Press Release
The World's First Premium Sports Activity Vehicle in its Class
- An entirely new category of vehicles for the demanding, active individual.
- Superior, dynamic stance with unmistakable design.
- xDrive: New, intelligent all-wheel drive for supreme agility.
- 3.0- and 2.5-litre straight-six gasoline and 3.0-litre diesel engines.
- Sporting and versatile in both driving characteristics and equipment.
The basic facts and figures alone clearly show that this is an all-new, absolutely unique model series: Measuring 4,565 millimetres (197.7´´) in length, the X3 is 87 millimetres (3.4´´) longer than the 3 Series Touring, but almost 30 centimetres (11.8´´) shorter than the new 5 Series Saloon. And measuring 4,667 mm (183.7´´) from bumper to bumper, the X5, in turn, is clearly the X3's bigger brother. We find the same relative figures when considering the wheelbase of the X3 measuring 2,795 millimetres (110.0´´), versus 2,725 millimetres (107.3´´) on the 3 Series Touring and 2,820 millimetres (111.0´´) on the X5. In terms of height, on the other hand, the X3, measuring 1,674 millimetres (65.9´´), is clearly higher than both the 3 Series Touring (1429 mm/ 56.3´´ ) and the 5 Series Saloon (1,468 mm/57.8´´ ), only the X5 leaving an even longer shadow with its height of 1,715 mm (67.5´´). And with only the driver sitting at the wheel, ground clearance of the X3 measuring exactly 201 millimetres (7.91´´) is absolutely sufficient even on rough terrain. Muscular straight-six power units for sporting performance
BMW's straight-six gasoline and diesel engines famous for their supreme refinement and performance ensure dynamic motoring wherever you go. Developing maximum output of 170 kW (231 bhp), the agile X3 3.0i reaches a top speed in standard trim of 210 km/h (130 mph), the optional high-speed set-up available with the Sports Package allowing an even higher top speed of 224 km/h (139 mph). The power unit featured in the X3 2.5i, in turn, develops maximum output of 141 kW (192 bhp). Revving smoothly even up to high speeds, the 3.0-litre six-cylinder also allows the driver to accelerate quickly and dynamically from 0-100 km/h in just 7.8 seconds. And despite this performance the ultra-modern 3.0-litre gasoline engine outperforming even the strict EU 4 emission standard consumes just 11.4 litres (100 kilometres), equal to 24.8 mpg Imp. The aficionado of supreme torque will be thrilled in particular by the X3 3.0d, the straight-six turbodiesel with second-generation common rail direct fuel injection only recently upgraded developing maximum output of 150 kW (204 bhp) in the X3, and giving this superior Sports Activity no less than 410 Nm (302 lb-ft) maximum torque. This also provides a top speed of 210 km/h (130 mph) increased even further to 218 km/h (135 mph) with BMW's high-speed set-up. And when it comes to acceleration, the diesel is also an outstanding performer, booming from 0-100 km/h in just 7.9 seconds. Fuel consumption in the process remains very modest, however, the X3 3.0d requiring just 8.4 litres of diesel for 100 kilometres, equal to 33.6 mpg Imp. All three engine variants come as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox and are available as an option with five-speed automatic transmission. The new xDrive all-wheel-drive system
The all-new, intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive system setting a new standard in the agility of all-wheel-drive vehicles is a particular highlight of the BMW X3: xDrive allows infinite, fully variable distribution of drive forces between the front and rear axle, the system immediately recognising the need for a change in power distribution and responding extremely quickly to such a change, in usual road-going situations generally before the wheel even loses its grip. This enables xDrive to transmit optimum drive power to the respective axle at all times even when taking a bend at speed, significantly reducing over- and understeer in the process. On the road xDrive offers a significant improvement of agility, driving pleasure and safety all in one. Suspension control systems such as DSC are not required until a much later point in time than on a conventional all-wheel-drive vehicle, and xDrive guarantees better traction and driving conditions on rough or slippery terrain, since engine power is transferred almost instantaneously to the wheels with more grip as soon as a wheel is about to spin, thus reliably interrupting the flow of traction. Excellent driving experience thanks to the commanding seating position
In its versatility the new X3 is an outstanding performer not only on all kinds of terrain, where it consistently demonstrates its agile and dynamic character. Rather, the sophisticated interior and the wide range of equipment make the X3 the ideal BMW for the active and versatile individualist in every other respect, too. Sitting in their commanding position so characteristic of a BMW Sports Activity, the occupants not only see the world around them from a very clear, pleasant perspective, but also enjoy a very modern and spacious interior: The X3 combines elegance and an aesthetic look appropriate for a vehicle of this character with a sporting ambience and a wide range of practical details. Able to choose from a great many classical as well as sporting and modern materials and colours, the customer has numerous options in personalising the interior of his - or her - X3. Within the cockpit the two circular instruments are grouped in typical BMW style within an elegant pinnacle, the middle of the dashboard is dominated by the optional 16:9 colour monitor of the navigation system moving up automatically when in use. Lots of space and superior functions
The X3 offers truly ample space behind the tailgate opening up to a steep angle for easy access, allowing convenient accommodation of all kinds of luggage and sports equipment such as several mountain bikes: Depending on the arrangement of the seats, luggage space is up to 1,560 litres or almost 55 cubic feet. Numerous additional storage compartments and boxes round off the superior functionality of the X3 with a service load, depending on the engine, of up to 500 kilos (1,100 lb). Unladen weight is between 1,740 kg/3,837 lb (X3 2.5i) and 1,850 kg/4,079 lb (X3 3.0d). And if you wish to take along even heavier and bulkier sports equipment or any other kind of trailer, the optional towing hook on the X3 2.5 is homologated for trailers weighing up to 1,800 kg (3,969 lb), the two three-litre models even being able to tow 2,000 kg (4,410 lb) on a trailer equipped with brakes. Regardless of the weight towed, BMW's unique trailer stability control ensures safe driving conditions with, say, a boat trailer or other trailers of any kind. This extension of the DSC suspension control system is standard, just like HDC Hill Descent Control for taking downhill gradients safely even on loose ground. In the process of developing the X3, BMW's engineers have naturally given particular significance to active and passive safety. Right from the start, the remarkable configuration and design principle of a BMW Sports Activity, with the front drive shaft running through the oil sump, has given the X3 a very low centre of gravity, reducing body sway in the process. With its intelligent distribution of power, xDrive keeps the X3 very stable and secure even in fast bends, generally avoiding critical situations from the beginning. And should such a situation arise nevertheless, DSC suspension control featured as standard intervenes immediately to restore the stability of the X3. Yet a further feature fitted as standard on the X3 is the Tyre Pressure Indicator (TPI) constantly comparing wheel speed in order to monitor air pressure in the tyres and giving the driver both an optical and an acoustic warning in the event of any loss of pressure. Designed and developed as a Sports Activity, the X3 has superior features and abilities clearly defined from the start: While the road is the preferred terrain of this outstanding vehicle, it also offers safe and far-reaching driving qualities on rough terrain ensured, first, by xDrive, BMW's new all-wheel-drive system and, second, by superior ground clearance of 201 millimetres (7.91´´), together with an embankment angle of 26.1º at the front and 23.6º at the rear, as well as a ramp angle of 19º providing the freedom required on all kinds of surfaces. The ramp angle, incidentally, is the maximum admissible angle of a ramp such as a driveway leading into an underground garage without the vehicle touching the ground between its axles as it proceeds up or down such a gradient. Two further criteria which would also look good even on an all-out offroader are the ability to cross bodies of water up to 50 centimetres or almost 20´´ deep and the maximum climbing gradient when setting off of 33 per cent. Aerodynamic objectives: superior driving pleasure, low fuel consumption. The new BMW X3 not only looks very good in its styling and design, but also offers superior aerodynamics: Careful calculations in the early development phase and thorough optimisation in the wind tunnel, first using 1:2.5 models and then models in original size, have given the X3 an airflow concept with a drag coefficient Cd of 0.35 on all six-cylinder models, whether petrol- or diesel-engined. A drag coefficient as low as this is quite unique within the market segment the new BMW X3 is now entering, a low Cd rating offering the driver supreme performance on very little fuel, particularly at high speeds. Cooperating closely on all relevant details, BMW's aerodynamicists and designers working in the wind tunnel have succeeded, inter alia, in giving the X3 a perfectly streamlined rear spoiler. The reduction of internal resistance in the cooling air ducts, in turn, improves both the supply of cooling air and the flow of air out of the vehicle. Airflow to the front axle and manual gearbox have likewise been optimised, BMW's engineers also keeping the underfloor of the X3 very smooth and flat for an optimum flow of air. Aerodynamic refinement of the BMW X3 provides optimum qualities also in terms of driving dynamics, very low lift forces front and rear for a vehicle of this kind serving to press the X3 on to the road particularly at high speeds both when driving in a straight line and in bends. This, in turn, enhances the X3's sporting and agile performance, lift forces reduced to a minimum also helping to maximise active driving safety through longitudinal stability and driving manoeuvres highly relevant to safety such as a quick lane change, etc. Additional highlights: panorama roof and Adaptive Headlights
The BMW X3 comes with a very wide range of optional features, two particular highlights being the new, large panorama roof and BMW's innovative ALC Adaptive Headlights. The two-piece panorama roof extends almost completely throughout the entire roof area of the X3, covering a glass area of 0.65 square metres. And the driver is able to open up the roof completely simply at the touch of a button. Adaptive Headlights, in turn, improve the driver's visibility in the dark by swivelling to the side in an infinite adjustment process geared to the steering angle of the vehicle. This adjusts the two bi-xenon headlight units as required as a function of the steering angle, yaw rate and road speed, thus illuminating bends ahead of the driver clearly and brightly. BMW offers the particularly performance-minded purchaser of the X3 a special Sports Package which, thanks to its specific suspension set-up, gives the X3 an even higher top speed. Further features included in this package are white direction indicators, satin chrome, and star-spoke light-alloy wheels, as well as a leather sports steering wheel and sports seats for both the driver and front passenger. The new BMW X3 will be available in Europe and North America from the beginning of 2004. Other markets will follow later.
