BMW announces diesel X3 (M40d) for Europe; booking to commence in July

ABU DHABI: BMW has announced that it will be adding some bits of excitement in the M performance range by bringing in a diesel version of the popular X3 SUV. The new diesel model has been announced for the European market and the bookings are slated to begin in July.

Currently, the BMW X3 is in its third generation and is a completely revamped version of the SUV it used to be earlier. In addition to this, the M40d will also get an M suspension tuning and M Sports brakes. The cabin will be flanked by sports seats and a practical second row and M-themed steering wheel with some bits of carbon fibre on it.

The new BMW X3 M40d will also be getting the M aerodynamics package that would see 20-inch wheels, flap-controlled M sports exhausts and Cerium-Grey finished design elements. The tailpipe will be embellished in black chrome.

Having said that, the X3 M40d will be a completely new model mechanically. The turbocharged, 3.0-litre, six-cylinder engine would be capable of making a maximum power of 322 horsepower along with a humongous peak torque of 770 Nm. The power will be sent down to the wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission gearbox. Moreover, an all-wheel-drive mechanism (xDrive) will be offered as a standard fitment.

The BMW X3 M40d will have an effective electronic top speed limiter in place, which would keep the top speed at 250 kmph. Moreover, such high power and torque on offer, the SUV can hit an acceleration of 0-100 kmph in just 4.9 seconds. However, it is to be noted that even with such good acceleration, it is still one-tenth of a second slower to 100 kmph than the petrol counterpart.

BMW currently sells the X3 M40i in the Middle East. Hence, though the company has not announced the diesel version here as of now, it should be available any time soon, especially considering how big the UAE market is for the grand German automobile maker.