Hi all few more details on the facelift x3 due out this autumn...

28/06/2006

First details of the new BMW X3


BMW is pleased to announce the launch of a revised X3, featuring the most powerful diesel engine ever to power a production BMW in the UK. The arrival of the new X3 also heralds the introduction of two new petrol engines which, allied to the new high-powered diesel, represents a significant draw for the corporate buyer.

Due to go on sale in the UK in September, the BMW X3 now comes powered by a total of five different engines - two petrol and three diesel units. The biggest seller is likely to remain the X3 2.0d with its CO2 emissions figure of 191g/km followed by the X3 3.0d with its CO2 emissions figure of 210g/km. Both cars post combined fuel consumption figures to please fleet managers; 39.2mpg and 35.8mpg respectively.

Model
Power (hp)
Torque (Nm)
Combined fuel consumption (mpg)
C02 Emissions (g/km)
BIK Tax rating (%)

BMW X3 2.0d
150
330
39.2
191
28

BMW X3 2.5si
218
250
28.5
238
35

BMW X3 3.0si
272
315
27.4
248
35

BMW X3 3.0d
218
500
35.8
210
32

BMW X3 3.0sd
286
580
32.5
232
35


The headline-grabbing powerplant though is a twin-turbo 3.0-litre diesel with an output of 286hp and 580Nm of torque that has been developed from the engine used by the BMW 535d. Such power places the X3 3.0sd into the realm of sports car acceleration courtesy of a zero to 62mph time of 6.6 seconds and a 150mph top speed. Despite this sports car like performance, the X3 3.0sd still achieves 32.5mpg on the combined cycle.

What sets the X3 3.0sd apart from previous X3s is that it comes equipped with the same twin-turbo technology that has already been showcased in the BMW 535d. By using two turbochargers, one smaller one larger, the X3 3.0sd offers high levels of low down pulling power as well as and top end performance.

Completing the triumvirate of new six-cylinder engines to the X3 are a 2.5-litre 218hp petrol unit and a new 272hp 3.0-litre petrol engine. Both of these powerplants are based on the world’s lightest production six-cylinder engine constructed of aluminium and magnesium alloy.

For those new car buyers looking to balance performance with economy, three other choices of engine are offered. A 150hp 2.0-litre diesel represents the entry point of X3 ownership. Further up the scale the existing 218hp 3.0-litre diesel engine is also offered.With the exception of the BMW X3 3.0si and 3.0sd, which use a six-speed automatic gearbox, all X3 variants come with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. A six-speed automatic gearbox is also an option on all six-cylinder engined cars.

A new look
The introduction of a new X3 isn’t just a story of new engines. BMW’s designers have subtly altered the car to freshen its appeal. At the front a larger kidney grille sits above a redesigned front bumper and spoiler. On the new car a colour-coded spoiler with vertical uprights is positioned below the dark swathe of the bumper, while the front foglights are now incorporated into the main section of the bodywork. The X3 3.0sd rides on 18-inch light alloy wheels as standard while larger twin exhaust pipes protrude from under the rear valance.

The side profile remains true to the original X3, but the rear new light clusters feature rods of LED lights. The styling of the rear bodywork has also changed with colour-coded panels now extending lower down the bodywork.

Inside, the driver can get to grips with a new style of three-spoke steering wheel while enhancements to the type of materials used on the centre console have also been included. Again, the owner of a X3 3.0sd gets special treatment with stainless steel foot pedals to underscore the performance nature of the vehicle.

Enhanced traction control
To aid performance and safety the new BMW X3 features the very latest traction control system allied to xDrive, BMW’s unique four-wheel-drive system. For the first time on a BMW X model BMW’s innovative Dynamic Stability Control + (DSC+) system is fitted as standard. In addition to the all round traction control benefits of such technology, DSC+ on the X3 comes with four additional features aimed at improving safety.

Brake Pre-tensioning shortens stopping distances during an emergency stop by priming the brakes should the driver lift off the accelerator sharply in preparation. Brake Drying improves braking performance in the wet by periodically applying the brake pads to scrub away the film of water that can build up on the brake discs. Hill Start Assistant allows a manual transmission car to pull away smoothly on a gradient without rolling backwards, courtesy of the brakes being held for the short time it takes the driver to apply the accelerator after releasing the foot or handbrake. Brake Fade Compensation applies additional braking without any extra effort from the driver should sensors detect that the brake pads are starting to lose ‘bite’ due to heat build up.

In another first on an X model the driver will now be able to select the Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) function of DSC. DTC allows for a greater degree of wheel slip for more spirited driving without the main traction control system safety net intervening. This option can be selected via a button on the centre console.

Prices and full specification of the new X3 will be announced before its on sale date in the Autumn.