BMW Group Australia announces revised and now finalised pricing for the new X3 it will launch in mid-July.

The X3 will be available in three guises, the manual and automatic 2.5i and the range topping 3.0-litre automatic.

Confirmed pricing is now $65,300 for the 2.5i manual, while the 2.5i automatic is $67,900. The 3.0i automatic is $74,600.

Pricing was previously set at $67,900, $70,500 and $77,600 respectively.

BMW expects strong demand for the new X3 will exhaust its projected supply of around 1000 cars for the last six months of 2004, following extremely encouraging interest in the two vehicles displayed at the Melbourne International Motor Show earlier this month.

The X3 is the first compact all-wheel drive to combine high performance both on and off road in the lap of luxury. It joins the fastest growing market segment: the luxury SUV market, which grew by almost 60 percent in 2003, and growth is expected to continue in 2004.

While the large luxury 4WD market welcomed new competitors in 2003, not all SUV buyers require such large vehicles, especially if they travel mostly through heavily congested city streets.

The nimble, agile and more compact X3 will be the ideal solution for buyers seeking genuine all-wheel drive ability.

In addition to highly praised dynamics that will thrill keen drivers, the innovation and functionality of the all-new design, and its typical gold-standard BMW build quality, the Australian specification BMW X3 comes fully equipped with a generous array of features and equipment.

Standard fit on all X3 models are BMW’s latest Dynamic Stability Control system, ten airbags, multi-function leather wrapped steering wheel with cruise control, 17-inch light alloy wheels, roof rails, rain sensor and automatic headlight control, fog lights, climate control air conditioning, on board computer, and CD radio.

The BMW X3 also offers the discerning buyer a wide range of optional equipment with which to personalise their purchase. Two particular highlights are the new Panorama Roof and BMW’s innovative Adaptive Headlights.

Further Australian market options include sports suspension, 18-inch light alloy wheels, aluminium running boards, electric front seats, sports seats, heated seats, satellite navigation and TV monitor, voice activated controls, and a professional quality HiFi system.

BMW’s internationally lauded straight-six cylinder engines power the X3, producing 141 kW and 245 Nm of torque in the 2.5i and 170 kW and 300 Nm of torque in the 3.0i.

Like its larger X5 sibling, the X3 employs BMW’s just-released xDrive all-wheel drive transmission, which continuously and intelligently splits drive torque between the axles for premium control and safety under all driving conditions.

The X3’s near vertical tailgate opens from the bumper line to allow easy loading of bulky items such as mountain bikes and skis or surfboards.