The New X3 2.0d - Attractive Entry into the BMW X-Family

Munich. The new BMW X3, the world's first Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV)
in the midrange segment, will be available from September 2004 with a
new entry-level engine: Introducing the X3 2.0d, BMW is for the first
time offering a four-cylinder power unit in its SAVs suitable for
offroad driving, thus appealing to an even larger group of customers
now able to enjoy the special experience of driving an SAV. Displacing
2.0 litres, the direct-injection common rail diesel of the latest
generation develops maximum output of 150 bhp (110 kW) at 4000 rpm in
the X3 and ensures dynamic driving pleasure with maximum torque of 330
Nm or 243 lb-ft. The superior fuel economy offered by the new model
proves that agility and economy are not a contradiction in terms on an
all-wheel-drive vehicle: The X3 2.0d consumes just 7.2 litres of diesel
fuel on 100 km (equal to 39.2 mpg Imp) in the European driving cycle.
Upgraded once again, the straight-four power unit in the new BMW X3 2.0d
offers a level of flexibility most impressive on a diesel. The latest
generation of common rail technology with injection pressure of up to
1600 bar serves to provide the engine's high maximum torque of 330 Nm
from a low speed of just 2000 rpm, allowing the X3 to impressively
convert the particular benefits and strengths of BMW's new X3
all-wheel-drive system into dynamic performance the driver really feels
under all conditions. The electronically controlled multiple-plate
clutch distributes drive power within fractions of a second between the
two axles, thus ensuring not only excellent traction, but also a fast
response coupled with a standard of all-wheel-drive agility never seen
before. Perfect harmony: driving dynamics, agility, and economy all in
one. The new BMW X3 2.0d is equally impressive in its performance:
Acceleration to 100 km/h is in 10.2 seconds, and in 4th gear the X3
2.0d accelerates from 80-120 km/h (50-75 mph) in a mere 8.3 seconds.
Together with top speed of 198 km/h or 123 mph, the new X3 2.0d thus
offers all the merits of a genuine BMW Sports Activity Vehicle. And the
great news in this context is that the economic engine and drivetrain
allows this new SAV to cover a staggering 875 km or 543 miles on just
one tank in the EU combined cycle. Six-speed gearbox featured as
standard. Harmonising perfectly with the two-litre power unit, the
six-speed manual gearbox featured as standard also helps to ensure
efficient use of fuel combined with excellent performance. First gear
is conceived for maximum traction and pulling power, which obviously
benefits acceleration from a standstill and - a particularly important
feature in a vehicle of this class - ensures superior qualities when
setting off on a gradient or with a trailer. The remaining five gears -
with top speed coming in sixth gear - always give the driver exactly
the right gear ratio at all road and engine speeds, the driver thus
benefiting from superior torque and powerful acceleration in every
situation. And at the same time he - or she - can drive the X3 in a
relaxed, almost "lazy" style, without foregoing too much
agility. Again in that unique style typical of BMW, the six-speed
gearbox provides a very smooth and comfortable gearshift with short and
precise shift travel, further enhancing the dynamic character of this
outstanding Sports Activity Vehicle. The X3 2.0d comes as standard on
all-season 235/55 tyres running on 17-inch light-alloy rims in new
design. Like all BMW X3s, it is naturally fitted from the start with
BMW's "intelligent" xDrive all-wheel-drive system with an
electronically controlled multiple-plate clutch. Other features fitted
as standard are DSC Dynamic Stability Control, DBC Dynamic Brake
Control, CBC Cornering Brake Control, as well as BMW's two-stage Brake
Force Display for greater safety. And like all of BMW's Sports Activity
Vehicles, the X3 2.0d also comes with BMW's unique Trailer Stability
Control automatically recognising and correcting dangerous pendulum
motion of the trailer. Safety and comfort on offroad terrain, finally,
are ensured by HDC Hill Descent Control likewise fitted as standard and
automatically controlling both the speed of the vehicle and brake
intervention on steep downhill gradients. New features on all X3s.
Accompanying the launch of the X3 2.0d, more new features enhancing
comfort, communication, entertainment, and safety in all versions of
the X3 will be introduced as of September. The BMW Business CD audio
system, for example, will then also be able to play CDs with MP3 files
and the popular preparation kit for a Bluetooth mobile phone will
support all functions of the BMW Assist driver assistance system. The
TV function available in conjunction with the Professional navigation
system, in turn, will be able to receive not just analogue, but also
digital television signals. And now a child seat based on the ISOFIX
standard can also be fitted on the front passenger's seat, with the
airbag function being deactivated in the process. The X3 2.0d will be
available in Germany from mid-September at a price of 33.800 Euro. The
engine and emission system complies with the current EU3 emission standard.