2011 BMW X3 xDrive20d
The new BMW X3 is the successor to a top seller and will add a new dimension to the pleasure of driving a Sports Activity Vehicle of this class. More significantly than ever, it establishes benchmarks in driving dynamics, agility and efficiency, whilst at the same time convincing through noticeably increased driving comfort. The design of the new BMW X3 combines the typical BMW X character with a dynamically stretched silhouette. Thanks to a generous amount of space and a high degree of variability in the interior, it is possible to adapt travel comfort as well as transportation capacities to suit each personal requirement. Four-wheel drive technology BMW xDrive not only optimises traction, but has also been specifically harmonised to ensure enhanced driving dynamics. The new BMW X3 offers fascinating qualities with uncompromising diversity, combining both driving pleasure and efficiency with comfort and functionality, sportiness and elegance.
The four-cylinder diesel in the new BMW X3 xDrive20d has a maximum output of 135 kW/184 bhp. Power output has been increased by 5 kW compared to its predecessor. At the same time, average consumption in the EU test cycle has been reduced by 14 percent to a mere 5.6 litres/100 km. The new BMW X3 xDrive35i is powered by a straight-six petrol engine with a maximum output of 225 kW/306 bhp. This makes it by far the sportiest model within its competitive environment.
The Design: Urban elegance, dynamically flowing lines and the characteristic features of a BMW X model.
The body design of the new BMW X3 conveys urban elegance and versatile agility. The combination of a flat front end and a high rear end produces, when viewed from the side, a dynamically formed wedge shape, indicating the vehicle’s sporting characteristics. The convex and concave surfaces are accentuated by distinctive lines.
At the front end of the new BMW X3, the forward-slanting BMW kidney grille, a large headlight assembly, a powerful-looking front apron and the distinctively contoured bonnet signalise self-assured presence. Together with the round headlights, the fog lamps, which are positioned far towards the outside, form the light source arrangement that is characteristic of BMW X models. The upper edge of the headlight assembly sports an accentuating chrome trim, creating the focussed look so typical of BMW vehicles. In conjunction with the optional Xenon headlights, the vehicle features daytime running lights that function by means of bright white LED light rings.
The side view of the new BMW X3 is also characterised by a unique interpretation of typical BMW X design features. These include the powerfully flared wheel arches and the short distance between the front axle and the instrument panel. The dynamic appearance of the silhouette is additionally accentuated by three characteristic lines.
The rear end is characterised by horizontal lines, underlining the new BMW X3’s robust character. Accurately applied lines and expressively modelled surfaces create attractive light and shadow effects. The taillights have a distinctive T shape that is characteristic of the BMW X3.
Interior: Premium ambience, intelligent functionality.
A generous and variable spatial concept, high-grade materials and a characteristic three-dimensional surface design provide the interior of the new BMW X3 with a modern, premium ambience and intelligent functionality. Brand-typical driver orientation is emphasised by the asymmetrically designed centre console. The raised seating position facilitates convenient entry, whilst optimising the overview of the traffic situation. The 8.8-inch high-resolution screen of the navigation system Professional featured in the new BMW X3 is the largest on-board monitor in its segment.
Both up front and at the rear the new BMW X3 has a multitude of large storage compartments, trays and cup holders. The three rear seats offer outstanding comfort for travelling long distances. With a volume of between 550 and 1,600 litres, the luggage compartment of the new BMW X3 is the best in its segment. At the same time, the variability with which available space can be adapted to suit each personal requirement, is also unrivalled. The rear seat backrest can be split at a ratio of 40 : 20 : 40 and the three segments can be folded down either individually or together.
Engine range: Four-cylinder diesel and straight six-cylinder petrol engine of the latest generation.
The new BMW X3 xDrive20d now offers better performance and higher efficiency than any of its comparable rivals. It is powered by a 2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine with aluminium crankcase and Common Rail direct injection, delivering a maximum power output of 135 kW/184 at 4,000 rpm and peak torque of 380 Nm between 1,750 and 2,750 rpm. The engine develops sufficient power to allow the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds, reaching top speed at 210 km/h. With an average fuel consumption of 5.6 litres/100 km, the BMW X3 xDrive20d establishes a new benchmark for efficiency in this vehicle segment (CO2 emission level: 149 g/km in conjunction with manual gearbox, 147 g/km in conjunction with automatic gearbox).
Spontaneous response, high-revving characteristics, excellent running smoothness and outstanding efficiency characterise the power unit featured in the BMW X3 xDrive35i. The 3.0-litre straight-six engine featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo, direct petrol injection and VALVETRONIC generates a maximum output of 225 kW/306 bhp at 5,800 rpm. Maximum torque of 400 Nm is available between 1,200 and 5,000 rpm. The sprint from 0 to 100 km takes a mere 5.7 seconds. Top speed is 245 km/h. The BMW X3 xDrive35i offers not only the most dynamic driving characteristics, but also by far the most favourable fuel consumption and emission levels within the competitive environment of its engine class. Average consumption in the EU test cycle is 8.8 litres/100 km (CO2 emission level: 204 g/km).
BMW EfficientDynamics in the new BMW X3: Premiere for Auto Start Stop function in conjunction with automatic transmission.
The new BMW X3 xDrive35i is equipped as standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This option, also unique within the competitive environment, is available for the BMW X3 xDrive20d as an alternative to the standard six-speed manual gearbox. As an option, the new BMW X3 xDrive35i comes with a sports automatic transmission with shift paddles on the steering wheel.
The automatic transmission is combined for the first time with an Auto Start Stop function. When stopping at road junctions or in a traffic jam, the engine is automatically switched off. The Auto Start Stop function is also a standard feature in the X3 xDrive20d with manual gearbox. The car is additionally equipped with a gear shift indicator. Furthermore, the equipment featured in all model variants, which include brake energy regeneration, EPS Electric Power Steering, demand-controlled ancillary components, intelligent lightweight construction and tyres with reduced rolling resistance contribute towards lowering fuel consumption and exhaust emission levels.
Newly developed suspension, optimised xDrive and unique options for made-to-measure dynamics and comfort.
The new BMW X3 comes with permanent four-wheel drive technology BMW xDrive as standard. Its electronic control unit, which is interlinked with the DSC Dynamic Stability Control, counteracts at an early stage any tendency to oversteer or understeer through fast and precise response. By means of innovative tuning designed to enhance driving dynamics, the intelligent four-wheel drive technology optimises not only traction, but, above all, handling in bends. Optional Performance Control enhances the BMW X3’s agile handling even further.
The new BMW X3 also features completely redeveloped suspension technology. The combination of a double-joint spring-strut axle at the front and a five-link rear axle offers in conjunction with a widened track (92 mm wider than that of the predecessor) the ideal prerequisites for optimising agility and driving comfort to an equal degree. EPS Electric Power Steering including the Servotronic function for speed-dependent power steering is incorporated in all versions of the BMW X3 model for the first time and contributes significantly to precise handling. The optional variable sports steering reduces the degree of steering movement necessary to turn the front wheels and provides BMW typical directional stability when the vehicle is being driven straight ahead.
A further option is Dynamic Damper control. The electronically controlled dampers adapt to road surface conditions and the driver’s style of driving. The driver is able to influence the characteristic map of the damper control by means of the Dynamic Control system. This function, which is available for a BMW X model for the first time, enables the driver to choose between the “NORMAL”, “SPORT” and “SPORT+” modes using a button on the centre console.
Like all BMW X models, the new BMW X3 is also provided with an extremely torsion-resistant body, precisely defined support structures and large deformation zones. The safety equipment package comprises front and pelvic thorax airbags, side curtain head airbags, three-point automatic seatbelts on all seats, belt force limiters, belt latch tensioners and crash-active front headrests as well as ISOFIX child seat mounts in the rear compartment.
Innovative options and functions from BMW ConnectedDrive.
The choice of optional features ranges from automatic climate control with 2-zone control, a panorama sunroof, high-end audio equipment and the navigation system Professional with hard-disk storage, to automatic rear lid operation and a tow coupling with electronically pivoting ball head. The choice of driver assistance systems offered by BMW ConnectedDrive is unique in the segment. The new BMW X3 can be equipped, inter alia, with the systems Head-up Display, Adaptive Cornering Headlights, High-beam Assistant and reversing camera including Top View. In addition, BMW ConnectedDrive enables unrestricted use of the Internet within the vehicle, a comprehensive integration of the Apple iPhone and other smartphones as well as the use of web-based services for navigation and entertainment functions.
Production at the BMW Spartanburg plant.
The new BMW X3 is produced at the BMW Spartanburg plant in accordance with stringent BMW Group quality standards. With the production of the BMW X5 and BMW X6 models, the location, which is based in the US Federal State of South Carolina, has become the competence centre for BMW X models within the BMW Group’s worldwide production network. Thanks to comprehensive extension measures, the preconditions for integrating the new BMW X3 into the production process have also been established.
