The minor change model of the "X3", which began sales in Japan in March 2011, has been announced in its home country of Germany. The new "X3" adopts wider headlights connected to the kidney grille, and changes the design of the front and rear bumpers, centered around the air intake shape. The optional LED headlights can now be fitted, and the newly equipped door mirrors with integrated LED turn signals further enhance its refined image.

Inside, subtle changes have been made, such as the adoption of high-gloss black panels, cup holders with slide covers on the center console, and the optional new automatic climate control system, making it seem more user-friendly and evolved.



For the powertrain, a new 2.0-liter twin-power turbo diesel engine with a maximum output of 140 kW (190 hp) has been added. The "X3" in its home market boasts a wide range of variations, with a lineup of four diesel engines and three gasoline engines.

This newly added all-aluminum new 2.0-liter twin-power turbo diesel engine, utilizing the latest common rail direct injection system with solenoid valve injectors, can inject fuel at a high pressure of 2,000 bar. The adoption of such the latest systems allows it to deliver a maximum torque of 400 Nm (40.8 kgm) at a low range of just 1,750-2,250 rpm.

The "X3 xDrive20d", which combines the new 2.0-liter diesel engine with the 8-speed automatic transmission (optional in its home market), achieves a 7.1 percent reduction in fuel consumption compared to the previous model, with CO2 emissions suppressed to 141-138 g/km. The fuel economy is a remarkable 19.2 km per liter, placing it at the top of its class. For reference, the 0-100 km/h acceleration is 8.1 seconds, an improvement of 0.4 seconds over the previous model.

The minor change model of the "X3", expected to be introduced in Japan as early as this summer, is noteworthy for its combination of class-leading fuel efficiency and BMW's signature driving dynamics.