BMW has refined and re-invigorated its performance-orientated X3 range, offering free-revving performance and smoothness as well as the exceptionally low weight.

The new BMW X3 3.0si incorporates the most powerful version of the 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine so far, with a reputation for smooth running, reliability and performance.

Significantly, both the new BMW X3 2.5si and the 3.0si boast more power and torque than the previous BMW X3 2.5i and 3.0i six-cylinder engines, with gains also made in the area of fuel economy.

The BMW X3 3.0si gains a substantial 30 kW more power and 15 Nm more torque over the 3.0i, while the 2.5si gains 19 kW and 5 Nm over the 2.5i.

The BMW X3 3.0si accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in only 7.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 210 km/h. With average fuel consumption in the EU cycle of 10.3 litres per 100 km, it offers exemplary economy for this class.

The corresponding performance of the BMW X3 2.5si is just as impressive. It reaches the 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds and has a top speed of 210 km/h. The average fuel consumption is 9.9 litres per 100 km (EU cycle).

For the first time on a BMW X model, BMW’s innovative Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system comes with additional features fitted as standard to further enhance safety:

• Brake Pre-tensioning shortens stopping distances during an emergency stop by priming the brakes should the driver lift off the accelerator sharply in preparation.
• Brake Drying improves braking performance in the wet by periodically applying the brake pads to scrub away the film of water that can build up on the brake discs.
• Hill Start Assistant allows a manual transmission car to pull away smoothly on a gradient without rolling backwards, courtesy of the brakes being held for the short time it takes the driver to apply the accelerator after releasing the foot or handbrake.
• Brake Fade Compensation applies additional braking without any extra effort from the driver should sensors detect that the brake pads are starting to lose ‘bite’ due to heat build up.

On paper it looks like a solid package, but with a recommended retail price of $65,900 (AUD) for the base model, I'll be waiting to win tattslotto before I put my cash down on one of them.

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