The New BMW X3
Contents: The New BMW X3 The World's First Premium Sports Activity Vehicle in its Class 1. The New BMW X3 2. Design 3. The New xDrive All-Wheel-Drive System 4. Chassis and Suspension 5. Power Units 6. Safety 7. Interior and Equipment 8. Optional Extras 9. The Market for the BMW X Family 10. Production of the BMW X3 11. Specifications 12. Output and Torque Diagram 13. Exterior and Interior Dimensions
The New BMW X3:
The World's First Premium Sports Activity Vehicle in its Class
... An entirely new category of vehicles for the demanding, active individual
... Superior, dynamic stance with unmistakable design
... xDrive: New, intelligent all-wheel drive for supreme agility
... 3.0- and 2.5-litre straight-six gasoline and 3.0-litre diesel engines
... Sporting and versatile in both driving characteristics and equipment.
BMW is enlarging the highly successful X-family through the addition of a very
dynamic and versatile new vehicle: The new BMW X3 combines the outstanding
agility of a typical BMW with the broad range of practical benefits offered by
a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV). The BMW X3 is indeed the first premium
vehicle of its kind in the SAV segment below the X5, setting out in the market
to conquer roads and tracks the world over.
The X3 combines the characteristic proportions of a Sports Activity with both
classic and new BMW design elements. The modern design language with that
unique interplay of concave and convex surfaces gives the X3 a youthful, fresh
appearance. Numerous characteristic details, particularly the
re-interpretation of the classic 'Hofmeister kick' in the rear side windows,
the newly designed double kidney grille, as well as the front and rear lights
underline the unique position of this special model within the BMW range. Long
wheelbase with short overhangs and the roof line slowly dropping to the rear
accentuate the dynamic character of this Sports Activity even at a standstill.
Powerfully bulged wheel arches and the striking front end, finally, give this
newcomer a strong character full of self-confidence, emphasizing its superior
stance in every situation.
A new dimension in the BMW model range:
The basic facts and figures alone clearly show that this is an all-new,
absolutely unique model series: Measuring 4,565 millimetres (197.7'') in
length, the X3 is 87 millimetres (3.4'') longer than the 3 Series Touring, but
almost 30 centimetres (11.8'') shorter than the new 5 Series Saloon. And
measuring 4,667 mm (183.7'') from bumper to bumper, the X5, in turn, is clearly
the X3's bigger brother.
We find the same relative figures when considering the wheelbase of the X3
measuring 2,795 millimetres (110.0''), versus 2,725 millimetres (107.3'') on
the 3 Series Touring and 2,820 millimetres (111.0'') on the X5. In terms of
height, on the other hand, the X3, measuring 1,674 millimetres (65.9''), is
clearly higher than both the 3 Series Touring (1429 mm/ 56.3'') and the 5
Series Saloon (1,468 mm/57.8''), only the X5 leaving an even longer shadow with
its height of 1,715 mm (67.5''). And with only the driver sitting at the
wheel, ground clearance of the X3 measuring exactly 201 millimetres (7.91'') is
absolutely sufficient even on rough terrain.
Muscular straight-six power units for sporting performance:
BMW's straight-six gasoline and diesel engines famous for their supreme
refinement and performance ensure dynamic motoring wherever you go. Developing
maximum output of 170 kW (231 bhp), the agile X3 3.0i reaches a top speed in
standard trim of 210 km/h (130 mph), the optional high-speed set-up available
with the Sports Package allowing an even higher top speed of 224 km/h (139
mph). The power unit featured in the X3 2.5i, in turn, develops maximum output
of 141 kW (192 bhp).
Revving smoothly even up to high speeds, the 3.0-litre six-cylinder also allows
the driver to accelerate quickly and dynamically from 0-100 km/h in just 7.8
seconds. And despite this performance the ultra-modern 3.0-litre gasoline
engine outperforming even the strict EU 4 emission standard consumes just 11.4
litres (100 kilometres), equal to 24.8 mpg Imp.
The aficionado of supreme torque will be thrilled in particular by the X3 3.0d,
the straight-six turbodiesel with second-generation common rail direct fuel
injection only recently upgraded developing maximum output of 150 kW (204 bhp)
in the X3, and giving this superior Sports Activity no less than 410 Nm (302
lb-ft) maximum torque. This also provides a top speed of 210 km/h (130 mph)
increased even further to 218 km/h (135 mph) with BMW's high-speed set-up. And
when it comes to acceleration, the diesel is also an outstanding performer,
booming from 0-100 km/h in just 7.9 seconds. Fuel consumption in the process
remains very modest, however, the X3 3.0d requiring just 8.4 litres of diesel
for 100 kilometres, equal to 33.6 mpg Imp.
All three engine variants come as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox and
are available as an option with five-speed automatic transmission.
The new xDrive all-wheel-drive system:
The all-new, intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive system setting a new standard
in the agility of all-wheel-drive vehicles is a particular highlight of the BMW
X3: xDrive allows infinite, fully variable distribution of drive forces
between the front and rear axle, the system immediately recognising the need
for a change in power distribution and responding extremely quickly to such a
change, in usual road-going situations generally before the wheel even loses
its grip. This enables xDrive to transmit optimum drive power to the
respective axle at all times even when taking a bend at speed, significantly
reducing over- and understeer in the process.
On the road xDrive offers a significant improvement of agility, driving
pleasure and safety all in one. Suspension control systems such as DSC are not
required until a much later point in time than on a conventional
all-wheel-drive vehicle, and xDrive guarantees better traction and driving
conditions on rough or slippery terrain, since engine power is transferred
almost instantaneously to the wheels with more grip as soon as a wheel is about
to spin, thus reliably interrupting the flow of traction.
Excellent driving experience thanks to the commanding seating position:
In its versatility the new X3 is an outstanding performer not only on all kinds
of terrain, where it consistently demonstrates its agile and dynamic
character. Rather, the sophisticated interior and the wide range of equipment
make the X3 the ideal BMW for the active and versatile individualist in every
other respect, too. Sitting in their commanding position so characteristic of
a BMW Sports Activity, the occupants not only see the world around them from a
very clear, pleasant perspective, but also enjoy a very modern and spacious
interior: The X3 combines elegance and an aesthetic look appropriate for a
vehicle of this character with a sporting ambience and a wide range of
practical details. Able to choose from a great many classical as well as
sporting and modern materials and colours, the customer has numerous options in
personalising the interior of his - or her - X3.
Within the cockpit the two circular instruments are grouped in typical BMW
style within an elegant pinnacle, the middle of the dashboard is dominated by
the optional 16:9 colour monitor of the navigation system moving up
automatically when in use.
Lots of space and superior functions:
The X3 offers truly ample space behind the tailgate opening up to a steep angle
for easy access, allowing convenient accommodation of all kinds of luggage and
sports equipment such as several mountain bikes: Depending on the arrangement
of the seats, luggage space is up to 1,560 litres or almost 55 cubic feet.
Numerous additional storage compartments and boxes round off the superior
functionality of the X3 with a service load, depending on the engine, of up to
500 kilos (1,100 lb). Unladen weight is between 1,740 kg/3,837 lb (X3 2.5i)
and 1,850 kg/4,079 lb (X3 3.0d). And if you wish to take along even heavier and
bulkier sports equipment or any other kind of trailer, the optional towing hook
on the X3 2.5 is homologated for trailers weighing up to 1,800 kg (3,969 lb),
the two three-litre models even being able to tow 2,000 kg (4,410 lb) on a
trailer equipped with brakes.
Regardless of the weight towed, BMW's unique trailer stability control ensures
safe driving conditions with, say, a boat trailer or other trailers of any
kind. This extension of the DSC suspension control system is standard, just
like HDC Hill Descent Control for taking downhill gradients safely even on
loose ground.
In the process of developing the X3, BMW's engineers have naturally given
particular significance to active and passive safety. Right from the start, the
remarkable configuration and design principle of a BMW Sports Activity, with
the front drive shaft running through the oil sump, has given the X3 a very low
centre of gravity, reducing body sway in the process. With its intelligent
distribution of power, xDrive keeps the X3 very stable and secure even in fast
bends, generally avoiding critical situations from the beginning. And should
such a situation arise nevertheless, DSC suspension control featured as
standard intervenes immediately to restore the stability of the X3.
Yet a further feature fitted as standard on the X3 is the Tyre Pressure
Indicator (TPI) constantly comparing wheel speed in order to monitor air
pressure in the tyres and giving the driver both an optical and an acoustic
warning in the event of any loss of pressure.
Additional highlights: panorama roof and Adaptive Headlights:
The BMW X3 comes with a very wide range of optional features, two particular
highlights being the new, large panorama roof and BMW's innovative ALC Adaptive
Headlights.
The two-piece panorama roof extends almost completely throughout the entire
roof area of the X3, covering a glass area of 0.65 square metres. And the
driver is able to open up the roof completely simply at the touch of a button.
Adaptive Headlights, in turn, improve the driver's visibility in the dark by
swivelling to the side in an infinite adjustment process geared to the steering
angle of the vehicle. This adjusts the two bi-xenon headlight units as
required as a function of the steering angle, yaw rate and road speed, thus
illuminating bends ahead of the driver clearly and brightly.
BMW offers the particularly performance-minded purchaser of the X3 a special
Sports package that, thanks to its specific suspension set-up, gives the X3 an
even higher top speed. Further features included in this package are white
direction indicators, satin chrome, and star-spoke light-alloy wheels, as well
as a leather sports steering wheel and sports seats for both the driver and
front passenger.
The new BMW X3 will be available in Europe and North America from the beginning
of 2004. Other markets will follow later.
1. The New BMW X3:
BMW is expanding the Sports Activity market segment through the addition of an
entirely new category - the X3 combining the agility of a compact BMW with the
driving supremacy of the X5. Dynamic performance is provided by six-cylinder
power units, a six-speed gearbox, and BMW's new, electronically controlled
xDrive all-wheel-drive system. Further outstanding features contributing to
the special feeling of driving the X3 are the commanding seating position, the
generous feeling of space, and the modern range of equipment offered within
this compact SAV.
This new BMW model series will be entering the market in three variants in
early 2004, first as the X3 3.0i with a 170 kW (231 bhp) gasoline engine and,
somewhat later, in the guise of the X3 3.0d developing maximum output of 150 kW
(204 bhp) from its diesel engine and as the X3 2.5i with a gasoline engine
developing 141 kW (192 bhp).
This all-new and absolutely unique model series stands out at very first sight
through its data alone: Measuring 4,565 millimetres (179.7'') in length, the
X3 is 87 millimetres (3.4'') longer than the 3 Series Touring, but almost 30
centimetres (11.8'') shorter than the new 5 Series Saloon. The X5, on the
other hand, measuring 4,667 mm (183.7'') from bumper to bumper, also differs
clearly from the new X3 through its exterior dimensions alone.
The different wheelbase dimensions are equally clear, the wheelbase of the X3
measuring 2,795 millimetres (110.0'') (3 Series Touring: 2,725 mm [107.3'']/X5:
2,820 mm [111.0'']). In terms of its height, on the other hand, the X3, at
1674 mm (65.9'') (including the aerial), is significantly higher than both the
3 Series Touring (1,429 mm/56.3'') and the 5 Series Saloon (1,468 mm/57.8''),
only the X5, measuring 1,715 mm (67.5'') in height, rising up above the
newcomer to the BMW family.
Designed and developed as a Sports Activity, the X3 has superior features and
abilities clearly defined from the start: While the road is the preferred
terrain of this outstanding vehicle, it also offers safe and far-reaching
driving qualities on rough terrain ensured, first, by xDrive, BMW's new
all-wheel-drive system and, second, by superior ground clearance of 201
millimetres (7.91''), together with an embankment angle of 26.1º at the front
and 23.6º at the rear, as well as a ramp angle of 19º providing the freedom
required on all kinds of surfaces. The ramp angle, incidentally, is the
maximum admissible angle of a ramp such as a driveway leading into an
underground garage without the vehicle touching the ground between its axles as
it proceeds up or down such a gradient. Two further criteria which would also
look good even on an all-out offroader are the ability to cross bodies of water
up to 50 centimetres or almost 20'' deep and the maximum climbing gradient when
setting off of 33 per cent.
Aerodynamic objectives: superior driving pleasure, low fuel consumption:
The new BMW X3 not only looks very good in its styling and design, but also
offers superior aerodynamics: Careful calculations in the early development
phase and thorough optimisation in the wind tunnel, first using 1:2.5 models
and then models in original size, have given the X3 an airflow concept with a
drag coefficient Cd of 0.35 on all six-cylinder models, whether petrol- or
diesel-engined. A drag coefficient as low as this is quite unique within the
market segment the new BMW X3 is now entering, a low Cd rating offering the
driver supreme performance on very little fuel, particularly at high speeds.
Cooperating closely on all relevant details, BMW's aerodynamicists and
designers working in the wind tunnel have succeeded, inter alia, in giving the
X3 a perfectly streamlined rear spoiler. The reduction of internal resistance
in the cooling air ducts, in turn, improves both the supply of cooling air and
the flow of air out of the vehicle. Airflow to the front axle and manual
gearbox has likewise been optimised, BMW's engineers also keeping the
underfloor of the X3 very smooth and flat for an optimum flow of air.
Aerodynamic refinement of the BMW X3 provides optimum qualities also in terms
of driving dynamics, very low lift forces front and rear for a vehicle of this
kind serving to press the X3 on to the road particularly at high speeds both
when driving in a straight line and in bends. This, in turn, enhances the X3's
sporting and agile performance, lift forces reduced to a minimum also helping
to maximise active driving safety through longitudinal stability and driving
manoeuvres highly relevant to safety such as a quick lane change, etc.
