BMW reveals the X3 sDrive18d diesel SUV

BMW has added a new variant to its already strong X3 line-up – but this time the new addition boasts of being the smallest yet most fuel-efficient version of the X3. Dubbed as the sDrive18d, the new X3 variant is powered by the same 2.0-litre diesel motor that propels the facelift version of the X1, which is yet to be launched in the Indian market.

The oil-burner belongs to the new range of BMW four-cylinder TwinPower Turbo diesel engines, which uses a twin-scroll, or variable geometry turbocharger that helps the mill put out over 145 PS of power at 4,000 RPM and over 360 Nm of torque between 1750 to 2500 RPM. The magic figure though is the claimed fuel economy, which stands tall at over 16 kmpl! If this figure is to be believed, then the xDrive18d is undoubtedly one of the most fuel-efficient four-wheel-drive X3 models in the current line-up.

On the performance front, the new X3 variant manages to accelerate from standstill to 100 km/h in 10.3 seconds with a top whack of 195 km/h. The EfficientDynamics package is standard on the sDrive18d and helps the car achieve reduced CO2 emissions of 165 g/km. 

The new X3 sDrive18d is one of the most fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly SUV from the BMW stable and brings the tally of X3 variants to seven units. Out of these, only two variants are sold in India at the moment, viz. the xDrive20d and the xDrive30d. But considering the fuel-economy conscious nature of the Indian market, BMW India might just roll out the sDrive18d too – after the carmaker starts assembling the facelift X1 with the same engine later this year.