New BMW X3 Facelift: In Depth

Press Release

Page 1: In Short I
Page 2: In Short II
Page 3: Concept
Page 4: Design
Page 5: Interior
Page 6: Powertrain
Page 7: Drivetrain
Page 8: All-Wheel Drive
Page 9: Chassis
Page 10: Body & Safety
Page 11: Equipment & Production

Permanent all-wheel drive the intelligent way: BMW xDrive

The new BMW X3 owes its all-round potential largely to BMW’s permanent, intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive system ensuring fully variable front-to-rear power distribution through its exceptionally fast and precise reaction. Via a power divider complete with an electronically controlled multiple-plate clutch, BMW xDrive feeds the power of the engine precisely to where it can be used best and with maximum effect. The result is not only maximum traction on difficult terrain, but also superior driving dynamics, with the system counteracting any over- or understeer in bends right from the start.
The differential lock function, in turn, is ensured by the brakes intervening on any of the wheels threatening to spin.

Power distribution 40 : 60 in normal driving situations

In normal driving situations engine power is divided 40 : 60 front-to-rear for optimum smoothness and performance. And then xDrive responds immediately to any change in surface conditions or driving dynamics
by modifying the ratio of power distribution accordingly. On surfaces varying extremely in their frictional coefficient from front-to-rear, for example, BMW xDrive is able to re-direct almost the entire drive power of the engine instantaneously to one single axle.

Another advantage of the system is its ability to counteract oversteer in fast bends by closing the multiple-plate clutch tighter and feeding additional power to the front wheels in the interest of optimum driving stability.

Enhanced to an even higher standard: Integrated Chassis Management

To ensure such fast and precise reaction, xDrive all-wheel drive, DSC Dynamic Stability Control, and engine management are connected to one another by Integrated Chassis Management. With the suspension control sensors also feeding xDrive with the data required for determining current driving conditions, xDrive is able to respond proactively, as it were, in order to stabilise the vehicle at all times.

With its new control philosophy, Integrated Chassis Management ensures even faster and more precise coordination of xDrive and DSC. While so far the behaviour of the vehicle was influenced almost independently by engine and brake management, on the one hand, and the management of longitudinal forces, on the other, these three control cycles now operate in parallel. So while the management of longitudinal forces masterminds the division of engine power front-to-rear, brake management is able to intervene individually on each wheel, applying the brakes appropriately in the interest of optimum traction and driving dynamics.

Engine management, in turn, is able to reduce or increase drive power whenever required. Forming such a precise network with DSC, BMW xDrive ensures a fast and precise response to any change in driving conditions and, as a result, an even higher standard of driving dynamics.

DSC Dynamic Stability Control with additional functions

The new BMW X3 features an even more sophisticated system of Dynamic Stability Control now enhanced by numerous additional functions: BMW’s new DSC not only ensures superior driving stability and traction, but also optimises the effect of the brakes by increasing brake pressure as required in response to even the slightest fading under extremely high brake temperatures.

Building up moderate brake pressure at an early point in time, the system also enhances brake standby in situations likely to require spontaneous application of the brakes. Regular Dry Braking, in turn, a function activated automatically as soon as the driver switches on the windscreen wipers, optimises brake performance in the wet.

DBC Dynamic Brake Control, to present yet another example, automatically maximises brake pressure in an emergency when the driver is required to brake all-out. And last but not least, the Set-Off Assistant significntly facilitates the process of setting off on an uphill gradient.

DSC Dynamic Stability Control also comprises the ABS anti-lock brake system, ASC Automatic Stability Control, HDC Hill Descent Control, Trailer Stability Control, and CBC Cornering Brake Control preventing the vehicle from swerving whenever the driver applies the brakes lightly in a bend.

DTC featured for the first time also in a BMW X model

DTC Dynamic Traction Control also included in the new DSC system likewise enhances the superior driving dynamics of the new BMW X3. With DTC raising the thresholds for intervention by the engine and the brakes to a higher level, the BMW X3 is able to set off smoothly under difficult conditions such as loose snow, intentionally allowing the drive wheels to slightly spin.

DTC also allows a particularly sporting and active style of motoring by offering the driver higher lateral acceleration all the way to a light and controllable drift in bends. Pressing down the DTC button somewhat longer, the driver is able to completely deactivate DSC, as on BMW’s other models. In that case all that remains is a transverse lock function with the brakes intervening on the wheel spinning.

The new BMW X3 comes as standard on 17-inch light-alloy wheels, the BMW X3 3.0sd featuring even larger 18-inch wheels as standard.

Various other light-alloy wheels measuring 18 and even 19 inches are also available as an option, while the Tyre Defect Indicator likewise fitted as standard informs the driver in good time of any loss of tyre pressure.

Generous and safe: the bodyshell of the new BMW X3

With its solid body structure and complete range of retention and safety systems masterminded by a central electronic control unit, the new BMW X3 offers passive safety of the highest standard.

High-strength longitudinal arms and crossbars, together with bolted-on deformation units, ensure appropriate diversion and absorption of impact forces in a collision from the front. The consequences of a side-on collision, in turn, are minimised inter alia by diagonal door reinforcement bars with high-strength steel profiles hooking on to the side frame in the event of deformation for additional absorption of impact energy. As a result, the passenger cell remains largely undamaged even in a severe collision.

Within the interior not only frontal and side airbags, but also curtain head airbags at the side all come as standard, inflating out of the covers in the A-pillars and roof lining and protecting both the front and rear occupants from injury.

The new BMW X3 measures 4,569 millimetres or 179.9´´ in length, 1,853 millimetres or 73.0´´ in width, and 1,674 millimetres or 65.9´´ in height – and precisely these figures make BMW’s five-door SAV absolutely ideal for many purposes and requirements. As the more compact member of BMW’s SAV model range, the new BMW X3 combines supreme agility and handling with generous and flexible space inside, offering everything required for perfect versatility onroad and offroad.

Loading capacity beneath the luggage compartment cover is 480 litres or 16.8 cubic feet. The large tailgate opening far up for extra convenience and the low loading sill make loading and unloading of even bulky objects an easy exercise. And after folding down the asymmetrically split rear seat bench, the luggage compartment offers maximum capacity of no less than 1,560 litres or 54.6 cubic feet.

Features and equipment: from comprehensive to exclusive

Apart from the wide range of colours, upholstery and trim surfaces, attractive options and special features give the customer a wide range of choice in personalising his or her new BMW X3. Sophisticated navigation and audio systems, for example, ensure an even higher standard of travelling comfort in the new BMW X3 enhanced to an even higher level by the BMW Assist telematics service available as an option.

Bi-xenon headlights also available as an option provide optimum visibility at night and add that special BMW look through the ring-shaped parking lights included in the headlight units.

The headlights may also be combined with BMW’s Adaptive Lights moving in the right direction in bends and on winding roads for optimum illumination of the road ahead. And last but not least, Bending Lights integrated in the foglamps facilitate a change in direction at night as well as the process of manoeuvring the vehicle at low speeds.

PDC Park Distance Control measures the distance to an obstacle in front of or behind the vehicle. When parking, therefore, the driver, benefits from an acoustic signal “telling� him the distance from the vehicle to an object in the way.

Last but again not least, fresh air fans are able to enjoy their driving pleasure in the new BMW X3 in a particularly attractive manner, with the two-piece panorama roof measuring 0.65 square metres in size providing an exceptionally generous view of the sky above.

Given its wide range of qualities, the BMW X3 has become an outstanding achiever in international car markets. And indeed – virtually unlimited options in the use of the vehicle, sporting and dynamic driving characteristics,
the stylish presence of the X3’s body design, and superior quality of finish make the new BMW X3 a genuine exception in the all-wheel-drive market.

In everyday traffic the new BMW X3 combines effortless handling with agile driving characteristics. Five large and generous seats and a luggage compartment able to handle even major loads underline the vehicle’s all-round qualities. And when driving in winter, off the beaten track or as a sturdy vehicle towing a heavy trailer, the BMW X3 benefits from the offroad qualities of its body structure, the chassis and suspension, as well as the traction advantages of BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system.

Versatility is therefore the big strength of the BMW X3 not only inside the vehicle, but also in terms of driving features. So that, in a nutshell, the new BMW X3 provides the foundation for superior mobility in all situations, combining the joys of activity and spontaneity all in one.