BMW X3: First Look

The Germanic brand's new soft roader, which sits beneath the popular X5 model, is referred to as a "Compact Premium Sports Activity Vehicle" in BMW speak, and will make its Australian debut at the 2004 Melbourne International Motor Show (27 Feb).

The growing premium compact 4WD segment had been solely the domain of Land Rover's Freelander for the last several years, until Lexus unleashed it's strapping RX330 in 2003 - and to that list you can now add BMW's X3.

The X3 has got a lot going for it, with BMW's craftsmanship and attention to detail high on the list, while things like 17-inch wheels and a six-speed manual gearbox hint at it's on road potential.

But what does BMW's X3 bring to the table in terms of offroad qualifications?

Apart from a choice of two fairly powerful six-cylinder engines (and it's possible a budget-priced 4-banger, perhaps from the 1-Series will lob eventually) and better-than-average ground clearance, the X3 gets BMW's patented xDrive all-wheel drive transmission.

This intelligent four wheel drive gearbox, based on a scaled down version from the X5, splits the engine's torque between the front and rear wheels based on a number of sensors.

When in normal, optimal grip situations, the X3 is essentially a rear wheel driver, with 100% torque applied to the rear hoops.

Sensors that react to changes in steering angle, the rotational speed of each wheel, the vehicle's yaw and lateral acceleration activate a multi-disc clutch that can vary torque between all four wheels.

So, in the unlikely event that a shiny new X3 gets driven through a boggy, muddy creek bed, the xDrive system can transfer almost all torque to the front wheels if the rears have lost all traction, and everything in between (such as a 50:50 or 70:30 front:rear split, and so on) can be achieved, all without the drivers intervention.

Of course, this AWD system also translates to a safer ride on sealed roads too, which is where the X3 will spend most of its time, providing for improved on road dynamics - or better cornering grip if you like.

In addition to controlling xDrive, BMW has tweaked its DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system to include 'Hill Descent Control' for steady-as-she-goes descents, and it also provides suspension control.

Furthermore, BMW gets brownie points for including a trailer stability system that improves driver control when towing.

Chris Bangle, the current head of design at BMW, seems to have gone for a more conservative look with the X3, rather than the more daring designs of the Z4 and the new 5-Series.

Some say talk of his impending demise has given him reason to adopt a more cautious approach.

Resembling the more restrained X5, the X3 has slightly sharper edges than it's bigger sibling, and the front end (particularly the headlight cluster) features a more striking design, also contributing to a drag co-efficient of 0.35.

Flared wheel arches make the cut, lending the X3 that rugged AWD appeal, while the rear is fairly generic, save for brake lights cleverly integrated into both rear quarter panels and the tailgate.

BMW will bring two X3 models to Australia, while a third, the 3.0-litre diesel variant, may arrive at a later date.

BMW's oft-used, but highly regarded straight-six cylinder engines power the X3, producing 141kW and 245Nm of torque in the 2.5i and 170kW and 300Nm of torque in the 3.0i.

BMW figures claim the range-topping 300Nm X3 will hit 100km/h from rest in 7.8 seconds, despite a fairly hefty 1835kg kerb mass, and will eventually reach a top speed of 210km/h.

The Australian specification X3 is fairly well equipped for its $67,900 entry level pricepoint (for the 2.5i), with no less than ten airbags, a multifunction leather steering wheel (with cruise control), 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, rain sensors and automatic headlight control, fog lights, climate control air conditioning, on board computer, and a CD stereo.

True to BMW form, you can also splash out on a number of über-premium extras, such as a spiffy panorama roof and adaptive headlights.

The massive two-piece panorama roof opens up at the touch of a button, while the adaptive headlight swivel to light up corners more effectively than standard forward facing headlights.

Other Australian market options include a sports suspension rig, 18-inch light alloy wheels, aluminium running boards, sports seats, heated seats, electric front seats, satellite navigation and TV monitor, voice activated controls, and a high fidelity stereo system.

The X3's tailgate is quite large and is big enough to allow easy loading of bulky items such as "skis or surfboards" (a subtle BMW hint at who the car's pitched at) and there's also plenty of differently sized storage solutions too.

The X3 will arrive in Australian BMW dealerships in the third quarter of 2004, the X3 2.5i from $67,900 for the six-speed manual and the X3 3.0i from $77,600, which is only available with a five-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. The 2.5i will also be available with a five-speed automatic for $70,500.

The luxury SUV market (as it's officially called by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries) was the fastest growing segment in Australia in 2003, with a 60 per cent improvement on the year before. With growth expected to be strong through 2004, BMW will no doubt be keen to get the X3 into showrooms.

When it arrives later in 2004, the X3 will give the local luxury 4WD segment a mild shake up, with BMW's strong badge cachet, acclaimed engineering and solid pricing making potential Land Rover and Lexus buyers think twice before handing over their hard-earned for a Freelander or RX330.