BMW New Zealand has bolstered the X3 line-up with the introduction of the X3 M40d, offering a choice of high performance petrol or diesel powertrains for the first time in the luxury crossover SUV model.
The launch of the new BMW X3 M40d offers Kiwis a second BMW M Performance model in the X3 model range, with two distinct and potent high performance six-cylinder engines now available. BMW also say the X3 M40d holds the unique position of being the only high performance diesel-powered mid-size SUV in the premium segment.
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The X3 M40i is set to be priced from $122,900 and powered by an in-line six-cylinder diesel generating 240kW of power and maximum torque of 680Nm available at 1,750rpm thanks to multi-stage turbocharging and direct injection technology. The new diesel power unit ensures the BMW X3 M40d achieves a sub-five second dash from 0-100km/h, taking only 4.9 seconds.
By comparison, The $119,850 petrol-powered X3 M40i has a six-cylinder petrol engine that puts out 265kW of power and 500Nm of torque, and the company says it takes 4.8 seconds to go from 0 to 100km/h.
Specification of the new BMW X3 M40d mirrors that of the petrol X3 M40i with M Performance-specific exterior design cues throughout, including the M Aerodynamics package, M Sport braking package, adaptive M Sport suspension with M Performance-specific tuning, variable sport steering and 21-inch light-alloy wheels as standard.
The BMW X3 M40d features an xDrive all-wheel-drive system has a far more pronounced rear bias than on the other model versions. The Performance Control feature integrated into the DSC system and acting on the rear wheels has been reconfigured to produce the dynamism, agility and traction M models are famous for.
In the cabin there's sports seats and “M40d” logos on the front door sill strips and instrument panel.
“I am thrilled to have this exciting new model join our BMW X3 range”, says BMW New Zealand Managing Director, Florian Renndorfer.
“New Zealanders love SUVs and performance models in particular. Now having the high power M40d diesel model is an exclusive offer in the market and complements the existing X3 M40i to really give customers a choice of powertrain”.
Orders are now being taken for the new BMW X3 M40d, ahead of its New Zealand arrival in October.