X3 Caught Warming Up

The Nürburgring race circuit might not be an off-roader's natural habitat, but this is no ordinary 4x4. With the standard X3 all set to go on sale in May, BMW test drivers and engineers are currently hard at work creating a high-performance flagship. The big surprise, however, is that this model is powered by diesel, not petrol.

Auto Express Car Reviews

By Chris Thorp

02nd April 2004

Our spy photographers spotted the brand new oil-burning variant being put through its paces in Germany, and it's the turned-down exhaust at the rear which reveals that this BMW drinks from the black pump. Meanwhile, the sporty bodykit gives away the fact that this is no ordinary 3.0d. The off-roader is powered by exactly the same twin-turbo diesel that debuted in the 535d at this year's Geneva Motor Show.

As with its X5 big brother, the fast X3 won't wear the coveted 'M' badge, because of the clash with Mazda's MX model line-up. However, the range-topper could be badged X3is. A racy edge has been added to the quirky styling, with deeper front and rear bumpers, low side skirts and large alloy wheels which will be available as optional extras across the board. At launch, the range-topping X3 will be a 3.0-litre straight-six petrol which gives 231bhp and sprints from 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds. However, when this flagship diesel version arrives, it should offer around 270bhp and 500Nm of torque. And with the standard model already providing fine handling characteristics, high-performance variants are expected to guarantee a driving experience which will rival many sports saloons.

Power will be fed through BMW's hi-tech xDrive 4WD system, while the suspension is likely to be firmed up to improve the sporty version's on-road abilities at the expense of some mud-plugging potential. Drivers will have a choice of five-speed manual or auto gearboxes, but will have to pay extra for the self-shifter. The firm is tight-lipped about the official details, but insiders suggest the new model will be added to the X3 range later this year.