BMW has extended the range of the X3 SUV by adding a new 2.0L four-cylinder diesel engine to its European lineup. The new engine develops an additional 27hp (20kW) and 20Nm of torque over the previous diesel offering in the X3 and uses 10% less fuel. Peak output stands at 177hp (130kW) and a generous 350Nm of torque.

The average fuel consumption for the new X3 2.0d in the European test cycle amounts to a miserly 6.5L/100km, while carbon-dioxide emission levels register 172g/km. Fuel consumption for the 2008 model year petrol versions has also been improved, with the X3 3.0si getting by on just 9.5L/100km and the 2.5Si on 9.3L/100km.

Engineers have also added a new six-speed automatic transmission to further save fuel, while the interior gets new active head restraints, improved standard equipment and new trim.