BMW X3: First Look

Jay Williams - 21/December/2010

Munich, Germany - BMW has released details of its second generation Sports Activity Vehicle - the BMW X3.

The new BMW X3 will feature more space, optimised functionality and enhanced driving comfort. In addition the new model will feature two new engine variants, an eight-speed automatic transmission, refined suspension and BMWs EfficientDynamics.

The BMW X3 xDrive20d will feature a 2.0-litre straight four-cylinder diesel engine with aluminium
crankcase, turbocharger and Common Rail direct injection. Maximum power is rated at 135kW and max torque is 380Nm. 0-100km/h takes 8.5 seconds before hitting a top speed of 210km/h.

Meanwhile, the BMW X3 xDrive35i will feature a 3.0-litre straight six-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo, direct injection and VALVETRONIC. Maximum power for the petrol engine is 225kW with maximum torque being  400Nm. 0-100km/h takes just 5.7seconds before going on to a top speed of 245 km/h.

The new BMW X3 xDrive35i is equipped as standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While this option is available for the BMW X3 xDrive20d as an alternative to the standard six-speed manual gearbox.

The towing capacity of the new BMW X3 is 2,000kg with a 200kg tow bar download across the entire range.

The automatic transmission is combined for the first time with an Auto Start Stop function. When stopping at traffic lights or caught in a traffic jam, the engine is automatically switched off. As soon as the driver takes his or her foot off the brake pedal, the engine restarts. If the Auto Hold function is activated, brief pressure on the accelerator pedal is sufficient.

The Auto Start Stop function is also a standard feature in the X3 xDrive20d with manual gearbox. The car is additionally equipped with a gear shift indicator. Furthermore, the equipment featured in all model variants, which include brake energy regeneration, EPS Electric Power Steering, demand-controlled ancillary components, intelligent lightweight construction and tyres with reduced rolling resistance contribute towards lowering fuel consumption and exhaust emission levels.

The new BMW X3 comes with permanent four-wheel drive technology BMW xDrive as standard. This electronically controlled system ensures that the right amount of torque is delivered to the front and rear axles at all times.

The control unit, which is interlinked with the DSC Dynamic Stability Control, responds to any signs of oversteer or understeer immediately, resulting in a higher level of safety.

The new BMW X3 also features completely redeveloped suspension technology. The combination of a double-joint spring-strut axle at the front and a multi-link rear axle offers improved agility and driving comfort for a more balanced drive.

EPS Electric Power Steering including the Servotronic function for speed-dependent power steering is incorporated in a BMW X3 model for the first time and significantly contributes to the cars precise handling characteristics.

The newly developed variable sports steering available as an option reduces the effort needed to turn the front wheels. This is makes parking, cornering and swerving manoeuvres much easier.

Dynamic Damper Control is optionally available for the new BMW X3. This function, enables the driver to choose between the "NORMAL", "SPORT" and "SPORT+" modes using a button on the centre console. In addition to damping behaviour, accelerator progression, engine response, the characteristic curve of the power steering, DSC response thresholds and – depending on desired options – the shifting dynamics of the automatic transmission are changed to best suit the drivers needs.

The choice of optional features ranges from automatic climate control with 2-zone control, a panorama sunroof, high-end audio equipment and the navigation system Professional with hard-disk storage, to automatic rear lid operation and a tow coupling with electronically pivoting ball head.

Other options include, inter alia, with the systems Head-up Display, Adaptive Cornering Headlights, High-beam Assistant, Cruise Control with braking function (standard on the BMW X3 xDrive35i) and reversing camera including Top View.

BMW X3 Australian Pricing:
X3 xDrive20d - $62,200*
X3 xDrive28i - $71,900*
X3 xDrive30d - $74,900*

The new BMW X3 is available in Australian dealerships from mid-March 2011.

*Manufacturer’s Recommended List Price is shown and includes GST and Luxury Car Tax (LCT) but excludes dealer charges, stamp duty, statutory charges and on-road charges which are additional and vary between dealers and States/Territories. Customers are advised to contact their nearest BMW dealer for all pricing inquiries.

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