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A new entry-level BMW X3 has been announced. The X3 xDrive 18d may be marked as 18d giving the assumption of a 1.8-litre but it is in fact, using a 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine. Delivering 105kW (143hp) of power at 4,000rpm and 350Nm of torque at 1,750rpm, the new model is certainly not short of grunt. But where it will excel the most is in the fuel economy arena.

BMW says the xDrive 18d will sip an average of 6.2 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres (or average 45.6mpg imp.) in the EU cycle. That gives it a range of between 650 and 700 kilometres to the tank.

The X3 has been a good seller for BMW, with the current model having sold over 500,000 units since its introduction in 2003. It was for a long time the only premium SUV in its class of cars. BMW still sells more AWD vehicles in the premium segment than any other player. The X3 plays a major role in that.

Potential buyers of the car can choose from petrol and diesel engines ranging in power output from 110kW (150hp) to 210kW (286hp) for the twin turbo diesel xDrive35d.
Source: BMW via:World Car Fans