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Priced from $67,900
Exhilarating dynamics, unmistakable design
xDrive
intelligent all-wheel drive for supreme agility
Choice of 3.0-litre and
2.5-litre straight-six engines
Luxuriously equipped, versatile and safe
BMW forges down an unbeaten track with its innovative adventure-minded X3
Compact Premium Sports Activity Vehicle, which makes its Australian debut at the
Melbourne International Motor Show on 27 February.
Due on sale early in the third quarter of 2004, two six-cylinder petrol
engine models will be available at launch. These are the X3 2.5i, priced from
$67,900 for the six-speed manual and $70,500 for the five-speed Steptronic
automatic. The X3 3.0i will be available only with a five-speed three-mode
Steptronic automatic transmission for $77,600.
The X3 is the first compact all-wheel drive to combine high performance both
on and off road in the lap of luxury. It joins the fastest growing market
segment: the luxury SUV market, which grew by almost 60 percent in 2003, and
growth is expected to continue in 2004.
While large luxury 4WD market welcomed new competitors in 2003, not all SUV
buyers require such large vehicles, especially if they travel mostly through
heavily congested city streets.
The nimble, agile and more compact X3 will be the ideal solution for buyers
seeking genuine all-wheel drive ability.
In addition to highly-praised dynamics that will thrill keen drivers, the
innovation and functionality of the all-new design, and its typical
gold-standard BMW build quality, the Australian specification BMW X3 comes fully
equipped with a generous array of features and equipment.
Standard fit on all X3 models are BMW's latest Dynamic Stability Control
system, ten airbags, multi-function leather wrapped steering wheel with cruise
control, 17-inch light alloy wheels, roof rails, rain sensor and automatic
headlight control, fog lights, climate control air conditioning, on board
computer, and CD radio.
The BMW X3 also offers the discerning buyer a wide range of optional
equipment with which to personalise their purchase. Two particular highlights
are the new Panorama Roof and BMW's innovative 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. The driver is
able to open up the roof completely at the touch of a button.
Adaptive Headlights, in turn, improve 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 a function of the
steering angle, yaw rate and road speed, thus illuminating bends ahead of the
driver, clearly and brightly.
Further Australian market options include sports suspension, 18-inch light
alloy wheels, aluminium running boards, electric front seats, sports seats,
heated seats, satellite navigation and TV monitor, voice activated controls, and
a professional quality HiFi system.
BMW's internationally lauded straight-six cylinder engines power the X3,
producing 141 kW and 245 Nm of torque in the 2.5i and 170 kW and 300 Nm of
torque in the 3.0i.
Like its larger X5 sibling, the X3 employs BMW's just-released xDrive
all-wheel drive transmission, which continuously and intelligently splits drive
torque between the axles for premium control and safety under all driving
conditions.
BMW's unique trailer stability control ensures safe driving conditions when
towing. This extension of the DSC suspension control system is standard, just
like Hill Descent Control, for taking downhill gradients safely even on loose
ground.
The X3's near vertical tailgate opens from the bumper line to allow easy
loading of bulky items such as mountain bikes and skis or surfboards.
The X3 also has homes for many oddments usually carried by outdoors
adventurers. An array of additional storage compartments and handy boxes means
even greater user-friendliness.
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