Self-service media BMW X3 at the Paris Motor Show 2010
16.07.2010
T he first generation of the BMW X3 made its debut in 2003. After a facelift in the meantime, it is now time for the second edition of the compact SUV, which the Bavarians confidently refer to as the SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle).
BMW X3 with new chassis and standard All-wheel drive
So that the new one also meets the driving dynamics demands, it benefits from the standard all-wheel drive as well as the completely newly developed chassis, which also improves driving comfort t is supposed to increase. While a double-joint tension strut axle is used at the front, a five-link rear axle is used in the rear. For a surcharge, the Bavarians are equipping the new BMW X3 with an adaptive chassis for the first time, in which the driver can vary the damper control, the responsiveness of the accelerator pedal and engine and the characteristics for the steering assistance in the three modes Normal, Sport and Sport +. At the same time, the control threshold of the DSC is raised.
According to BMW, the standard all-wheel drive of the SUV should further increase the driving dynamics of the SUV thanks to the rear-biased design compared to its predecessor. It should be even more dynamic in the new BMW X3 with the optional Performance Control. This brakes the rear wheel on the inside of the bend in a targeted manner when cornering quickly and thus ensures that the rear end is turned slightly.
The first pictures of the X3 with M-Sport package appeared
The first are already online Images of the new BMW X3 with M sports package emerged. As with all M variants from Bavaria, the new BMW X3 in M optics also sports a new front apron with large cooling air openings. In addition, sporty 19-inch light alloy wheels adorn the wheel arches of the compact SUV. The chassis gets a tighter set-up, the X3 moves closer to the asphalt. The X3 with M-Sport package also has a new apron at the rear. New side skirts as well as special decorative strips around the windows complete the look package. In the interior, the new BMW X3 is presented with the M sports package with an M leather steering wheel and leather sports seats. However, BMW does not want to offer the M sports package for the new X3 until the second half of 2011.
BMW X3 xDrive20d and X3 xDrive35i make the start
At the market launch after the premiere at the motor show in Paris there are two engines to choose from, both of which meet the EU5 standard. The BMW X3 xDrive 20d is powered by aFour-cylinder diesel powered by common rail direct injection. Compared to its predecessor, the power increased by seven to 184 hp. At the same time, the average consumption of 5.6 liters per 100 kilometers should be 14 percent lower than before (CO2: 149 g /km). The maximum 380 Nm are available between 1,750 and 2,750 tours to accelerate the BMW X3 to 100 km /h in 8.5 seconds and further up to 210 km /h. The two-liter diesel is linked to a manual six-speed gearbox as standard. The standard gearshift point display is supposed to reduce consumption, as do tires with optimized rolling resistance and the system for regenerating braking energy. The new eight-speed automatic transmission is optionally available.
The xDrive35i has the latter on board as standard. The Munich-based company is the first to combine the automatic with a start-stop function. The three-liter in-line six-cylinder mobilizes 306 hp thanks to the so-called Twinpower Turbo and also has direct injection and variable valve control. The maximum torque of 400 Nm is already available at 1,300 tours. The standard sprint in the BMW X3 xDrive35i should take 5.7 seconds. The maximum speed of the SUV is given by the Bavarians at 245 km /h, the consumption should level off on average at 8.8 liters (CO2: 204 g /km).
Up to 1,600 liters trunk volume
The interior of the new BMW X3 should offer its passengers significantly more space. In particular, the rear crew should benefit from the ample knee room. The luggage compartment volume of 550 liters can be expanded up to 1,600 liters by folding down the rear seat backrest, which can be divided in a 40:20:40 ratio. The extras that are subject to a surcharge include automatic air conditioning, a panoramic glass roof, various audio and navigation systems and automatic tailgate operation.
In addition, BMW can equip the new X3 with driver assistance systems and a head-up display on request , adaptive headlights, high beam assistant and cruise control with braking function.
