BMW raises the curtain on new X3 Sports Activity Vehicle
Posted by: kak on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 - 02:07 PM CET
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BMW has announced first details of its new X3 model. Expanding the BMW X-family, this dynamic and versatile new model combines the outstanding agility of a BMW saloon with the practicality of a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV).
- xDrive as standard: new intelligent four-wheel-drive technology
- Standard Hill Descent Control (HDC) and optional Trailer Stability Control (TSC)
- Sporting and versatile on and off-road
- World debut at Frankfurt Motor Show in September

xDrive

The X3 introduces BMW's patented xDrive intelligent four-wheel-drive, which sets new standards in agility for all-wheel-drive systems. It works by changing torque distribution from front-to-rear axles in an instant, offering substantial improvements in stability, driving pleasure and safety.

xDrive is both fully adjustable and infinitely variable. It feeds optimum torque to the required axle at any time, countering understeer and oversteer while cornering on road. Off-road, xDrive significantly improves traction by distributing drive forces to the axle with most grip. As soon as wheel spin threatens, the electro-hydraulic centre coupling transfers power to the axle with greater traction.

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) complements xDrive, but intervenes far later and is required less frequently. While xDrive, helps prevent loss of traction by channelling drive forces axle-to-axle, DSC works on individual wheels, intervening when one starts to slip. In these circumstances DSC cuts power to the relevant wheel and, where necessary, also applies brakes.

Styling

In appearance the BMW X3 combines the characteristic proportions of a Sports Activity Vehicle with classic and innovative design. Concave and convex surfaces give the X3 a fresh and youthful look that underpins a range of trademark BMW design features. The X3 has a pronounced "Hofmeister kink" in the rear side windows and a newly designed double kidney grille complements the X3?s headlamps. At the back, the car also sports distinctive X3 rear lights.

A long wheelbase with short overhangs and roof line sloping down to the rear frame the dynamic character and performance of the car. Flared wheel arches, and a striking front end give the newcomer its muscular character and underline its strong road presence.

Performance

Although UK engine line-ups are still to be finalised, performance will come courtesy of a range of petrol and diesel engines. This includes BMW's 3.0-litre petrol which develops maximum output of 231 bhp. The agile X3 3.0i reaches a top speed of up 130 mph in standard trim, going even further to 139 mph with its optional high-speed set-up - included in the Sports Package.

Recently introduced, the 3.0-litre straight-six turbo diesel with second-generation common rail direct injection, develops a maximum output of 204 bhp and propels this outstanding new model to 410 Nm maximum torque. Top speed in standard trim is 130 mph, or 135 mph with high-speed set-up. Both models come standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, with five-speed automatic available as an option.

Equipment

The versatility of the new BMW X3 is by no means limited to the on and off-road conditions on which it will thrive. Inside, equipment levels make this the ideal BMW for the individuals who revel in an active lifestyle.

Owners will enjoy superior lofty views thanks to the command driving position while the interior features a broad range of classic and modern materials, colours and options to personalise the X3. The cockpit houses two circular dials, grouped in typical BMW style in an elegant binnacle. In the middle of the instrument panel, drivers will find the optional 16:9 navigation system colour monitor which appears automatically when needed.

With tailgate open, the X3 reveals capacious storage space, enabling the driver to carry all kinds of sports gear. A number of handy storage compartments are also included, while for those who need to pull something really big - a boat for example - BMW offers Trailer Stability Control for safe motoring when towing. This option is an extension of DSC and complements automatic Hill Descent Control (HDC) for safe downhill driving, even on loose ground.

Safety

In developing the X3, BMW focused in particular on developing the highest standards of active and passive safety. Key design principles include extending the front drive shaft through the oil sump, giving the X3 a very low centre of gravity, reducing body roll for outstanding comfort and stability. And, of course, with intelligent power distribution, xDrive keeps the X3 stable and sure-footed even in fast bends.

The new BMW X3 will be available in the UK from late spring 2004.

 

I must say....that is one goofy looking vehicle......

Oh and sorry gav

 

Not bad. I would never finda reason to buy it, or even reccomend it to someone to buy, so let's see if it sells.

 

Call it a "Sports Activity Vehicle" all you want. It still looks like a 3 series wagon to me.

 

What's with the "Ford Escape" gray plastic cladding???
NO THANKS...I think I will pass on this one.

 

it looks just fine to me. like a small x5.

 

looks really good to me. i would drive it...

whats price expected to be?

 

i think they're aiming for the usual overpriced.

looks low rent, i'd buy it at 27k but over that i think there are more versatile suvs for the money. i can see them asking 40k.

 

Why are you sorry?

 

I am guessing the price will be on average $10K less than an X5 accordingly.

 

Actually here are the prices in Euros:

Executive €59,000

Sport €56,000

Lifestyle €52,500

Family €48,000

Of course, from the above prices, you cannot derive what the USA prices will be (they will be MUCH lower), but the above are official for Europeans.

 

hard to tell in the pics what the scale of the thing is... could be a bit smaller then a X5 or alot smaller.

hope its not some CRV lookin shit like that Freelander POS

 

ANother SUV. ANother BMW SUV. I can barely tolerate 3 Lexus SUVs, 2 BMW ones, is nothing sacred......

Man, I think all the chics I know with 3 coupes/sedans will trade for this now.

 

Here are the dimensions of the vehicle:

 

crv

height:1682
length:4537
width:1782


the bmw is 1in longer, 2.8in wider, definately a compact suv. not that there is anything wrong with that, its more functional than a 330i but hopefully weighs close to the same and gets close to the same gas mileage.

 

somebody kill me now

 

because i "stole" your job....I was just kidding though

 

doesn't look so bad to me, it would be cool to have

but whos gonna buy it?

 

Hehehe...hey we all post here. It's not my job to post here.

 

but you do it best and are the most insiteful

 

Thanks, I appreciate it.

 

I think its horendous looking, like all new BMW's.

 

I actually think this is the worst of the new BMW designs....I mean it's ugly and on top of it looks cheap (because it is...in a bmw sorta way). That front bumper is gross. The headlights need to be smoothed out, but the tails are ok. However the interior is horrible. Modern BMW mixed w/ a boring stark design. The interior is also too busy and cheap looking. It needs wood or something.

 

kinda wimpy looking, but not bad. I was hoping it would be more aggresive looking like the X5.

 

 

looks like the X5 got an ugly little brother X3......... X5 look ho lot batter!!!

 

i see nothing wrong with the interior, looks like your standard BMW.

eh, just give it a chance, im sure (like other bangle designs) itll look better in person.

 

It looks to me like an X5 and a Toyota Matrix had a kid...and it got its mom's height (the Toyota).

 

looks like a crv in disguise...i'd hit it though if it started at arround $25k...anything more is way too much

 

Actually I love the interior. Looks great. I always loved BMW interiors.

 

This would be a good vehical if you could get it for under $35k out the door. If that was the case I think you'd see BMW selling quite a few of these since there is a good market for SUVs under $40k.

Interior looks good...standard BMW feel to it, nice and sleek without being overly busy in any one particular aspect. The exterior is ok, but sorta looks like an X5 that missed a few feedings at it's mama's teet.

 

I think it looks ok.

But the wheels/tires look seriously undersized on the silver one.

 

 

BMW X3 Sold Out in the UK
BMW GB has taken almost 4,000 advanced orders for the X3, eight months before the compact SUV goes on sale in Britain.

The US-built X3 hits the showrooms next May, and total sales for 2004 are expected to be in the region of 6,000. “We could well be sold out before we even reach the start of sales,” admitted a BMW insider. Those 4,000 advanced orders are all “firm commitments” with dealers taking deposits.

The X3 will launch with 2.5 and 3.0 litre petrol versions with a 2.0 diesel joining the line-up next autumn. Prices for the 2.5 will start at £28,615 on the road and £32,015 for the 3.0 litre.

Source: Interchange News Agency

 

Not bad, will look better with a darker interior i bet. Looks slighty cramped.
Looks good but nothing exciting.

 

is honda the only company moving forward with larger nav screens? you would think leading companies like bmw would be doing the same instead of using the smae old interior over and over in even next generation cars. its like going to mapquest and trying to find directions on the tiny square that pops up instead of your whole screen.

 

well ill be damned. I like that interior better than the new 5 and 6 series. Go figure.

 

Looks small to me

 

Dash looks great.

 

ur not alone