BMW Announces New X3 Drive28i with 2.0L Turbo, X5 M Sport Edition and More for 2012

It seems that BMW has entered a non-stop process either revealing completely new models or updating its existing portfolio. Just to get an idea of what we're talking about, in the last 30 days alone, BMW has introduced these new models: 320i Turbo plus the 316d and 318d; the 125i Turbo, 125d, 116d ED and 1-Series M Sport Packages; the M550d, X5 M50d and X6 M50d; the X6 and X6M Facelift, the market launch of the ActiveHybrid 5; and of course, the M6 Coupe and Convertible.
And today, the Bavarian automaker has more news in store for us starting with the presentation of the new X3 xDrive28i that's powered by the firm's new 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine with 245PS (180kW or 242HP) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of peak torque, matched to an 8sp automatic.
It replaces the current X3 xDrive28i's 3.0-liter naturally aspirated straight-six with 240-horsepower.
The new inline-four accelerates the X3 from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 6.7 seconds or 0.2 seconds faster than the outgoing model, while its average fuel consumption on the EU test cycle is 7.5lt/100km (equal to 31.3mpg US or 37.8mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of 175g/km, an improvement of around 17 percent.
In addition, all 2013 model year X3s arriving this spring (sold as a 2012 model year in Europe) will be quipped as standard with BMW's Driving Experience Control feature that varies the vehicle settings and is controlled by a button located on the center console next to the gearshift lever.
The system offers drivers four choices including “COMFORT”, “SPORT” and “SPORT+” as well as the ECO PRO mode, which change the settings of the stability control function (DSC), the accelerator pedal and Servotronic power steering and, depending on the equipment, the automatic transmission and Dynamic Damper Control system.
BMW has also added the Speed Limit Info System with the No Overtaking Display as a new option on the ConnectedDrive driver assistance systems, plus an updated Lane Departure Warning function with rear collision warning for the X3.
Moving on to the X5, in the spring of 2012, BMW will complement the crossover model's range with a new M Sport Edition that will be offered on all regular variants (sans the X5 M50d and X5M).
We don't have the official photos in our hands yet, but BMW says the M Sport Edition models get a new aero kit with bespoke front and rear bumpers, 20-inch allos, Individual High Gloss Shadow Line, new tailpipes, a sports suspension for all models aside from the X5 xDrive50i that gets a pneumatic rear wheel suspension with an automatic leveling feature. Moreover, the X5 xDrive50i and X5 xDrive40d also receive Xenon lights.
Inside, the M Sport Edition package dresses up the X5's cabin with M leather-clad steering wheel with shift paddles, anthracite roof lining, black piano lacquer trim strips, M-badge doorsills, stainless steel pedals and an M footrest plus sports seats.

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