New BMW X3 xDrive18d achieves a combined 38mpg

Sometimes less, is more. Want a vehicle with low fuel consumption? Then how about going for one with a smaller displacement engine? All you have to do is ask yourself if you really need an SUV with close to 300HP - that's you we're talking about soccer mom, colleague kid and law-abiding dad who never, ever go over 65mph... A very good example of 'less is more', is BMW's new entry-level X3, the xDrive18d which is powered by a 2.0-liter diesel producing 143HP and a more than adequate 350Nm or 258 lb-ft of torque at just 1,750 rpm.

In conjunction with BMW's EfficientDynamics systems, the X3 xDrive18d returns an average fuel consumption of just 6.2 lt/100km which is equal to 38mpg US and 45.6mpg UK, and a CO2 rating of 165 gr/km. Not bad at all.

The downside is that the entry-level X3 won't blow your mind with its performance stats - it needs 10.3 seconds to reach 100km/h (62mph) from standstill while the speedometer's needle stops at 195 km/h or 121mph. But then again, it all depends if you really need-slash-want the extra power and improved performance figures.

Like all engine variants the new BMW X3 xDrive18d also comes as standard with BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system. As with most diesel-powered cars of the sort, the X3 xDrive18d is not destined to make a career in the States. European sales of BMW's new version of the X3 will commence this month.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

2010 BMW X3 coming in November

When the X3 launched in 2004 there was no Mercedes GLK or Audi Q5. Now that the other Germans have come with the competition, reports are indicate BMW is moving the launch of the 2010 X3 up to make sure it can compete.

The next X3 will be about four inches longer, a half-inch narrower, and a fraction of an inch taller. The extra length will help improve interior room, but the Sport Activity Vehicle is said to be tuned for increased sporting performance. The features list will include hand-me-downs from the 7 Series such as Night Vision and Heads Up Display, and -- in Europe at least -- six engines will be offered: two gasoline and four diesel. We in the U.S. will probably still make do with the either the naturally aspirated or turbocharged 3.0-liter gas engines and possibly a turbo'd four.

Comparison: Audi Q5 Vs. BMW X3 Vs. Mercedes-Benz GLK

One of the most common comparisons in the past few months has been the one between the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLK and of course, the new Audi Q5. In one of our previous articles, we dissected the three cars based on their exterior appearance, interior design, performance and pricing.

Shortly after, we decided to take the Audi Q5 for a test drive and compare it against the current X3, a comparison that will be more accurate when BMW will launch their second generation X3 next year.

The fellows at CarConnection took the same approach of comparing the three vehicles based on similar criteria and it would be interesting to see what their conclusion was.

Which of these three is best for you? First, know that each of these three compact luxury SUVs has been introduced or revamped in the past two years. The BMW X3 was refreshed in 2008 with an improved ride and a smoother shape; the Audi Q5 emerged brand-new in 2009; and the Mercedes-Benz GLK arrived late last year as a 2010 model.They’re state of the art, in the small-luxury-ute segment. They’re similar in size, equipment, and mission, too. Each of these compact utes has a six-cylinder engine, an automatic transmission, and available four-wheel drive (it’s standard on the Q5 and X3, an option on the GLK). Maybe most important to you, each wears a luxury-brand badge that conveys a certain standing in the world far more effectively than the badges on other very pleasant vehicles like the Volvo XC60, Infiniti EX35, even the Acura RDX.

Among them, one tops the TCC ratings by a small margin. Of Germany’s most prestigious, pint-sized SUVs, which one is the most highly rated by TheCarConnection.com?

We’ll compare Audi Q5 vs. BMW X3 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLK shortly. But first, the basics: