Pricing, Specs Announced for 2013 BMW X3 xDrive28i with New Turbo Four

One by one, vehicles with BMW’s soulful naturally aspirated inline-six are biting the dust. As expected, BMW has announced that the 2013 X3 xDrive 28i crossover will swap the 3.0-liter inline-six for a turbocharged, 2.0-liter four. (Based on our experiences with the latter engine so far, it’s also pretty good, if not as linear as its predecessor.) The X3 will be the fourth BMW—following the 3-series, 5-series, and Z4—to swap the six for the blown four. As for the more powerful X3 xDrive35i, it keeps its turbocharged straight-six and gains more standard equipment for 2013.

The 2013 X3 xDrive28i’s turbo four makes the same 240 hp as the six it replaces, but whips up an additional 39 lb-ft of peak torque; the latter occurs at lower rpm, too. The current X3’s eight-speed automatic and all-wheel-drive system remain, while previously optional 18-inch wheels are now standard on the xDrive28i. Both four- and six-cylinder X3 models gain a power-operated tailgate and engine stop/start technology as standard equipment. The start/stop system (Auto Start Stop in BMW-speak) helps save fuel by shutting the engine down when the vehicle comes to a stop; the system can be turned off. The X3’s economy also is aided by the newly standard Driver Dynamics Control; besides the usual Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ chassis settings, it also includes an Eco Pro mode, that reduces accessories’ power draw and dulls throttle and transmission response.

There’s more tech: A lane-departure warning system is now available as part of a new Driver Assistance package, which also includes automatic high-beam control and, on xDrive35i models, BMW’s color head-up display. Finally, the xDrive28i’s M Sport package becomes more comprehensive, with a set of 19-inch wheels, a body kit, and sport seats.

What will the new engine and added standard kit cost? Not all that much: The xDrive28i’s price increases from $37,995 to $39,395 and the xDrive35i’s from $43,595 to $44,495. Both models will hit showrooms in May.