From its inception, the new BMW X3 has occupied the top slot among the competition by virtue of its compelling driving pleasure, convincing versatility and commanding presence anchored in high-calibre design and no-compromise premium quality.

Now this successful Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) is about to extend its lead even further on the efficiency front. From October 2011, the BMW X3 will see additions to the model range in the shape of the BMW X3 xDrive20i while the BMW X3 xDrive30d is available immediately.

All-new engines featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo technology endow both models with a further optimised performance to fuel consumption ratio. Added to which, the BMW X3 exudes even more appeal thanks to a fine-tuned range of standard equipment and special options.

The BMW X3 Drive20i will be available as the new entry-level model among the petrol variants. Its newly-developed 2.0 litre four-cylinder unit blends a hallmark BMW sporty power curve with exceptionally high efficiency.

The new engine’s BMW TwinPower Turbo technology includes a turbocharging system based on the twin-scroll principle; along with High Precision Injection direct petrol injection, Double-Vanos variable camshaft control and ValvetronicALVETRONIC variable valve control.

Thanks to the use of aluminium, the powerplant of the BMW X3 xDrive20i is particularly light in weight and reaches its peak output of 135 kW at 4 800rpm. Maximum torque of 270Nm is already available at 1 250rpm.

The new BMW X3 xDrive20i features an eight-speed automatic transmission. In both versions, the standard range of BMW EfficientDynamics technology includes, among other features, the Auto Start-Stop function, which automatically switches the engine off when the car is stationary at traffic lights or in congestion in order to avoid unnecessary fuel consumption when idling.

The BMW X3 xDrive30d generates a maximum output of 190 kW, reached at 4 000 rpm, and a maximum torque of 560Nm from 2 000 to 2 750rpm. The BMW TwinPower Turbo technology of the new all- aluminium unit comprises further advanced two-stage turbocharging (Variable Twin Turbo) and latest- generation common-rail direct
injection.

At low engine speeds the small turbocharger is deployed. The air it compresses is first fed past the larger turbocharger to the combustion chambers, ensuring limitless development of charge pressure. During heavier throttle application, an electronic controller of the bypass unit engages the larger turbocharger and comes equipped as standard with the eight-speed automatic transmission including Auto Start-Stop.

Thanks to its extended range of engines, the new BMW X3 now offers an unprecedented blend of superior driving characteristics and exemplary efficiency. It also scores with its versatile luggage compartment, providing as it does between 550 and 1 600 litres of space, as well as extremely high-quality and innovative equipment features.

With its new engines and enhanced equipment range, the BMW X3 has the perfect prerequisites to perpetuate its success story.

The extraordinary popularity of the SAV model is expressed not only in consistently strong demand, but also through positive feedback from recent reader surveys.