Thanks to BMW’s new generation of TwinPower Turbo diesel engines, excellent performance is available across the entire range, and yet both fuel economy and CO2 emissions have seen further improvements with remarkable results.  As an example of this engineering prowess the BMW X3 sDrive18d achieves a combined fuel consumption figure and CO2 emissions of 60.1mpg and 124g/km. Meanwhile, the opposite end of the range, the new xDrive35d can reach 152mph flat out and sprint to 62mph from rest in just 5.3 seconds, while still achieving over 47mpg.

The new BMW X3 can be identified by careful revisions to its expressive styling, new colours, and revisions to the interior design and trim options. All models now feature an increase in the amount of standard equipment, while customers can also choose a new xLine model to further personalise their X3.

Model	Power (hp)	Torque (Nm)	0 – 62mph (seconds)	Top speed (mph)	Combined (mpg)	CO2 emissions (g/km)
BMW X3 sDrive18d	150	360	9.5 (9.8)	121	56.5 (55.4)	131 (133)
BMW X3 xDrive20d	190	400	8.1 (8.1)	131	52.3 (54.3)	143 (138)
BMW X3 xDrive30d	258	560	(5.9)	144	(47.9)	(156)
BMW X3 xDrive35d	313	630	(5.3)	152	(47.1)	(157)

Design and functionality

The new BMW X3 is immediately identifiable as a member of the successful BMW X family, and possesses a striking presence on the road. Aside from its length, which has grown by a single centimetre, it has the same compact, usable dimensions of its successful predecessor.

However, the new BMW X3 features a host of design changes. At the front end, new twin circular headlights – available in optional full LED specification along with optional LED front fog lamps – combine with the prominent BMW kidney grille and its new surround. Both the front and rear bumpers have gained new contours, while the LED indicators are now housed in the new exterior mirrors. Four new exterior paint shades and five new light-alloy wheel designs broaden the scope for individualisation.

Inside, the new BMW X3 remains a compelling proposition, with its carefully selected materials, understated chrome applications, a centre console with optional automatic climate control system (with high-gloss black panel) and wood panelling with pearl chrome highlights. New cupholders, with a sliding cover, can be found in the centre console, and a leather steering wheel is amongst the standard equipment. Customers can also choose from four new upholstery colours and four new interior trims. The new BMW X3 continues to lead the way in its segment in terms of both interior spaciousness and rear load capacity, offering 550 litres with the seats up and 1,600 litres with the seats folded.


New xLine joins SE and M Sport variants

The new BMW X3 is available in SE, xLine and M Sport trim levels. SE models already have an extensive standard equipment list including Nevada leather upholstery, two-zone air conditioning, Cruise control, DAB radio, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, 17-inch alloy wheels, front and rear PDC, Drive Performance Control, Rain sensor and automatic headlights.  This has now been increased with the inclusion of the BMW Business navigation system, heated front seats and an automatic tailgate.

Moreover, an optional new SE Plus package adds Harman-kardon loudspeakers, Sun protection glass, Adaptive Headlights, High-beam Assistant and a one-inch increase in alloy wheel size for an additional £2,850.

The new xLine models can be identified from the outside by gleaming metallic inserts in the bumpers, Satin Aluminium side cladding and bars in the air intakes, simulated underguards at the front and rear and exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the new model features exclusive xLine leather upholstery, Dark Copper trim and a Sport leather steering wheel. Nevertheless, xLine variants command only a £1,500 price premium over the SE model.

For those customers looking to further boost the superb dynamic qualities of the new BMW X3 there is the M Sport variant. These models feature M aerodynamic styling and BMW Individual High-gloss Shadowline exterior trim to maximise the car’s sporting presence, along with newly upgraded 19-inch light alloy wheels (previously 18-inch). Inside, there’s a BMW Individual rooflining in Anthracite, Sport seats, M Sport leather steering wheel and Aluminium Hexagon trim; technical highlights include Performance Control and M Sport suspension. M Sport models carry a further £1,500 price premium over the xLine variants.

An additional new package is also now available; M Sport Plus. This adds a new 20-inch M Sport bi-colour alloy wheel, Xenon headlights, Sun protection glass and Harman-kardon loudspeakers for £2,920.

A range of other innovative options adds further to the functionality of the new X3. The Comfort Access with smart-opener, for instance, makes accessing the load compartment that much easier; a short movement of the foot below the rear bumper causes it to open or close the tailgate automatically. A storage package including a reversible floor section, folding box, partition elements and a range of different luggage nets allows objects of any kind to be stowed away easily, safely and tidily. The 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats enables maximum flexibility. The optional auxiliary heating system guarantees a pleasant on-board climate at all times, even in wintry conditions.


Powertrain: cutting edge diesel engines with excellent economy and low emissions.

The new BMW X3 features an all-turbo-diesel line-up, using the latest BMW TwinPower Turbo technology to ensure outstanding performance combined with minimised fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. All of the engines meet EU6 regulations as standard.

The new-generation, all-aluminium, 2.0-litre diesel engines use common-rail direct injection with solenoid valve injectors and work with increased injection pressure of 2,000bar. This pushes the output of the X3 xDrive20d from 184hp up to 190hp, with the maximum torque available also rising from 380 to 400Nm. The increase in performance cuts the zero to 62mph acceleration time by 0.4 seconds to just 8.1 seconds. At the same time, the fuel consumption of the X3 xDrive20d, when partnered with the eight-speed automatic gearbox, drops by 7.1 per cent compared to the outgoing model, and CO2 emissions are down to only 138g/km.

Furthermore, with a new optional 17-inch aero wheel and fourth-generation reduced-rolling-resistance tyres, CO2 emissions are cut by a further 7g/km. In this configuration, the X3 xDrive20d – in which the new 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine premieres – delivers class-leading figures: fuel consumption is just 56.5mpg with CO2 emissions of only 131g/km.

The new 150hp X3 sDrive18d, with rear-wheel-drive, a six-speed manual gearbox and reduced rolling resistance tyres, is even more frugal. The optional 17-inch aero alloy wheel records the lowest fuel consumption, just 60.1mpg, and CO2 emissions, at 124g/km, of any model in this market segment.
The range-topping variants of the new BMW X3 are powered by further developed versions of BMW’s much lauded 3.0-litre, six-cylinder in-line, turbo-diesel engine. The X3 xDrive30d delivers sparking performance, with zero to 62mph taking just 5.9 seconds, and yet achieves a combined fuel consumption of 47.9mpg and CO2 emissions of 156g/km. It develops 258hp with a peak torque of 560Nm.

The flagship model in the range is the X3 xDrive35d, offering an impressive 313hp and up to 630Nm of torque. Reaching 62mph from rest in just 5.3 seconds it has a combined fuel consumption of 47.1mpg and CO2 emissions of 157g/km – both reduced over the outgoing X3.


Two- or four-wheel drive.

The BMW X3 18d is available in sDrive form, while all other models come with xDrive as standard. The intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive system delivers optimum traction, with power sent where it is most needed, further improving on-road dynamics and driving safety. In models equipped with xDrive, a new xDrive status display (featuring three-dimensional graphics) in the Control Display keeps the driver informed of the car’s body roll and pitch, while a compass display is also shown in the instrument cluster.

Depending on the engine variant specified, the new BMW X3 can be ordered with a sporty, precise, six-speed manual gearbox or a highly effective eight-speed automatic (standard on the xDrive30d and xDrive35d), which also allows the driver to change gear using optional shift paddles on the steering wheel. An eight-speed Sport automatic gearbox - with shift paddles included as standard - is also available as an option.


BMW EfficientDynamics

The standard BMW EfficientDynamics package ensures that the driving pleasure available with the new BMW X3 goes hand-in-hand with low emissions and impressive economy. Engines with maximised fuel economy, intelligent lightweight design and optimised aerodynamics combine with the latest-generation Auto Start-Stop, Brake Energy Regeneration, Optimum Shift Indicator and on-demand operation of ancillary units to deliver the lowest fuel consumption and emissions figures in the segment.

Moreover, the optional 17-inch aero wheel and fourth-generation reduced rolling resistance tyres shave another 7g/km off the CO2 emissions, and can be ordered for all models except the xDrive35d.


Safety, comfort and infotainment, with BMW ConnectedDrive

With the new BMW X3, BMW ConnectedDrive continues at the forefront of technology to link-up the driver, the car and the outside world. Among the outstanding new features is the latest, enhanced-capability generation of the Professional Multimedia navigation, complete with ECO PRO route guidance and an iDrive Touch Controller with integrated touchpad. The touchpad allows drivers or passengers to use their finger to write letters for text inputs such as a navigation destination, for example.

Another highlight is the full-colour Head-up Display, which projects all-important driving information and the assistance systems displays into the driver’s field of view.

Among the other systems available are the anti-dazzle High-beam Assistant and Driving Assistant Plus, which includes features such as Lane Departure Warning and preventive pedestrian protection, plus Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function. An aide to comfort and convenience, meanwhile, is the Surround-view camera systems, which provides a 360-degree view of the vehicle for when parking or manoeuvring. BMW ConnectedDrive Services & Apps also make mobility services and smartphone applications available inside the car via the central Control Display, and innovations such as Information Plus and RTTI (Real Time Traffic Information) system can also be accessed.

The BMW Emergency Call function is now fitted as standard. This system springs into action automatically (although it can be activated manually) as soon as the crash sensors report an airbag deployment. Emergency Call uses an integrated SIM card to send the car’s exact location along with all key information to the BMW call centre, enabling rapid and effective assistance at the scene of the accident.

The new BMW X3 goes on sale in June 2014, priced from £30,990 OTR for an X3 sDrive18d SE.

For the best offers on new BMW in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, please visit our regularly updated website CLICK HERE.

BMW will unveil the third and final member of its 4 Series range, the four-door, BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé, at the Geneva Motor Show on March 4. The Gran Coupé, which provides four-door practicality, greater luggage capacity, and the sporty and elegant character of the 4 Series Coupé, will go on sale 21 June.

Sporty design is allied to four doors, 2+1 rear seating and more headroom, automatic tailgate, larger luggage compartment and folding seats as standard. But despite the increased usability, there has been no compromise on driving dynamics, with Drive Performance Control allowing the selection of tailored driving modes and enhanced ride comfort.

The new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé will be available in the same five trim levels (SE, Sport, Modern, Luxury and M Sport) as the 4 Series Coupé and Convertible, with the same high level of standard specification.

There will be a wide range of engine and drivetrain combinations from the powerful 306hp 435i, as well as xDrive variants, to the new 418d Gran Coupé, which has fuel consumption of more than 60mpg. Enhancing the appeal to corporate customers, CO2 emissions of both the manual and automatic variants is just 121g/km.

Model	Price OTR	Power hp	Torque Nm	0 – 62mph seconds	Fuel consumption mpg	CO2 emissions g/km
BMW 420i  SE Gran Coupé	£29,420	184	270	7.5 (7.6)	44.1 (46.3)	149 (142)
BMW 428i SE Gran Coupé	£32,815	245	350	6.1 (6.0)	42.8 (44.8)	154 (147)
BMW 435i Luxury Gran Coupé	£41,155	306	400	5.5 (5.2)	34.9 (37.3)	189 (174)
BMW 418d SE Gran Coupé	£30,995	143	320	9.2 (9.1)	61.4 (61.4)	121 (121)
BMW 420d SE Gran Coupé	£31,795	184	380	7.7 (7.5)	60.1 (61.4)	124 (121)
BMW 420d xDrive SE Gran Coupé	£34,795	184	380	7.7 (7.5)	57.6 (58.9)	129 (127)

Design

The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé has exactly the same dimensions as the two-door coupé: a length of 4,638 mm, width of 1,825 mm and a wheelbase of 2,810 mm. However, the roof of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé is 12 mm higher, and 112 mm longer.

The typical BMW short overhangs, the long bonnet and set-back passenger compartment complement the design of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé to express perfect balance combined with a bold presence. Up front, both models are identical and share the typical BMW design features such as the double-kidney grille, dual round headlights with Corona rings and the large air intake in the front apron.

Gently stretched, the roofline flows across both rear doors and blends into the slightly raised and short rear section of the car. When viewed from the rear, the roof of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé appears somewhat wider than that of the two-door version, emphasising its road presence.

This extended roofline also has practical advantages. There is more headroom in the cabin, especially in the rear, while the boot volume of 480 litres is 35 litres larger than that of the two-door version, and the same capacity of the BMW 3 Series Saloon.

In the cabin, lines from the cockpit stretch along the front doors and the B column into the rear passenger compartment. They create a sense of unity, encompassing the front and back seats, as do the seamless transitions formed by the interior door panels.

The shape of the rear bench seat resembles the look of two individual seats, but the upholstered console surface between them can also accommodate a third passenger in the middle.

The back of the rear seats can be folded down as standard in the configuration 60:40 (optionally 40:20:40) to increase the load capacity to 1,300 litres, when completely folded flat– a best-in-class figure among premium four-door coupés. A flat floor and a two-part loading strip made of stainless steel are practical convenience elements that are combined with premium materials.

Also useful is the wide-access tailgate. When closed, the precise flow of the lid seams simulates the look of a typical coupé boot. This is helped by a clever solution whereby the electric motors that help move the boot lid are installed vertically and require very little space. Thus the area of the rear windscreen can be much larger and more sweeping like that of a coupé without limiting the space or visibility.

The standard automatic tailgate can also be ordered with the smart-opener feature whereby opening and closing can be effected with a sweep of the foot under the rear bumper. A sensor detects the movement and proximity of the key to release the boot lid.

When compared with a two-door coupé, the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé offers passengers easier access when entering or leaving the vehicle thanks to the four-door configuration. The doors are frameless, having the characteristic design features of BMW coupés that emphasise the vehicle’s elegance.  These include the one-piece appearance of the side windows, with the B-pillar finished in high-gloss black making it nearly invisible, and rear window with a modern take on the Hofmeister kink create a homogeneous and high-quality impression.


Handling: comfortable ride with agile handling

The BMW 4 Series Coupé provides the basis for the sporty handling of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé, which uses its suspension and axle layouts with corresponding dimensions for wheelbase and track.
However, suspension and damping have been adjusted slightly for the four-door version to account for the marginally taller body and extra doors.  Specific car body reinforcement measures and an innovative strut concept, a further strut connecting the suspension domes and the bulkhead, significantly enhance the stiffness of the front end to help steering precision and response.

The weight optimisation of all components influences the dynamic performance of the new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé. Intelligent lightweight design, including the use of high-strength and extra-high-strength multi-phase steel, has been used and crucial, stiffness-enhancing components are made of micro-alloyed steel. As a result, the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé’s torsional stiffness matches that of the two-door variant and it is only marginally heavier while remaining even lighter than its competitors. Consequently, the new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé has superb driving dynamics, agile handling characteristics and a high level of precision without any deterioration in ride comfort, making it the ideal vehicle for a wide range of everyday uses.


Five powerful and refined engines at launch – two more later in 2014

At launch, the new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé will be offered with a choice of five powerful, refined and efficient engines from the high performing six-cylinder 435i to the parsimonious 418d. All the diesel and petrol engines feature the latest BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, which give flexibility and efficiency, as well as immediate power when needed.

As with the two-door, the 435i Gran Coupé’s in-line six-cylinder 3.0-litre direct-injection TwinScroll turbocharged petrol engine with VALVETRONIC variable valve control produces 306hp, delivering exceptional torque from low revs, instantaneous power and the utmost refinement. The same technology is utilised in the 2.0-litre engine of the 428i, which along with Double-VANOS variable camshaft control produces 245hp.

The 184hp BMW 420d Gran Coupé, which comes with the latest-generation four-cylinder diesel engine, has impressive torque levels of 380Nm accessible 1,750rpm to 2,750rpm, exceptional smoothness and outstanding efficiency: CO2 emissions are as low as 124g/km.

Even at the lower end of the engine range incredible performance with economy are achieved by the four-cylinder 184hp 420i (0-62mph of only 7.5 seconds) and the 143hp 418d which comes with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology with variable-geometry turbocharger, and achieves 61.4mpg on the combined cycle.

As standard the new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé features a six-speed manual transmission, but all engines can be combined with the optional eight-speed automatic or eight-speed Sport automatic transmissions, which features manual shifting using paddles on the steering wheel.

At model launch, the 420d Gran Coupé can be optionally equipped with BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive technology.

From July the range will be extended with the addition of two powerful diesels to the line-up. The top diesel variant is the six-cylinder engine in the BMW 435d xDrive Gran Coupé, delivering 313hp, while the BMW 430d Gran Coupé has an output of 258hp and develops a maximum torque of 560Nm. BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive can also be chosen on this engine. A 420i xDrive model will also become available.


BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé in the UK

Reflecting the 4 Series nomenclature, the new 4 Series Gran Coupé will receive exactly the same high level of standard equipment as the 4 Series Coupé – but with the addition of a single-piece automatic tailgate as standard on all models.

The new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé models are fitted with front and rear parking sensors, heated front seats, Servotronic steering, a Sport multi-function leather steering wheel and Xenon headlights.  This is in addition to Dakota leather upholstery, Two-zone air conditioning and Cruise control. Bluetooth, USB, Comfort Go, Drive Performance Control, iDrive Controller, 6.5-inch free-standing colour screen, DAB radio and automatic lights, wipers and boot opening complete the standard specification of all models across the range.

All 4 Series Gran Coupé Sport, Modern, Luxury and M Sport models feature 18-inch alloy wheels and Sport seats as standard. Modern and Luxury customers can switch to standard seats at no cost if preferred. All Luxury and M Sport models will also receive the Media package – BMW Business as standard.
435i, 430d and 435d models also feature electric front seats and metallic paintwork as standard. 428i models also feature electric front seats as standard.


EffcientDynamics in the new Gran Coupé

The elegant and dynamic character of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé is accompanied by excellent economy and efficiency. The source of this low fuel consumption can be traced to the BMW EfficientDynamics strategy, with wide-ranging innovations for intelligent mobility.

These innovations include the optimised fuel economy of the petrol and diesel engines, the lightweight construction concept and honed aerodynamics with features such as a smooth covered underbody and the use of Aero Curtains and Air Breathers.

Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start-Stop, the Optimum Shift Indicator and ancillary components that are activated on-demand also contribute to fuel savings and reduced emissions. The automatic transmission can also reduce consumption and even greater savings are possible with ECO PRO mode.


ConnectedDrive

The entire range of BMW ConnectedDrive options can be ordered for the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé. Among the highlights are Professional Media package with iDrive Touch, the full-color BMW Head-up Display, Driving Assistant, the glare-free High-beam Assistant, Dynamic Safety and the latest development stage of the Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function. Innovative interface technology also permits easy integration of smartphones in the vehicles.

This supports the use of the growing selection of apps available, for various entertainment, social media, news and travel information in the vehicle.

The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé goes on sale on 21 June 2014, priced from £29,420 OTR for a 420i SE, rising to £41,655 OTR for a 435i M Sport.

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