BMW has announced a diesel engine will be joining the X3 and 7 Series lineup at the Chicago Auto Show.
Based on the long-wheelbase 7 Series sedan, the all-wheel-drive 740Ld xDrive is powered by the 5 Series diesel’s 3.0-litre inline-six engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Power output is identical, pumping out 255 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 413 lb.-ft of torque starting at just 1,500 rpm. All told, BMW says the 740Ld xDrive does the zero-to-100 km/h sprint in an impressive 6.1 seconds. Fuel economy numbers haven’t been confirmed just yet, but according to BMW, the 740Ld xDrive should post a fuel economy improvement anywhere between 25 and 30 per cent over the standard 740Li xDrive.
BMW will offer the refreshed X3 with a 2.0-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder engine.
Handout, BMW
In addition to the 740Ld xDrive, BMW also announced a diesel powertrain for the X3. It pumps out 180 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of torque from its 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel shared with the 328d. For comparison’s sake, the Mercedes-Benz GLK 250 BlueTec produces 200 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft. of torque, also from a turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine.
Along with the diesel powertrain, the X3 sees a minor refresh. Up front, the headlights and grille have been redesigned with a look more in-line with its bigger X5 brother. In addition, the X3 gets reworked bumpers up front and out back, as well as a set of new wheels. Along with the diesel, the X3 can also be had with either 2.0-litre turbo-four engine or a 3.0-litre, turbocharged inline-six.
Both the BMW 740Ld xDrive and refreshed X3 will be available this spring.
