- One of the biggest changes on the 2013 BMW X3 28i is the substitution of the 241-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder for the current 240-hp naturally aspirated 3.0-liter inline-6.
- Production of the 2013 X3 for the U.S. starts in April.
- European customers will be offered a choice of three gas and three diesel models.
MUNICH, Germany — BMW will shift over to production of the 2013 X3 in April, with European customers to be offered a choice of three gasoline and three diesel variants.
For the U.S. market, one of the biggest changes on the 2013 BMW X3 xDrive28i is the substitution of the 241-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder for the current 240-hp naturally aspirated 3.0-liter inline-6. The engine will continue to be paired with an eight-speed automatic.
The most potent version for the U.S. will continue to be the X3 xDrive35i, with its 300-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6.
In Europe, BMW also plans to offer a 181-hp X3 xDrive20i four-cylinder gasoline model with six-speed manual gearbox. Diesel variants include the 181-hp X3 xDrive20d, the 255-hp X3 xDrive30d and the 308-hp X3 xDrive35d.
Inside Line says: BMW continues to replace its larger, thirstier engines with smaller-displacement units, most of the time without much sacrifice in power or torque.
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jmcbmw says:
06:49 PM, 01/28/2012
Wonder if will be a full LCI and update the black trim outside etc.. as I would expect. My options for a new lease June are expanding!
blueguydotcom says:
09:12 PM, 01/25/2012
@lucien4 - yeah... for BMW fans hybrids aren't really a realistic option. Too much weight and no real benefit. Drive an X5 diesel and then try Lexus's (any suv-thingy really). Totally different worlds.
lbjgh says:
07:01 PM, 01/25/2012
Having driven the X1 with the turbo 4cyl motor I can say this is a great move for BMW.
There is nothing wrong with the normally aspirated 3.0L six but the increase torque (at lower rpm) will really suit the X3.
I was holding off on purchasing an X3 because it was clear the N20 would be available soon... just in time for me to purchase a 28i!
lucien4 says:
05:02 PM, 01/25/2012
In Germany diesel fuel is subsidized by the government so that's why you see a lot more diesels there (bit cheaper than premium). In US diesel fuel is currently on average 5% more expensive than premium (and 14% compared to regular). In addition due to lower sales volumes you will pay also a higher premium in the US for a diesel vehicle.
Lexus RX hybrid reaches today 30 mpg without requiring diesel. On top of that it's the combined rating. If BMW and VW/Audi would have more heavily focused on hybrids decade ago they could have offered a competitive alternative to the RX (but they focused mainly on Europe obviously and saved some money that way). The upcoming Q5 hybrid won't quite reach the mpg of RX but it's a start.
damaje says:
08:54 AM, 01/25/2012
@ Blueguy: Agree here on the diesel, I travel to Europe once or twice a year and usually rent or borrow friends cars, usually BMW and Mercedes diesels, you would be amazed how the 4cyl diesels feel, they should bring the 4 cyl diesel for the 1 series as its only diesel and offer the 3 and X3 each with a 4 cyl diesel option. Heck even the 5 series with the 4 cyl diesel drives well and does not feet under powered while getting better gas mileage than the 6cyl diesel offered in the 3 here.
blueguydotcom says:
08:43 AM, 01/25/2012
Still don't get why they only offer their brilliant diesel in the X5. It makes up 1/3rd of X5 sales and owners adore the fantastic gas mileage. Put that engine in the X3 and they'd be able to give us 30 MPG highway... not a bad trade-off.