The New BMW X3.

· An entirely new class of vehicle for the demanding, active
driver · Superior, dynamic design with unmistakable character.
· xDrive: new intelligent four-wheel-drive technology for
superior agility. · 3.0-litre straight-six gasoline and diesel
powertrains. · Sporty and versatile both on the road and in its
features. Munich. Introducing a very dynamic and versatile new
vehicle, BMW is expanding the successful X-family: The new BMW X3
combines the outstanding agility of a typical BMW with the wide range
of uses offered by a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV). This represents
the first premium offering in the class of SAVs beneath the X5, and
comes to market to conquer the world's roads both on and off the beaten
track. The BMW X3 will make its debut at this year's Frankfurt Motor
Show in September. The BMW X3 combines the characteristic proportions
of a Sports Activity Vehicle with both classic and new BMW design
characteristics. The modern design language with interacting concave
and convex surfaces gives the X3 a youthful and fresh appearance. Its
unique position within the BMW model series is underlined by a wide
range of characteristic features such as the newly interpreted, classic
"Hofmeister kink" in the rear side windows, the newly
designed double kidney grille, as well as the headlights and rear
lights. The long wheelbase with short overhangs and the sloping roof
line accentuate the dynamic character and performance of this Sports
Activity Vehicle right from the start. Strong flared wheel arches and
the striking front section emphasize the self-confident personality of
this newcomer which makes a positive impression in every environment.
Dynamic performance is ensured by BMW's 3.0-litre straight-six gasoline
and diesel power units widely lauded for their truly outstanding
refinement and performance. Developing a maximum output of 170 kW (231
bhp), the agile X3 3.0i is specified with a top speed of up to 210 km/h
or 130 mph in standard trim, and can reach up to 224 km/h or 139 mph
with its optionally available high-speed set-up (available with Sports
Package). The recently introduced straight-six turbodiesel with
second-generation common rail direct injection develops a maximum
output of 150 kW (204 bhp) in the X3 and propels this outstanding
Sports Activity Vehicle with a supreme 410 Nm maximum torque. Again,
top speed in standard trim is specified up to 210 km/h or 130 mph, and
can reach a maximum of up to 218 km/h or 135 mph with high-speed set-up.
Both models come standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, a five-speed
automatic transmission being available as an option. Other engine
variants will follow one after the other. A special highlight of the
BMW X3 is the newly developed intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive system
which sets new standards in agility for all-wheel-drive vehicles.
xDrive allows infinitely adjustable and fully variable distribution of
torque front-to-rear, the system immediately recognises any need for a
change in power distribution and responds very quickly, when driving
on-road often before the wheels begin to lose their grip. As a result,
the X3 is able to feed optimum torque to the respective axle at any
time during dynamic cornering , significantly minimising both under-
and oversteer in the process. On the road xDrive therefore offers a
substantial improvement in agility and driving pleasure and, at the
same time, safety. Stability management systems such as DSC can
intervene at a far later point in time than with conventional
four-wheel drive. xDrive also ensures better grip and traction on
slippery or rough terrain, transmitting power as quickly as possible to
the wheels with better grip when a wheel might start to spin and thus
eventually interrupt the flow of traction. The versatility of the new
BMW X3 is by no means limited to the wide range of different road
conditions and terrain on which this SAV demonstrates its agility and
dynamic performance. Also the interior and the wide range of available
equipment make this the ideal BMW for active, versatile personalities.
From the command position the high, characteristic seating position in
a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle the occupants not only see the
surroundings from a pleasant and clear perspective, but also enjoy a
very modern and very spacious interior. Typical BMW elegance and
aesthetics combine with a wide range of practical details and a
youthful sporty ambience appropriate to the vehicle character. An
equally broad range of both classic as well as sporty, modern materials
and colours offers unique possibilities to personalize the interior of
the new X3. In the cockpit the two circular dials are grouped together
in typical BMW style in an elegant binnacle. And right in the middle of
the instrument panel the driver will find the optional 16:9 navigation
system colour monitor, which flips up automatically whenever required.
Lots of space is to be found behind the wide-opening and convenient rear
hatch door, plenty of room for all kinds of sports gear such as
mountain bikes and naturally lots of other things. Numerous storage
compartments then round off the high functionality of the X3, and for
those who want to transport even larger sports equipment, BMW's unique
trailer stability control offers safer towing of boat and other
trailers. This extension of the DSC stability control system naturally
comes as standard, just like automatic HDC Hill Descent Control for
driving downhill safely even on loose or slippery surfaces. In
developing the X3, BMW also focused in particular on active and passive
safety of the highest standard. The engineering principle of BMW's
Sports Activity Vehicles the front drive shaft extending through the
oil sump gives the X3 a very low centre of gravity and reduces body
roll in the process. xDrive's intelligent distribution of torque helps
keep the X3 very stable and sure-footed even in fast bends, so that
many critical situations do not occur right from the outset. And should
they all the same, DSC Dynamic Stability Control will intervene to help
stabilise the vehicle. The new BMW X3 will be available in Europe and
North America from the beginning of 2004. Other markets will follow successively.