The New BMW X3 - In Depth

Press Release

Design

The X3 comes with those unmistakable proportions so typical of BMW: A long and striking engine compartment merging smoothly into the coup??????????????????-like passenger cell or ???????????????????????????????????greenhouse???????????????????????????????? positioned relatively far to the rear, with comparatively steep A-pillars forming a soft but dynamic sweeping motion in connecting the two elements. Short overhangs and a long wheelbase, in turn, give the X3 a clear look of dynamic performance and stability. Powerfully arched wheel housings ensure a sporting look full of muscular flair, high ground clearance and black body trim proving that this is a robust, sturdy vehicle quite fit for rough use beyond the beaten track. But at the same time the elegant design of the body leaves no doubts about the premium qualities of the X3 in even the most sophisticated, high-class environment. Apart from the proportions of the X3, particularly the exciting surfaces create a powerful, dynamic effect, clear geometric lines mingling with tense surfaces and striking transitions to create a touch of three-dimensionality. The concave and convex areas, together with the subtle flow of light and shadow, exude a touch of power, dynamism and, at the same time, light agility so appropriate to such a vehicle. Characteristic front end ??????????????????????????????????????? striking lines
Particularly the front end of the X3 shows that this not ???????????????????????????????????just???????????????????????????????? a typical BMW, but also a member of the X-family, the dual headlights and kidney grille bearing clear testimony to the brand??????????????????????????????????????s identity. The powerful bumper, in turn, accentuates the robust character of an SAV also borne out by all the details, such as black rods in the kidney grille in their wide, square and muscular design. Other features again characteristic of the X3 are the light units extending into the engine compartment lid almost at right angles, with the direction indicators wrapped around the side. The shoulder line at the side extends out of the direction indicators, continuing above the engine compartment lid all the way to the rear. The shoulder line and the light dividing edge are indeed the two most striking elements at the side of the vehicle, running parallel to one another to create a clear, geometric impression. At the same time these lines interact with the tense convex and concave surfaces, ensuring subtle interplay of light and shade in the surfaces of the body for a supreme touch of sporting style and agile appeal. Precise lines and characteristic steps give the rear end of the X3 a three-dimensional look full of unmistakable character. Convex/concave transitions in the individual surfaces and areas give the vehicle depth and style, the striking roof spoiler serving not only an aerodynamic purpose, but also giving the rear end a powerful and muscular touch. Through their form and graphic design, in turn, the rear lights provide a new interpretation of the L-shaped configuration so typical of BMW, showing their resemblance to the X5 and once again taking up the lines of the X3 in their coloured surfaces. Interior reflecting the X3??????????????????????????????????????s dynamic character
The striking, powerful sculpture of the exterior continues throughout the interior of the car. Firm, dynamic surfaces intentionally subdivided by steps and edges express versatility, sportiness and agility. Modern materials, sophisticated surface grains and tastefully accentuated areas underline both the elegant and the sporting character of the X3. The dashboard is clearly oriented along horizontal lines, emphasizing the feeling of supremacy provided from the start by the commanding seating position in the X3. This is then supplemented by the discreet driver orientation of the centre console, placing the focus on the man ??????????????????????????????????????? or woman ??????????????????????????????????????? at the wheel. Strong, robust door handles allude to the sturdy character of this SAV, intersecting with the armrests and extending down to the lower edge of the doors. The qualities of the X3 as a genuine driving machine are further emphasized by additional door pockets with nets and large storage boxes in the centre console. In its concept of materials and colours, the X3 combines two features in one: sportiness and elegance. This means both modern, sporting materials such as aluminium and more luxurious materials such as full leather upholstery and wood trim. Special materials of the highest quality are used throughout the car, at the same time leaving ample room for individual style. ???????????????????????????????????Network???????????????????????????????? describes a high-quality upholstery finish available in three colour variants. The leatherette finish is called ???????????????????????????????????Sensatec???????????????????????????????? and comes in two colours, ???????????????????????????????????Ambiente???????????????????????????????? is the name of the leather upholstery available in a range of no less than five colours. Light-reflecting piping round the edges is a particular feature, splitting the seats and backrests down the middle and accentuating the lines of the seats.

Chassis and Suspension

Through its basic configuration alone, the X3 bears a clear resemblance to the X5 and, accordingly, to BMW??????????????????????????????????????s various saloons: The starting point is the unitary body structure and the chassis with four individual wheels running on independent suspension. In its basic concept, the chassis of the X3 incorporates two axle configurations which have proven their qualities thousands of times: The front axle is an all-new, weight-optimised axle concept with a double-joint spring strut axle made of steel and incorporating the anti-roll bar and gas pressure dampers, adjusted in its kinematic behaviour to the specific features and requirements of the X3. The rear central-arm axle with twin-sleeve gas-pressure dampers and an anti-roll bar stand out in particular through its comfort-building dual-elastic final drive mount, with kinematic behaviour again being modified to suit the higher centre of gravity of this Sports Activity Vehicle. Servotronic and sports suspension as an option.
The X3 is kept reliably on course by rack-and-pinion steering with precisely the right BMW set-up to provide a sporting and direct feeling at all times. Servotronic with speed-related power assistance is available as an extra, offering a particularly high standard of power assistance at low speeds, on bad surfaces, when manoeuvring, or when parking. As an option the X3 is also available with sports suspension maintaining the same high level of ground clearance while offering firmer springs, dampers and anti-roll bars. As part of the Sports Package, the optional high-speed suspension set-up is available for both the X3 3.0i and 3.0d. In this case the all-season tyres fitted as standard are replaced by V- or summer tyres running on 18-inch rims and conceived also for higher speeds. Top speed in this case is up to 224 km/h (139 mph) on the X3 3.0i and 218 km/h (135 mph) on the X3 3.0d. BMW??????????????????????????????????????s compact SAV comes as standard on 17-inch aluminium rims with 235 all-season tyres. Optional 18-inch wheels in various design concepts and for various sizes of tyres are also available. The BMW X3 is fitted as standard with a TPI Tyre Pressure Indicator recognising any loss of pressure in the tyres while driving and sending an appropriate warning signal to the driver. To ensure ongoing mobility in the event of a puncture, finally, the X3 features an emergency wheel just to be on the safe side.