German trade magazine Auto Bild has said the BMW X3 xDrive 20d exceeded the Euro 6 limits on nitrogen oxide emissions more than 11-fold in road tests by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT).

In response, the BMW Group has issued a statement saying that it “does not manipulate or rig any emissions tests. We observe the legal requirements in each country and fulfil all local testing requirements.

“In other words, our exhaust treatment systems are active whether rolling on the test bench or driving on the road.

“Two studies carried out by the ICCT have confirmed that the BMW X5 and 13 other BMW vehicles tested comply with the legal requirements concerning NOx emissions. No discrepancies were found in the X5 between laboratory-test and field-test NOx emissions.

“We are not familiar with the test results mentioned by Auto Bild on 24 September concerning the emissions of a BMW X3 during a road test. No specific details of the test have yet been provided and therefore we cannot explain these results. We are contacting the ICCT and asking for clarification of the test they carried out.

“We are willing to discuss our testing procedures with the relevant authorities and to make our vehicles available for testing at any time.”

In addition, Reuters has reported that Daimler has said it does not manipulate emissions data.

The news agency reported that a spokesman for Daimler said it does not use so-called defeat devices employed by Volkswagen and complied with rules on nitrogen oxide emissions around the world.