The New X3 - BMW's All-New Sports Activity Vehicle
Woodcliff Lake, NJ, June 17, 2003... With the introduction of the X3, BMW
expands its successful Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) concept. The new BMW X3
combines unprecedented levels of agility with the versatility of a BMW SAV.
The BMW X3 combines the characteristic proportions of a Sport Utility Vehicle
with both classic and new design features from BMW. The modern design language
with interacting concave and convex surfaces gives the X3 a youthful and fresh
appearance. Its unique position within the BMW model lineup is underlined by a
wide range of characteristic features such as the newly interpreted, classic
"Hofmeister kink" in the rear side windows, the newly designed double kidney
grille, as well as the headlights and rear lights. The long wheelbase with
short overhangs and the sloping roofline accentuate the dynamic character and
performance of this Sports Activity Vehicle right from the start. Flared wheel
arches and the striking front section give this newcomer an air of
self-confidence and underline its bold appearance wherever it goes.
Dynamic performance is ensured by BMW's 2.5 and 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder
engines widely lauded for their truly outstanding refinement and performance.
The X3 3.0i boasts 225 horsepower while the X3 2.5i offers 184. Both models
come standard with a six-speed manual transmission. A five-speed STEPTRONIC
automatic transmission is available as an option.
A special highlight of the BMW X3 is the all-new xDrive intelligent
all-wheel-drive system, which sets new standards in agility for all-wheel-drive
vehicles. BMW's xDrive allows infinitely adjustable and fully variable
distribution of torque front-to-rear. The system immediately recognizes any
need for a change in power distribution and responds very quickly when driving
on road, often before the wheels begin to lose their grip. As a result, the X3
responds with cat-like reflexes, but at the same time is able to feed optimum
drive forces to the respective axle at any time when cornering, significantly
minimizing both understeer and oversteer in the process.
On the road, xDrive therefore offers a high standard of agility, driving
pleasure and, provides at the same time, state-of-the art safety features. The
BMW xDrive system also ensures better grip and traction on slippery or rough
terrain, with drive power being shifted continuously to the wheels with the
best available grip.
The outstanding versatility of the new BMW X3 is by no means limited to the
wide range of different road conditions and terrain on which this SAV
demonstrates its agile and dynamic performance. The interior and the wide range
of available equipment reflects the crisp, agile nature of the X3 blending with
it the luxury and comfort one expects of a BMW. From their "command position" -
the high, characteristic seating position of a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle -
the occupants not only see the surroundings from a pleasant and clear
perspective, but also enjoy a modern and very spacious interior. Typical BMW
elegance and aesthetics combine with the agile character of the vehicle to
create a youthful, sporty ambience. In the cockpit the classic, easy-to-read
analog gauges are grouped in typical BMW style in an elegant binnacle. In the
middle of the dashboard, the driver will find the optional navigation system
with a 16:9 color monitor that flips up whenever required.
Lots of space is to be found behind the wide opening rear tailgate, and enables
the driver to take along all kinds of sports gear such as several mountain
bikes. Numerous storage compartments round off the functionality of the X3.
In developing the X3, BMW also focused on active and passive safety to the
highest standards. The engineering principle of BMW's Sports Activity Vehicle -
the front drive shaft extending through the oil sump - gives the X3 a very low
center of gravity and reduces body roll in the process. And with its
intelligent distribution of power, xDrive keeps the X3 very stable and
sure-footed even in fast bends, as one would expect of a BMW SAV. Should the
going get tough, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) will intervene to help
stabilize the vehicle. BMW's Hill Descent Control (HDC) is also available to
drive down hills, even on loose ground or slippery surfaces.
The BMW X3 will make its debut at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show in September
and will be available in early 2004. More information is available at
www.bmwusa.com/newX3 on the Internet.
BMW Group In America
BMW of North America has been present in the United States since 1975. Since
then, the BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales
and financial service organizations for the BMW and MINI brands and Rolls-Royce
Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, an industrial design firm in California; a
technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the
country. BMW Manufacturing Corp. in South Carolina is part of BMW Group's
global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all
Z4 roadster and X5 Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization
is represented in the U.S. through networks of 340 BMW car, 327 BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle, 148 BMW Motorcycle retailers, and 70 MINI dealers. BMW (US)
Holding Corp., the BMW Group's sales headquarters for North, Central and South
America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.
Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the Internet
at http://www.bmwusa.com http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com and
http://www.miniusa.com
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Journalist note: Information about the BMW Group and its products is available
to journalists on-line at the BMW Group PressClub at the following address -
https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en
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