BMW has lowered the cost of entry to its X3 crossover experience by some £2,890 with the first rear-wheel-drive model in the range.

The new X3 sDrive18d is powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine producing 143bhp and available with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic gearbox.

And thanks to the German brand's EfficientDynamics technologies, the newcomer emits 135g/km of CO2 and boasts combined fuel consumption of 55.4mpg, making it the cleanest  model in the X3 line-up and attractive to business users with a BiK taxation rate of 21 per cent.

At £28,580 for the SE model, the X3 sDrive18d is £2,890 less than the xDrive20d while, with the exception of the Hill Descent Control reserved for four-wheel-drive models, it matches the standard equipment on the xDrive20d.

SE models feature Auto Start-Stop, Drive Performance Control, 17-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery and BMW iDrive with a 6.5-inch colour screen. M Sport models add the likes of 18-inch alloys, M aerodynamic bodystyling, sport seats and sport suspension.

The arrival of this new entry-level model sees the engine range for the BMW X3 expand to four diesels variants, and the sDrive18d can also be optionally ordered with a trailer coupling offering maximum towing capacity of 2,000kg.