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BMW X3 Facelift
BMW X3 Facelift

New BMW X3 Facelift: In Depth

Fresh Power for the Achiever
  
September 13, 2006 5:23 AM by Text & Photos edited by F. de Leeuw van Weenen
Filed Under: BMW
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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

Fresh Power for the Achiever

Short Version

  • Six-cylinder petrol engines with magnesium/aluminium crankcase, 160 kW/218 hp and, respectively, 200 kW/272 hp maximum output.
  • All-aluminium six-cylinder diesel engines with common-rail fuel injection and piezo injectors.
  • Six-cylinder top-of-the-range diesel with VTT and 210 kW/286 hp maximum output.
  • Six-speed automatic transmission with new dynamic gearshift.
  • Further enhanced: Integrated Chassis Management.
  • DSC Dynamic Stability Control with additional functions.
  • Functional and modern: sophisticated ambience inside the car.
  • Exterior design expressing agility and quality all in one.

Offering a unique combination of agility and versatility, the new BMW X3 is continuing its predecessor's unique story of success. Powerful new engines, fresh design and a sophisticated interior make BMW's Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) already widely lauded for its outstanding agility and driving dynamics even more attractive than before.

With its wide range of features and new technologies, the new BMW X3 has everything it takes to further expand its exceptional position as a premium offer in its segment. Specific modifications at the front, rear and side give the
new BMW X3 even more dynamic character, while the interior is dominated by particularly sophisticated materials, flowing lines, and stylish colour schemes.

Additional driving dynamics on country roads, in city traffic and off the beaten track is guaranteed by new power units delivering their muscle smoothly
to the road by way of BMW xDrive permanent all-wheel drive with variable power distribution.

The top engine featured in the new BMW X3 is the second generation of
the world's most sporting and dynamic diesel: The newly developed 3.0-litre straight-six featured in the BMW X3 3.0sd boasts Variable Twin Turbo (VTT) technology for maximum output of 210 kW/286 hp (10 kW/14 hp more than on the first-generation VTT diesel) and peak torque of 580 Newton-metres or 427 lb-ft (+ 20Nm).

The new BMW X3 also features BMW's new generation of straight-six petrol engines displacing 3.0 and, respectively, 2.5 litres. Boasting a composite magnesium/aluminium crankcase, VALVETRONIC and bi-VANOS, these engines deliver maximum output of 200 kW/272 hp (+ 30 kW/41 hp over the previous engine) and, respectively, 160 kW/218 hp (+ 19 kW/26 hp).

Even more effective and faster interaction of BMW's intelligent xDrive all-wheel drive with DSC Dynamic Stability Control and engine management is ensured on all engine variants by Integrated Chassis Managements (ICM) with its optimised computer technology.

Dynamic performance borne out by powerful design

New design and body features at the front and rear of the BMW X3 provide an even more intense expression of the vehicle's striking and dynamic looks. Both front and rear, the bumpers are clearly separated into two levels and are finished largely in body colour, again emphasising the sophisticated and sporting but elegant appearance of the new BMW X3. Only the protection elements particularly exposed to impacts are made of robust plastic.

A particular feature of all BMW X models is their so-called "six-eye face" - and on the new BMW X3 this very special face is characterised by new dual circular headlights with their light sources and reflectors housed beneath a clear glass cover. This look is further enhanced by foglamps arranged on one line extending diagonally to the outside from the main headlights to the wheels. Again, this particular configuration supports the impression of a dynamic vehicle crouching powerfully on the road, and is further enhanced by the painted front air dam beneath the outer bumper.

Having grown in size and featuring grid rods varying in colour depending on the model variant, the BMW kidney grille is a particularly outstanding highlight bound to catch the eye.

New rear light clusters with clear glass covers on LED-fed horizontal light rods ensure powerful and striking night design, while also giving the new BMW X3 a clear sign of distinction during the day. Another characteristic factor is the horizontal lines stretching out in a dominating look from the tailgate all the way down to the bumper and accentuating the powerful stance of the new BMW X3 also from this angle.

Viewed from the side, the BMW X3 stands out clearly through its discreet wedge shape further enhanced by the lower character line. This specific contour line is taken up in the lower side area of the front and rear air dams, giving further emphasis to the sleek, stretched and dynamic look of the vehicle.

Top-quality materials and refined design in the interior

The harmonious lines of the new BMW X3 extend smoothly into and within the interior, with a gentle flow of shapes and transitions from one section to the other. The high level of quality applied in choosing and finishing all materials comes out clearly and tangibly in all details, superior function and refined design providing a perfect match.

The instrument panel is characterised above all by new decorative trim taking up the colour and materials of the trim on the centre console. Galvanised metal on the door handles and controls, exclusive leather and cloth options, harmonious colour schemes and patterns in the roof lining, as well as high-quality synthetic surfaces with a classy grain finish reflect the character of the interior both sophisticated and elegant all in one.

New three-spoke steering wheels and generous storage boxes integrated in the door linings further enhance the supreme impression of high quality.
A choice of no less than four levels of equipment, ten paintwork colours, six interior colours, and five trim options gives the customer absolute freedom in personalising his or her new BMW X3. And last but not least, the material chosen for the seat upholstery is also used consistently on the centre console, the armrests and in the door linings.

Premiere: a diesel right at the top

The new BMW X3 is available with a choice of no less than three petrol and three diesel engines. In all cases, these new six-cylinders combine more power with greater torque, reduced weight, and enhanced efficiency.

The entry-level power unit in both petrol and diesel guise is a four-cylinder, with the particular performance characteristics of all engine variants making a significant contribution to the agile driving behaviour of BMW's very special SAV.

Yet a further, truly unique feature in engine technology is that the BMW X3 is the first BMW to feature a diesel power unit right at the top of the engine range, with BMW's new 3.0-litre straight-six diesel enhanced by Variable Twin Turbo (VTT) technology making its debut in the BMW X3 3.0sd.

Unique torque and output thanks to Variable Twin Turbo

The new BMW X3 3.0sd is powered by the most sporting and dynamic six-cylinder diesel ever available in a production car: The second generation of BMW's top-end diesel now developing maximum output of 210 kW/286 hp features Variable Twin Turbo (VTT) technology introduced by BMW in 2004 as the world's first car maker in the BMW 535d.

Also referred to as two-stage turbocharging, this technology incorporates both a small turbocharger cutting in at lower engine speeds and an additional turbocharger activated for growing power and performance requirements. Maximum torque now raised to an even more significant 580 Nm or 427 lb-ft is maintained consistently from 1,750-2,250 rpm.

This supreme power and muscle also comes out clearly in the performance of the new BMW X3 3.0sd: Acceleration from a standing start to 100 km/h comes in just 6.6 seconds, top speed is a most significant 240 km/h or 149 mph. Average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is nevertheless a very economical 8.7 litres of diesel fuel for 100 kilometres, equal to 32.5 mpg Imp. And last but not least, particle filters and an oxidation catalyst ensure highly effective emission management and control at all times.

New 3.0-litre diesel engines: powerful and light

One of the reasons for the outstanding efficiency of BMW's top-end diesel is the reduction in weight by 25 kilos and introduction of the latest generation of common-rail direct fuel injection complete with piezo injectors.

These two factors also benefit the 3.0-litre straight-six diesel in the BMW X3 3.0d likewise featuring an all-aluminium crankcase and piezo injectors in the fuel injection system. The increase in injection pressure to 1,600 bar ensures a particularly fast and efficient charge effect in the combustion chambers, and the combination of this superior technology with a turbocharger featuring variable turbine geometry (VTG) provides maximum output of 160 kW/218 hp and peak torque of 500 Nm or 369 lb-ft.

The new BMW X3 3.0d accelerates to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds and has a top speed of 210 km/h or 130 mph. Special V-class tyres available as an option from the factory allow an even higher top speed of 220 km/h or 136 mph, for even greater superiority on fast routes.

Returning average fuel consumption in the EU cycle of 7.9 litres diesel/100 kilometres (equal to 35.8 mpg Imp), the new BMW X3 3.0d also offers maximum efficiency. And it almost goes without saying that this model
likewise comes as standard with a particulates filter fitted close to the engine.

The new BMW X3 2.0d is an even more outstanding example of superior economy: Featuring a four-cylinder power unit with common-rail fuel injection,
this model's maximum output is 110 kW/150 hp, with torque peaking at 330 Nm or 243 lb-ft all the way from 2,000-2,500 rpm. Acceleration to 100 km/h is in 10.2 seconds, and the top speed of the BMW X3 2.0d is 198 km/h or 123 mph, on average fuel consumption of just 7.2 litres/100 kilometres or 39.2 mpg Imp. Here again, a particulates filter comes as standard on BMW's four-cylinder diesel.

Petrol engines: more power, less weight

The particularly light, fast-revving and efficient straight-six petrol engines in the new BMW X3 comes in two displacement and performance levels.
Both engines boast a composite magnesium/aluminium crankcase, variable VALVETRONIC valve control, and a coolant pump controlled and masterminded on demand. And weighing just 165 kilos or 364 lb, these out­standing power units also contribute to the well-balanced distribution of axle loads and, accordingly, to the excellent agility and driving dynamics of the BMW X3.

The new BMW X3 3.0si features a 3.0-litre six-cylinder developing maximum output of 200 kW/272 hp and peak torque of 315 Nm or 232 lb-ft. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h comes in just 7.2 seconds, with a top speed of 210 km/h or 130 mph on standard tyres and an even more impressive 232 km/h or 144 mph on optional V-class tyres available from the factory.

Delivering average fuel consumption in the EU cycle of 10.1 litres/100 km or 28.0 mpg Imp, the BMW X3 3.0si offers a level of economy quite exemplary in this performance category.

The 2.5-litre six-cylinder in the BMW X3 2.5si develops maximum output of 160 kW/218 hp and peak torque of 250 Nm or 184 lb-ft. The result is acceleration to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds, and a top speed of 210 km/h or
130 mph (221 km/h or 137 mph on V-class tyres). Average fuel consumption in the EU cycle, in turn, is 9.9 litres/100 kilometres, equal to 28.5 mpg Imp.

The 2.0-litre power unit featured in the new BMW X3 2.0i is the only four-cylinder in the world to feature VALVETRONIC variable valve control.
Two other equally outstanding features are bi-VANOS variable camshaft management and BMW's DISA variable intake manifold.

Benefiting from these technologies, the BMW X3 2.0i offers an exceptionally high standard of performance, smoothness and efficiency for a four-cylinder. Acceleration to 100 km/h, in turn, comes in 11.5 seconds, and the top speed of the new BMW X3 2.0i is 198 km/h or 123 mph. And average fuel consumption in the EU cycle, finally, is 9.3 litres/100 kilometres, equal to 30.4 mpg Imp.

New automatic transmission for superior dynamics, efficiency, and comfort.

With the exception of the BMW X3 3.0sd, all versions of BMW's new SAV come as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox. The automatic transmission complete with Steptronic available as an option also features six gears for extra convenience.

Automatic transmission is standard on the new top model in BMW's SAV model series, the BMW X3 3.0sd, where an automatic transmission developed especially to interact with an extra-powerful engine ensures appropriate
choice of the right driving gear at all times. Hence, the new six-speed auto­matic transmission handles this task at incomparable speed and with outstanding precision and efficiency.

New converter technology and particularly powerful software serve to reduce reaction and gearshift times compared with a conventional automatic transmission by up to 50 per cent. And thanks to the direct gear search function, even the process of skipping one or several gears when shifting down does not require any additional time.

Through its exceptionally dynamic shifting process and direct interaction with the engine, the new six-speed automatic transmission brings out all the sporting and active qualities of the new BMW X3 3.0sd to a truly unprecedented level. And at the same time it is simply perfect for comfortable, relaxed and efficient cruising at low engine speeds.

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Source: Source: BMW Group

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