New BMW X3 xDrive18d achieves a combined 38mpg

Sometimes less, is more. Want a vehicle with low fuel consumption? Then how about going for one with a smaller displacement engine? All you have to do is ask yourself if you really need an SUV with close to 300HP - that's you we're talking about soccer mom, colleague kid and law-abiding dad who never, ever go over 65mph... A very good example of 'less is more', is BMW's new entry-level X3, the xDrive18d which is powered by a 2.0-liter diesel producing 143HP and a more than adequate 350Nm or 258 lb-ft of torque at just 1,750 rpm.

In conjunction with BMW's EfficientDynamics systems, the X3 xDrive18d returns an average fuel consumption of just 6.2 lt/100km which is equal to 38mpg US and 45.6mpg UK, and a CO2 rating of 165 gr/km. Not bad at all.

The downside is that the entry-level X3 won't blow your mind with its performance stats - it needs 10.3 seconds to reach 100km/h (62mph) from standstill while the speedometer's needle stops at 195 km/h or 121mph. But then again, it all depends if you really need-slash-want the extra power and improved performance figures.

Like all engine variants the new BMW X3 xDrive18d also comes as standard with BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system. As with most diesel-powered cars of the sort, the X3 xDrive18d is not destined to make a career in the States. European sales of BMW's new version of the X3 will commence this month.

BMW to Exhibit X3 xDrive20d Rescue Vehicle in Geneva

One of less significant premieres of next week's Geneva Auto Show will be the BMW X3 xDrive20d emergency rescue vehicle that is making its first public appearance as the Bavarian automaker wants to show off its special-purpose vehicles. The X3 medical emergency vehicle is powered by a 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine that develops an output of 177HP offering an average fuel consumption of 6.5 lt /100km which is equal to 34.6mpg US.

Like any emergency rescue vehicle, the X3 is fitted with a special roof-mounted alarm system, including a blue light, an electronic siren, and an LED display with the word NOTARZT ("emergency doctor"). Furthermore, there are two flashing lights are inside the boot, which when opened, provide sufficient warning to oncoming traffic.

Inside, the X3's cabin has been converted for medical use featuring among other things, a sturdy metal dividing frame between the luggage space and passenger cabin, a mounting for the radio device, which includes a power supply and a rest for the hand unit, as well as a charging point in the luggage area.

BMW X3 SUV Limited Sport Edition Released for German Market

From March 2009, BMW will offer German buyers a new version of its X3 compact SUV called 'Limited Sport Edition'. Before you get all excited and everything, the new variant of the Bavarian crossover is nothing more, nothing less, than an X3 adorned with an M Sport package, large 19-inch alloy wheels and sport seats in a combination of leather and alcantara.

The X3 Limited Sport Edition can be combined with all six engines that are available on the 2009 model year, ranging from the 150HP 2.0-liter turbo diesel to the 286HP twin-turbo 3.0-liter diesel.

Alloy wheels and sports seats aside, BMW's M package adds several goodies such as a sport suspension, xenon headlights with Adaptive cornering light, M leather steering wheel with multifunction buttons, a subtle exterior bodykit, chromed exhaust pipes and more.

Depending on the engine variant, the price for the Limited Edition Sport package ranges between €7,250 and €7,900. BMW said that the availability of the special edition X3 will be limited to a year.