BMW has introduced six-cylinder diesel versions of the X3 following the launch of the 2.0-litre diesel in 2010.

The 3.0-litre xDrive30d produces CO2 emissions of 159g/km and provides 47.1mpg, despite accelerating from 0-62mph in just 6.2 seconds and reaching a top speed of 130mph.

Meanwhile the xDrive35d is almost as kind to the wallet thanks to BMW EfficientDynamics technologies which reduce fuel consumption and emissions without compromising performance.

Its 313hp engine propels the flagship X3 from 0 to 62mph in 5.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 149mph while only emitting 162g/km of CO2 and returning a combined mpg of 46.3.

An eight-speed automatic transmission and Dynamic Stability Control is standard on both models.The enhanced DSC includes brake drying, brake fade compensation, brake pre-tensioning and hill-start assist.

Prices start at £37,600 OTR for the xDrive30d SE and £40,205 OTR for the xDrive35d SE.

Author: Andrew Brady