The lightly refreshed Coupe and Convertible versions of the 1-Series aren’t the only new BMW models unveiled today as the Bavarian automaker also announced the introduction of an M Sports Package and two new engines for the latest X3 crossover, which was first shown in July.Beginning from Spring 2011, buyers of the new X3 will be able to order an M Sports package that adds some sporty aesthetic touches inside and out, and revised suspension tuning. In detail, the kit consists of an aerodynamics package with unique front and rear bumpers, side skirts and a roof spoiler. Other exterior amenities include the high-gloss shadow line trim for the side window surrounds and roof rails, chrome tailpipes and 19-inch or optionally, 20-inch alloy wheels. As an exclusive option in conjunction with the M Sports package, buyers can opt for a Carbon Black metallic paintwork.
Inside, there are sports seats with exclusive Pearlpoint fabric/leather upholstery, an M leather-trimmed steering wheel with multifunction buttons including a Cruise Control button, door sills with the M logo and an M footrest.
The roof lining in anthracite, brushed aluminium interior trim, an M shift lever (only for the X3 xDrive 20d with manual transmission) and a stainless steel insert in the loading sill, round off the interior upgrades.
Performance improvements are limited to the sports suspension calibration across the range and on the X3 xDrive35i, a Sports automatic transmission, steering wheel shift paddles and variable sports steering, including Servotronic.
The M Sports package will be available for all engine versions of the new X3.
In addition to the sport kit, BMW also announced the presentation of two new powerplants for the European market X3. These are the 3.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-six petrol with 258HP and 310 Nm (228 lb-ft) for the X3 xDrive28i (the North American xDrive28i is powered by a 240HP unit), and 3.0-liter straight-six turbo diesel with 258HP and 560 Nm (413 lb-ft) of peak torque.
The petrol model completes the standard sprint in 6.9 seconds and hits a top speed of 230 km/h (143 mph). Its average fuel consumption is 9.0 lt/100 km (26.1 mpg US) in the EU test cycle with CO2 emissions of 210 g/km.
