This spring, BMW will begin selling a version of the X3 sport-utility vehicle with a 2-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine.
It has already been announced in several models, including the Z4 and 3 Series. But offering a “four-banger” in an SUV indicates the more efficient turbocharged motor will be used across the range, where practical.
X3s have only been avilable until now with six-cylinder engines because of their higher power, but the new X3 xDrive28i, will have more power than some earlier models with larger engines. The turbocharging will boost power to 240 horsepower.
This is actually a return to the 1960s and 1970s, when the company built its reputation on four-cylinder engines under the hoods of 1600, 2002 and early 3 Series models.
BMW said the new X3 will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 130 mph, governed electronically. It should reach U.S. dealerships in May as a 2013 model. Base price is $39,395 including a $895 freight charge. BMW will continue to sell the six-cylinder X3 xDrive35i for $44,495.––Paul Duchene
