MULGRAVE, AUSTRALIA – BMW Australia today announced that the starting price for the all new BMW X3 will remain identical to that of the outgoing model, despite substantial enhancements in technology, design, performance and driving dynamics.
Two engine variants will be available in Australia from launch in March 2011. The entry-level price point for the all new, second generation BMW X3 Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) will remain $62,200* for the BMW X3 xDrive20d. BMW Australia has also confirmed the introduction of a six-cylinder petrol engine-powered BMW X3 xDrive28i, priced from $71,900*.
The BMW X3 xDrive30d will be priced from $74,900 and will arrive in Australia three months after launch.
All three models represent substantial increases in value over the models they replace, with the BMW xDrive30d offering more than $10,000 in added value despite a $2,500 price reduction compared to the outgoing model.
BMW Group Australia Acting Managing Director, Peter Buchauer said the new X3 builds on the sales success of its predecessor with significant improvements in agility, efficiency and noticeably increased driving comfort.
“The new BMW X3 combines performance, elegance and practicality all in equal measure making it an especially relevant vehicle for the Australian market,” said Mr Buchauer.
“In essence, it is the ultimate all-rounder,” he said.
The new BMW X3 xDrive20d features a four-cylinder in-line diesel engine with output of 135 kW, and 380 Nm of torque. Acceleration to 100 km/h takes 8.5 seconds yet fuel consumption in the EU test-cycle is 5.6 litres/100km and CO2 emissions are just 147 g/km.
The BMW X3 xDrive28i sees the introduction of a three-litre six-cylinder in-line petrol engine. Output is 190 kW and 310 Nm of torque helping this model sprint to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds. EU fuel consumption is 9 litres/100 km while CO2 emissions are 210 g/km.
The new BMW X3 xDrive30d boasts a three-litre six-cylinder in-line diesel engine output of 190 kW, 560 Nm of torque. The car accelerate from 0–100 km/h in just 6.2 seconds, yet EU
fuel consumption is just 6.0 litres/100 km.
Highlighting the impressive list of standard features, all new X3 models feature a rear view camera as standard (for optimum rear view assistance) as well as a high-resolution 6.5” colour monitor, USB audio interface, Bluetooth, keyless starting (Comfort Go), electric power steering with Servotronic for easy parking, 8-speed automatic transmission and 40/20/40 split rear seats.
The more powerful six-cylinder X3 xDrive28i gains bigger 18-inch alloy wheels and full electric seat adjustment with memory function over the X3 xDrive20d specification, whilst the X3 xDrive30d adds X-Line styling package as well as automatic tailgate operation, over the X3 xDrive28i specification.
Load space is the largest in the class, and a high degree of variability in the interior, mean the BMW X3 sets the benchmark in terms of practicality. A “40/20/40” split of the rear seats allows complete flexibility in the load-carrying capabilities of the new X3. Luggage space is a generous 550 litres, expandable to 1600 litres.
The towing capacity of the new BMW X3 is 2,000kg with a 200kg tow bar download.
The new BMW X3 sees the introduction of a number of performance enhancing innovations reaffirming the car’s leadership position in terms of dynamic ability. The new BMW X3 comes standard with a completely new eight-speed automatic transmission. Due to its extremely small gear steps, the driver enjoys greater comfort and smoother, even more responsive gear shifts, and fluid acceleration. In addition, the more finely graded gear steps mean that the engine runs at optimal engine speed for longer – a factor that also helps to considerably reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
An optional electronic ‘Performance Control’ system improves the car’s agility through corners. The system responds within fractions of a second to cornering behaviour through the acceleration and braking of different wheels. Variable power distribution is used to actively turn the car into the corner improving safety and cornering precision.
The optional Dynamic Damper Control system delivers unparalleled ride-quality with the shock absorbers automatically adapting to all road conditions. The Dynamic Driving Control switch can be used to select between the "NORMAL", "SPORT" and "SPORT+" settings. The shock absorbers are stiffer in "Sport" mode and softer in "Normal" mode. This means that wheel damping and bodyshell motion can be optimised to suit any given set of conditions.
Variable Sports Steering allows the variable adjustment of the steering angle. This helps reduce steering wheel forces, improves handling, reduces the degree of steering wheel movement required and enhances direct response and agility.
BMW EfficientDynamics fuel-saving innovations, such as automatic start-stop function paired to an automatic transmission for the very first time, ensure the vehicle achieves best-in-class fuel consumption figures. Whenever the vehicle is stopped via the brake or Automatic Hold function, the engine shuts itself off automatically, saving fuel. It automatically jumps back to life as soon as the accelerator is pressed.
Brake energy generation and electric power-steering also standard features across all models, helping to achieve best-in-class fuel consumption figures.
A comprehensive package of BMW ConnectedDrive technologies complement the BMW X3’s versatility. Internet access is available for the first time through a compatible mobile phone and is transferred to the vehicle’s iDrive system via Bluetooth.
The BMW X3 also offers unrivalled driver assistance systems such as Top View, which provides a birds-eye-view of the car for ease of low-speed manoeuvring, and Head-Up display.
source: theautochannel
