The 2015 BMW X3 brings its fuel economy numbers way up with the addition of the 2.0L Turbo Diesel option. With an EPA rating of 27 mpg city and a whopping 34 mpg highway, this midsized crossover can show off fuel mileage numbers that are respected by even compact economy cars. Sporting 180 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque may not seem all that thrilling. However, BMW’s 8 speed automatic allows the updated X3 to reach 60 miles per hour in under 8 seconds. This is on par with some of its gasoline competition. The X3 with the 2.0L diesel is only offered with xDrive all-wheel drive, making it very versatile in all-weather situations.
The big news is the 34 mpg highway rating which has been out of reach by nearly every SUV Crossover in the segment. The X3 Diesel could be the answer for many consumers looking for something smaller than the X5, but with much better fuel economy. The styling of the 2015 X3 remains nearly unchanged, but it does receive some key new features that make it very competitive in the crossover arena. Very similar to the power lift gate of the Ford Escape, the BMW X3 now features a motion detector under the rear bumper for hands free opening of the rear hatch.
Other features include:
- Optional LED headlights
- iDrive touchpad controller
- Side mirrors with improved visibility and turn signal integration
- Brake Energy Regeneration and Engine Disengagement under coasting
- Dynamic Damper Control
- Hill Descent Control and Start off Assist
- Dynamic Stability Control
- Brake Drying, Brake Stand-by, and Brake Fade Compensation
- Auto Start/Stop Function
- Driving Dynamics Control with ECO PRO mode
Check out this fun and informative TFLcar video review of the competing Audi Q5 TDI.
