BMW’s X3 18d – 2.0L Super Diesel Allows Spectacular FE for Some, Not Us
 

Small RWD_CUV with BMW’s acclaimed 2.0L super diesel make for one hell of a fuel efficient ride… That is if you are paid in Euros or Pounds.

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - Aug 19, 2012

BMW X3 sDrive18d – $44,848 USD OTR (including the crazy 21% tax applied in the UK) and a 46.2 mpgUS combined figure on the NEDC or approximately 39 mpgUS combined on our own EPA.

BMW is providing X3 ownership with the first RWD only model in the lineup, the new sDrive18d. Powered by a 143 HP, 2.0L turbo diesel, and available with either a 6-speed stick or 8-speed auto, the new model offers better than ever low emissions and fuel consumption.

This impressive fuel economy doesn’t impact on performance with the 143 HP 2.0L turbo diesel with a peak torque of 266 lb-ft between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm, resulting in the BMW X3 sDrive18d with the 6-speed stick accelerating to 60 in 9.8 seconds (10.2 seconds with the 8-speed AT) and a top speed of 121mph.

The engine’s efficiency and an extensive suite of BMW EfficientDynamics technology including Brake Energy Regeneration, Optimum Shift Indicator, Electric Power Steering, ECO PRO mode and the Auto Start-Stop function all of which can work together with either the 6-speed MT or 8-speed AT.

The SE model, the X3 sDrive18d is $4,535 UD less than the xDrive20d. With the exception of Hill Descent Control on the four-wheel-drive models, the sDrive18d matches the standard equipment on the xDrive20d in every respect. The SE model features Auto Start-Stop, Drive Performance Control, 17-inch alloy wheels, Leather and BMW iDrive with a 6.5-inch color screen.

BMW X3 Utility

Folding down the 40/20/40 split rear seats increases cargo capacity from 19.4 to 56.5 cu. ft. while the BMW X3 sDrive18d can be optionally equipped with a trailer towing package offering a maximum tow capacity of 4,400 pounds!

BMW X3 Safety

The X3 was awarded the maximum five-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash test, while the available array of driver assistance systems and mobility services from BMW ConnectedDrive include the following:

• Rear-view camera with Top View
• Adaptive “steerable” Headlights
• Lane Departure Warning including Collision Warning
• Speed Limit Info with No Passing Info
• Real Time Traffic Information
• BMW Apps
• Heads-Up Display

While I am not enamored with the platform, I am with that engine and someday we will see a variant here. I just hope it is as powerful and fuel efficient as the current unit offered in Europe.

Re: BMW’s X3 18d – 2.0L Super Diesel Allows Spectacular FE for Some, Not Us
 

Personal I think with Mazdas more advanced Sky-D engines coming to the US in 2013 we have nothing to be disappointing about. The best is yet to come!

Re: BMW’s X3 18d – 2.0L Super Diesel Allows Spectacular FE for Some, Not Us
 

That is so annoying to read about things like this, and know everyone but the US can get them. It's apparent which countries want to use less fuel, and which tool in the White House wants to pimp for the ethanol industry. We could cut our imports in half if people could get vehicles like this, and the small euro diesel cars.