2014 BMW X3 launched

With its fourth birthday rapidly approaching, BMW has given the second-generation X3 SUV a facelift.

Externally the front end features redesigned headlights that now blend into a more prominent grille. Also restyled are the bumpers, plus the LED side-repeater indicators have been moved up to the door mirrors. While the changes aren’t extensive, they are effective and the X3 undoubtedly has more presence than before.

BMW X3 xDrive20d xLine (2014) Front Side
2014 BMW X3. Scroll down for more images.

Buyers should have plenty of choice thanks to the introduction of SE Plus, M Sport Plus and xLine trim grades in addition to the existing SE and M Sport variants. Equipment levels are fairly generous, as all come as standard with BMW Business satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, front and rear parking sensors, leather upholstery, heated front seats and an automatic tailgate.

Powering the 2014 X3 is a range of seven engines, although the petrol options won’t be offered in the UK.

sDrive18d 2.0 litre four-cylinder diesel Rear-wheel drive 147 bhp (110 kW / 150 PS)
xDrive20d 2.0 litre four-cylinder diesel All-wheel drive 187 bhp (140 kW / 190 PS)
xDrive30d 3.0 litre six-cylinder diesel All-wheel drive 254 bhp (190 kW / 258 PS)
xDrive35d 3.0 litre six-cylinder diesel All-wheel drive 308 bhp (230 kW / 313 PS)
sDrive20i 2.0 litre four-cylinder petrol Rear-wheel drive 181 bhp (135 kW / 184 PS)
xDrive20i 2.0 litre four-cylinder petrol All-wheel drive 181 bhp (135 kW / 184 PS)
xDrive28i 2.0 litre four-cylinder petrol All-wheel drive 241 bhp (180 kW / 245 PS)
xDrive35i 3.0 litre six-cylinder petrol All-wheel drive 301 bhp (225 kW / 306 PS)

Perhaps the highlight is the revised all-aluminium, common-rail, 2.0 litre unit that’s used in the xDrive20d. Generating higher outputs than its predecessor, a very respectable 0-62 mph (60 mph) time of 8.4 seconds is 0.4 seconds quicker than before.

What’s more economy is better too, resulting in 52.3 mpg (5.4 l/100km) over the combined cycle and carbon dioxide emissions of 143 g/km with a six-speed manual gearbox fitted. Those figures further improve to 56.5 mpg (5.0 l/100km) and 131 g/km with the optional eight-speed automatic transmission, 17” ‘aero’ wheels and low-rolling resistance tyres.

Unsurprisingly the rear-wheel drive sDrive18d continues to be the most efficient X3, as it achieves 60.1 mpg (4.7 l/100km) and 124 g/km with that optional wheel package. For those more interested in performance, the xDrive35d takes just 5.3 seconds to hit 62 mph from rest before going on to a top speed of 152 mph (245 km/h). The six-cylinder motor still returns a combined 47.1 mpg (6.0 l/100km) though, an impressive feat.

Sales of the BMW X3 begin this coming June. UK prices start from £30,990 on the road for the X3 sDrive18d SE.

BMW X3 xDrive20d xLine (2014) SideBMW X3 xDrive20d xLine (2014) Interior

BMW X3 xDrive20d xLine (2014) DashboardBMW X3 xDrive20d xLine (2014) Rear Side


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BMW X6 M Design Edition launched

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