BMW Group Malaysia’s Assembly plant in Kulim, Kedah will now be the location where the BMW X3 xDrive 20i will be assembled, making this the fourth model line to be introduced at their assembly facilities, joining the likes of the BMW 3 Series, 5 Series and the X1, since it was launched sometime in March 2011 and after having delivered a total of 312 units.
Similar with its imported counterparts, the locally assembled BMW X3 will continue to feature the use of the advanced xDrive system to provide optimum driving performance along with its chassis utilizing a double-joint spring strut and a 5-link rear suspension for extra agility and ride comfort, an electromechanical power steering systems have been further enhanced to ensure even more precise vehicle handling.
The BMW X3 will also have 18” light-alloy V-Spoke wheels to compliment its flared arches as well as Bi-Xenon headlights with daytime driving light function and the signature Corona Rings.
Within the cabin, there will be an added sense of space, thanks to the provision of an additional 23mm of knee room and while an increase of 20mm has been added to its cabin width over the previous BMW X3. Boot volume of between 550L and 1,600L is still one of the best in its segment thanks to its rear foldable seat backrests having the split of 40:20:40 where the three segments can be folded down either individually or together.
An 8.8″ control display and 12 loudspeaker Hi-Fi system are being provided as standard to with BMW’s ConnectedDrive, which includes USB connectivity and Bluetooth hands free functionality, allowing the driver to access a host of safety and infotainment functions such as BMW TeleServices and the optional BMW Telematics Platform Accessory (TPA), which includes an emergency Vehicle Recovery System as well as other BMW Assist remote services.
Under the hood, the BMW TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder petrol engine with Double-VANOS, Valvetronic and BMW’s High Precision Injection system is where it will reside. Able to provide 184bhp and 270Nm that will get the new X3 up to 100kmh in just 8.6 seconds, yet still capable of consuming 7.5L/100km of fuel while CO2 emissions are a mere 175 g/km.
As part of the BMW EfficientDynamics strategy, the new BMW X3 also features optimised aerodynamics, intelligent lightweight construction, Brake Energy Regeneration, Electromechanical Steering, an Auto Start/Stop function as well as the ECO PRO mode in combination with the 8-speed automatic transmission.
On top of all this, the BMW X3 xDrive20i also features Driving Experience Control, which allows the driver a choice of different driving mode settings for the vehicle’s accelerator, engine, steering and transmission at the switch of a button located at the vehicle’s centre console. The modes available include “COMFORT”, “SPORT” and “ECO PRO”.
The new locally assembled BMW X3 xDrive20i is covered by BMW’s extensive service program, the BMW Service + Repair Inclusive (BS+RI) which covers the normal wear and tear repairs or replacements as well as maintenance, service and repair of factory components of the vehicle. The service program offers peace of mind BMW ownership and provides cover from three years from its original registration date or 60,000KM, whichever comes first.
The new BMW X3 xDrive20i will be available at all 16 authorised BMW dealerships nationwide from this Saturday, 12th January 2013. The retail price (on the road, without insurance, with BMW Service Inclusive + Repair) for the new BMW X3 xDrive20i is RM323, 800.
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