BMW may have launched the fourth-generation X3 mid-sized SUV range in Australia exclusively with electrified petrol powertrains, but it hasn’t ruled out introducing a diesel option down the line.
Last year the range consisted of the turbo-petrol 48V mild-hybrid X3 20 xDrive and M50 xDrive, but now the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) 30e xDrive has joined the lineup.
However, overseas there are diesel powertrains available, including a new inline-six mild-hybrid turbo-diesel, and according to BMW X Series product and pricing manager Daniel Silverwood, they aren’t being ruled out for a local launch.
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“We haven’t shut the door on diesel,” said Mr Silverwood.
“Towards the end of the lifecycle of the outgoing [X3], the percentage that were sold in diesel had reduced.
“However, with that said, there may still be a role going forward; that’s something we’re currently assessing.”
In previous-generation guise, the X3 was offered locally with two turbo-diesel powertrains – the xDrive20d with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel that produces 140kW and 400Nm, as well as the xDrive30d with a 3.0-litre inline-six turbo-diesel that produces 195kW and 620Nm.
Although BMW Australia has introduced a wide array of new electric vehicles (EVs) over the last few years, it has also introduced the new 540d xDrive, which is powered by the same 3.0-litre inline-six turbo-diesel mild-hybrid engine as the X3 40d xDrive offered in other markets.
BMW also continues to offer diesel powertrains in the X5, X6 and X7 SUVs in Australia.
The company has previously said it plans to keep offering diesel powertrains in its larger SUV lineup, and prioritise EV options in its smaller models.
In 2024, a total of 369,842 diesel-powered passenger, SUV and light commercial vehicles were sold in Australia. This was down 2.5 per cent year-on-year.
In contrast, a total of 528,978 petrol-powered cars (down 10.1 per cent), 91,292 EVs (up 4.7 per cent), 172,696 hybrid cars (up 76 per cent) and 23,163 PHEVs (up 100.2 per cent) were sold over the same period of time.
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