Self-assured and efficient: BMW X3 with further extended range of engines.

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Summary

From its inception, the new BMW X3 has occupied the top slot among the competition by virtue of its compelling driving pleasure, convincing versatility and commanding presence anchored in high-calibre design and no-compromise premium quality. Now this successful Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) is about to extend its lead even further on the efficiency front. From October 2011, the BMW X3 will see additions to the model range in the shape of the BMW X3 xDrive20i and BMW X3 xDrive35d while the BMW X3 xDrive30d is available immediately. The BMW X3 xDrive35d will, however, not be available in South Africa. All-new engines featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo technology endow both models with a further optimised performance to fuel consumption ratio. Added to which, the BMW X3 exudes even more appeal thanks to a fine-tuned range of standard equipment and special options.

From October 2011, the new BMW X3 will come with a choice of three petrol engines and three diesel units spanning an output range of 135 kW to 230 kW. In South Africa, the BMW X3 will only be offered with a choice of two petrol engines and two diesel units. An exceptionally diverse portfolio of power units thus joins forces with the SAV’s outstanding agility – with intelligent BMW xDrive all-wheel drive as standard – and enhanced ride comfort. Thanks to a comprehensive range of BMW EfficientDynamics technology, including the Auto Start-Stop function that can be combined with both the six-speed manual and the eight-speed automatic transmission, the BMW X3 also achieves top ratings in its segment for fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

BMW X3 xDrive20i: lively power curve and optimised efficiency courtesy of BMW TwinPower Turbo technology.

In October 2011 the BMW X3 Drive20i will be available as the new entry-level model among the petrol variants. Its newly developed 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit blends a hallmark BMW sporty power curve with exceptionally high efficiency. The new engine’s BMW TwinPower Turbo technology includes a turbocharging system based on the twin-scroll principle; along with High Precision Injection direct petrol injection, Double-Vanos variable camshaft control and VALVETRONIC variable valve control. Here the new powerplant takes its lead from the technology package of the 225 kW multi-award-winning six-in-line unit of the BMW X3 xDrive35i.

Thanks to the use of aluminium, the powerplant of the BMW X3 xDrive20i is particularly light in weight and reaches its peak output of 135 kW at 4,800 rpm. Maximum torque of 270 Newton metres is already available at 1,250 rpm. The new BMW X3 xDrive20i features an eight-speed automatic transmission. In both versions, the standard range of BMW EfficientDynamics technology includes, among other features, the Auto Start-Stop function, which automatically switches the engine off when the car is stationary at traffic lights or in congestion in order to avoid unnecessary fuel consumption when idling.

Top athlete with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology: new six-cylinder diesels in the BMW X3 xDrive30d and BMWxDrive35d.

A new edition of the world’s sportiest six-cylinder diesel engines will deliver a particularly enthralling experience of driving pleasure in the new BMW X3 xDrive35d and BMW X3 xDrive30d. The 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line unit with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology drums up peak output of 230 kW, reached at 4,400 rpm, making the BMW X3 xDrive35d the most powerful variant in the SAV’s model range. With maximum torque of 630 Newton metres on tap from as low as 1,500 to 2,500 rpm, the new diesel engine also ensures impressive pulling power. On the other hand, the BMW X3 xDrive30d generates maximum output of 190kW, reached at 4, 000 rpm, and a maximum torque of 560Nm from 2,000 to 2,750 rpm.

The BMW TwinPower Turbo technology of the new all-aluminium unit comprises further advanced two-stage turbocharging (Variable Twin Turbo) and latest-generation common-rail direct injection. At low engine speeds the small turbocharger is deployed. The air it compresses is first fed past the larger turbocharger to the combustion chambers, ensuring limitless development of charge pressure. During heavier throttle application, an electronic controller of the bypass unit engages the larger turbocharger. Extremely spontaneous response is thus ensured by a power curve to match the relevant requirement. The injection system features precision solenoid injectors and maximum pressure of 1,800 bar to guarantee particularly efficient and clean combustion. The BMW X3 xDrive35d comes equipped as standard with the eight-speed automatic transmission including Auto Start-Stop.

Press Contact: Edward Makwana
Tel: +27-12-522-2227
E-mail: edward.makwana@bmw.co.za