BMW Will Offer Four-Cylinder X3 xDrive28i in 2012

BMW will be adding its new 2.0l, turbocharged four-cylinder into the X3 in 2012 as the xDrive28i this spring. 

The new four-cylinder engine produces 245hp and 350Nm of torque thanks to its twin-scroll turbo. The new engine replaces the 3.0l, turbo inline six that had been badged the x28i. The new xDriver28i can to accelerate to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds. It's average fuel consumption is 7.5l/100km, and it produces 175g/km of CO2. That is a 17% improvement over the previous engine. It comes standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission. 

All future X3 models will come standard with Driving Experience Control that allows drivers to modify stability control, accelerator response, and power steering. The system uses Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Eco Pro modes. In Eco Pro the the acceleration is made more economical at the expense of performance and the efficiency of the heating and air-conditioning unit, the exterior mirror heater and the seat heater is optimized.

BMW is also adding more Connected Drive options to the X3. The Speed Limit Info System and Lane Departure Warning are now optional. 

What are your thoughts of BMW moving ever more away from six-cylinder engines? For about 20 years BMW was synonymous with fantastically smooth and powerful inlines sixes. In the last five years, it has developed more four-cylinder engines, and this year it seems like it has made a big push with the smaller, turbocharged powerplants by putting them in its main models.