The All-New BMW X3 – Just the Right Sized SAV
Kuala Lumpur, 14th March 2011 – BMW Group Malaysia today launched the all new BMW X3 Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), with four-wheel drive, and if Goldilocks (Ref: Goldilocks & the Three Bears, for those who are too old to remember) had to make a choice amongst the X Series, this would be the perfect size. The new X3 is larger than the X1, and smaller than the X5 – I can imagine Goldilocks, like many of our SAV users, comparing the three, and if anyone finds the X1 a little on the small side, and the X5 a little too large to handle, then the X3, in terms of dimensions, is smack in the middle. In passing, it is also of interest to note that the new X3 is slightly longer, taller and wider than the outgoing model, and it certainly looks a lot better than the old one, at least in my eyes.
The new BMW X3 represents a significant leap ahead compared to its predecessor in terms of comfort, driving experience, spaciousness and sophisticated design, both inside and out. Continuing the legacy of BMW’s X Series of vehicles, the new BMW X3 is at home both on the road or off the beaten track as evidenced by its recent win of the “Off-Roader of the Year” accolade from Germany’s Off Road Magazine merely weeks after its international market launch.
“The first generation of the BMW X3 was the vehicle that created the small-medium Sports Activity Vehicle segment and set the bar when it came to the driving dynamics of vehicles in the segment. Now, the second generation builds on those exceptional traits, combining agility with an all-new suspension technology, electronically-controlled driver assistance systems and advanced four-wheel drive system for much more superiority. All these are successfully conceived based on current real world requirements and concerns. It is an SAV that surpasses competiting models of the same class by virtue of its advanced design, technology, class-leading passenger and luggage space as well as unrivalled performance and fuel efficiency.” said Mr. Geoffrey Briscoe, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.
Briscoe continued by sharing that the new BMW X3 xDrive20d is the perfect representation of the BMW Group’s vision of successfully combining all the traits of the BMW X Series – sporty ruggedness and driving superiority with the latest technologies from BMW’s Sustainability strategy of BMW EfficientDynamics and Innovations strategy of BMW ConnectedDrive. The all new BMW X3 is a vehicle that sets a new benchmark for driver satisfaction and utility, while also being economical both in terms of cost to the consumer and environment.
“Based on the total sales for the first two months of 2011, BMW Group Malaysia has sold a total of 810 vehicles, representing 744 BMW, 40 MINI and 26 Motorrad. This is an overall growth of 29% if you were to compare it to the same period last year where we sold a total of 629 vehicles. We are confident that the new BMW X3 will contribute to the continued growth of the BMW brand here in Malaysia,” added Briscoe.
The new BMW X3 xDrive20d features the latest BMW Advanced Diesel Technology with a two litre, four-cylinder turbo diesel engine capable of producing 135kw/ 184 hp and a torque reading of 380Nm which is driven by an advanced 8-speed automatic transmission as standard.
The 8-speed transmission system allows the driver to enjoy an exceptionally smooth driving experience with power and efficiency to match that of a double-clutch transmission system. This potent combination allows the new BMW X3 xDrive20d to complete the 0-100kmh sprint in a respectable 8.5 seconds, whilst maintaining a fuel consumption rate of only 5.6 litres per 100km and CO2 emissions of 147gram per km.
“The two-litre, four-cylinder turbo diesel engine of the new BMW X3 features the latest BMW Advanced Diesel Technology which extends and reinforces our commitment to introducing as many Green and Sustainable Technologies as we can to the Malaysian market. It is our testament to our BMW EfficientDynamics strategy and spreading the good word on Advanced Diesel Technology as Clean and Green Technology.” said Briscoe.
Briscoe added that the fact that the all-new BMW X3 is introduced with a diesel powerplant also demonstrates BMW Group’s conviction and belief that Advanced Diesel Technology is the immediate solution to cleaner and more efficient energy sources for Malaysia at the current moment.
“BMW has been greatly encouraged by the Malaysian government’s commitment towards introducing the latest and most efficient green technologies, which mirrors our own efforts. The eagerly anticipated introduction of Euro IV standard fuel specification which is planned for 2015, is a particularly encouraging move which BMW is keen to support with the introduction of more diesel ranges such as the recent new BMW 520d and the BMW X3.” said Briscoe.
As part of the BMW EfficientDynamics strategy, the new BMW X3 features optimised aerodynamics, intelligent lightweight construction, Brake Energy Regeneration, Electromechanical Steering, demand-based control of ancillary components and functions and for the first time in any BMW vehicle in Malaysia, Auto Start/ Stop function in combination with automatic transmission.
The Auto Start Stop function helps to save fuel, by stopping the engine when stationary. For example in a traffic jam or at the traffic lights, the engine is automatically switched off when the car is at a standstill while the brake pedal is depressed. As soon as the driver takes his or her foot off the brake pedal, the engine restarts. If the Auto Hold function is activated, only brief pressure is needed on the accelerator pedal to restart the engine.
Aesthetically, the new BMW X3 merges the typically muscular design cues of the BMW X Series with a dynamically stretched silhouette to produce an elegant, durable and sporting car. The typical characteristic upright kidney grille and triangular headlight arrangement of the new BMW X3 ensures an undeniably robust presence, emphasised by the flared wheelarches, short wheelbase and horizontal rear lines. Further accentuating its external looks are Bi-Xenon headlights with daytime driving light function that feature the signature Corona Rings, a BMW feature that also aids in providing added safety.
And the improvements on its predecessor are not only limited to the external, as the new BMW X3 features a contemporary interior ambience characterised by top quality materials and superior craftsmanship, coupled with a generous sense of space. With 23 mm more knee room and a 20 mm increase in width over the previous BMW X3, the three rear seats certainly provide a sizeable space upgrade.
Providing a volume of between 550 and 1,600 litres, the luggage compartment of the new BMW X3 is also one of the best in its segment. It is, however, not just about pure volume as usable space is also essential to the SAV customer and the new BMW X3 has an adaptable interior which can be changed to suit personal requirements, with numerous ergonomically designed and useful storage areas throughout the vehicle. The rear seat backrests can be split 40:20:40 where the three segments can be folded down either individually or together. In this way, it is possible to adapt the luggage compartment according to individual user requirements.
The asymmetrical instrument panel and centre console are orientated towards the driver while the Radio BMW Professional, which includes a 6.5-inch monitor and 12 loudspeaker hi-fi system are a standard offering, ensuring all infotainment requirements are met and exceeded. With BMW ConnectedDrive, owners of the new BMW X3 will also enjoy complete USB connectivity and bluetooth hands free functions and are able to access a host of safety and infotainment functions such as BMW TeleServices and the optional BMW Telematics Platform Accessory (TPA), which includes an emergency Vehicle Recovery System as well as other BMW Assist remote services.
The all new BMW X3 xDrive20d offers two optional packages which are the Technology and Comfort packages. The Technology package features BMW’s Dynamic Damper Control working in unison with BMW Performance Control, BMW Navigation System Professional and extended connectivity for mobile devices, whilst the Comfort package features the automatic operation of the tailgate, comfort access system and a panoramic glass roof. Limited units of the new BMW X3 xDrive20d Special Edition will also be available from launch, boasting addtional features such as Dynamic Damper Control, Performance Control and 18” light alloy wheels.
Dynamic Damper Control and Performance Control are two proprietary BMW technologies that allow drivers to further enhance their driving experience. With the Dynamic Damper Control, electronically controlled dampers adapt to the driver’s style and various road surfaces and when used with Dynamic Driving Control, the drive technology allows drivers to toggle between “NORMAL”, “SPORT” and “SPORT+” modes to unleash the full driving potential of their BMW X3.
On the other hand, BMW Performance Control works through controlled braking of the inner rear wheels when cornering, whilst increasing the amount of drive torque available to ensure drivers have a more responsive and agile steering when handling twists and turns.
The new BMW X3 xDrive20d is covered by BMW’s extensive service program, BMW Service + Repair Inclusive (BS+RI) which covers the normal wear and tear repairs or replacements as well as maintenance, service and repair of factory components of the vehicle. The service program offers peace of mind BMW ownership and provides cover from three years from its original registration date or 60,000KM, which ever comes first.
The retail price for the BMW X3 xDrive20d (on the road, without insurance), with BMW Service Inclusive + Repair (BS+RI) start from RM 348,800.
