While not available in all markets, the most powerful version of BMW’s X3 crossover series isn’t a petrol but a diesel model.

The X3 xDrive35d sports a 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six diesel capable of delivering 309hp (313PS) at 4,400 rpm and a maximum torque of 630Nm (465 lb-ft) from 1,500 to 2,500 rpm, allowing for a zero to 100km/h sprint time of 5.8 seconds.

Not too shabby, especially if you consider that it also delivers a combined fuel consumption of 6.1lt/100 (equal to 38.6mpg US or 46.3mpg UK).

Those that are still not satisfied with the X3 xDrive35d’s performance figures, German tuning firm Hartge has readied a new power kit that lifts output to 357hp (362PS) at 4,400 rpm and peak torque to a whopping 730Nm (538 lb-ft) delivered at 1,800 rpm.

According to Hartge, the 357-horsepower X3 can go from 80 to 180km/h in 14.22 seconds and from standstill to 200km/h in 22.75 seconds, improving the regular model’s times by 4.03 and 6.15 seconds respectively. It also achieves a slightly higher top speed at 248km/h (154mph).

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