BMW introduces second-gen X3

Dinesh

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Oct 13, 2006
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BMW Group Malaysia has just launched the second generation of the BMW X3 Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) for the local market with a diesel engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that raises the bar in terms of fuel economy, performance and luxury for the discerning BMW owners.



“The first generation of the BMW X3 was the vehicle that created the small-medium Sports Activity Vehicle segment and set the bar when it came to the driving dynamics of vehicles in the segment. Now, the second generation builds on those exceptional traits, combining agility with an all-new suspension technology, electronically-controlled driver assistance systems and advanced four-wheel drive system for much more superiority,” said Geoffrey Briscoe, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.



As a strong competitor in the premium SAV segment, the X3 has already garnered an international accolade a mere two weeks after its international launch in the form of Germany’s Off Road Magazine’s ‘Off-Roader of the Year’ award.



Power for the new X3xDrive20d comes from the aforementioned oil burner, a BMW Advanced Diesel Technology engine displacing two liters from a foru-cylinder layout with a turbocharger bolted on to pump out 184hp and a massive 380Nm of torque.



All that power and force is transmitted to all four wheels via the eight-speed automatic transmission with shifts barely noticeable and on par with that of a double-clutch transmission due to the shorter distance between gears. Furthermore, the higher number of gears allow for improved fuel consumption figures as well.



Performance digits read 8.5-seconds for the century sprint while only consuming 5.6-liters of diesel for every 100km and releasing an average of 147grams of CO2 for every kilometre.



Briscoe also pointed out that the introduction of another diesel powerplant, following the 520d a while ago, reinforced BMW’s belief that diesel tech is the immediate solution to a cleaner and more efficient energy source the country.



“The eagerly anticipated introduction of Euro IV standard fuel specification which is planned for 2015, is a particularly encouraging move which BMW is keen to support with the introduction of more diesel ranges such as the recent new BMW 520d and the BMW X3,” said Briscoe.



As with all new BMW models, EfficientDynamics is part and parcel of the new X3 with optimised aerodynamics, lightweight construction, brake energy regeneration, electromechanical steering and auto start/stop, a first for any BMW in Malaysia with an automatic transmission.



On the interior, the occupants receive 23mm of extra knee room and a 20mm increase in width for a more comfortable journey. Luggage storage area ranges from 550-liters all the way to 1,600-liters courtesy of the adaptable interior that can be switched around to suit the cargo being hauled. The rear seats can be folded 40:20:40 with each of the three segments adjustable individually.



The dash houses a 6.5-inch monitor that is the centrepiece of the Radio BMW Professional which includes 12 loudspeaker hi-fi requirement for the best in entertainment on the move. BMW ConnectedDrive paves the way for USB and Bluetooth connectivity as well as access to BMW TeleServices and the optional Telematics Platform Accessory that has the Vehicle Recovery System and Assist remote service for emergencies and breakdowns.



The pure driving feel that is synonymous with all BMWs is available through the technology package that features BMW’s Dynamic Damper Control that works hand-in-hand with Performance Control while Navigation System Professional complements it with extended mobile device connectivity.



The other package on offer is the Comfort package that features automatic tailgate operation, comfort access system and a panoramic glass roof.



Dynamic Damper Control and Performance Control allow the driver to adjust the car to suit his or her’s driving style. Electronically controlled dampers adapt to the driver’s driving style and the ‘Normal,’ ‘Sport’ and ‘Sport+’ modes allows the driver to switch the driving characteristics of the X3.



“Based on the total sales for the first two months of 2011, BMW Group Malaysia has sold a total of 810 vehicles, representing 744 BMW, 40 Mini and 26 Motorrad. This is an overall growth of 29 per cent if you were to compare it to the same period last year where we sold a total of 629 vehicles. We are confident that the new X3 will contribute to the continued growth of the BMW brand here in Malaysia,” said Briscoe.



The X3 xDrive20d retails for RM348,800 (OTR w/o insurance) and is inclusive of the BMW Service Repair program that covers normal wear and tear repairs or replacements as well as maintenance, service and repair of factory components of the vehicle from three years from its original registration date or 60,000KM, which ever comes first.

 

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