AMONGST the glitz and glamour of the Frankfurt Motor Show it’s possible for some very good cars to sneak beneath the radar a little. The new BMW X3 for instance.
BMW are displaying a host of concepts and future design directions – more on those later – on their Frankfurt stand, but still found space for the new version of the immensely popular X3 SUV.
The new BMW X3 is likely to continue a massive success story with an even more striking and dynamic design. The third generation of the BMW X3 follows in its predecessors’ tyre tracks by combining rugged off-road looks with a sporting presence.
The new BMW X3 will be available in three trim levels – xLine, Luxury Line, and M Sport – and each can be further enhanced with a host of new equipment options like three-zone automatic climate control, the Ambient Air package, active seat ventilation and the panoramic glass roof. We haven’t seen any confirmation yet but expect SatNav as standard to keep the X3 in line with the rest of the BMW range. Always a handy addition for company car drivers.
The new BMW X3 engine line-up will feature three petrol and two diesel engine variants with outputs from 184bhp to 360bhp. All variants will be fitted with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission. Fuel consumption figures should be in the region of 33 to 56mpg with emissions of 132 – 193g/km. Plenty of incentive for company car drivers in those figures.
If fuel economy and emissions don’t concern you too much may we recommend you take a long hard look at the range-topping X3 M40i. Plenty of space and a sub-five-second 0-60mph time is an interesting combination.
You also get all the usual BMW equipment choices and trim options which should mean the new X3 carries on where the old X3 left off.
As this isn’t a concept model you should expect the new BMW X3 to appear on sale very soon, so if it’s time to start thinking about your next company car bear this in mind.