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Interior: First-Class Ambience, Intelligent Functionality
A generous and versatile 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. The horizontal lines of the instrument panel
accentuate the width of the interior. The driver orientated cockpit, a hallmark
of BMW design, is emphasized by the asymmetrically designed center console. The
Central Display of the optional navigation system with fourth generation BMW
iDrive is harmoniously integrated into the instrument panel. The system features
in 8.8-inch high-resolution trans-reflective screen that is the largest on-board
monitor in its vehicle segment. Throughout the vehicle, new BMW X3 has a large
number of storage compartments, trays and cup holders.
The raised seating
position facilitates egress and ingress, while providing outstanding outward
visibility. The three rear seats offer outstanding comfort for travelling long
distances and significantly more leg and elbow room than its predecessor. With
EU-measured cargo volume between 19 and 56.6 cu-ft (550 and 1,600 liters), the
luggage compartment of the new BMW X3 is the largest in its segment. At the same
time, the versatility with which available space can be adapted to suit each
personal requirement is also unrivalled. The rear seat backrests can be split at
a ratio 60 : 40 and can be folded down either individually or together. The
optional rear seats with ski pass-through has three segments of 40 : 20 : 40 can
be folded down individually or in combination making it possible to adapt the
luggage compartment in varying degrees according to need.
The X3
xDrive35i: Class Leading Performance and Efficiency
The new top model BMW X3 xDrive35i features BMW's newest
turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 "N55" engine combining direct fuel injection,
twin-scroll turbo technology and Valvetronic. The N55 engine develops a maximum
output of 300 hp at 5,800 rpm, with peak torque of 300 lb-ft available all the
way from 1,200-5,000 rpm. Redline is 7,000 rpm.
This engine
enables the X3 xDrive35i to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 150 mph when fitted with
the optional Sport Package.
The BMW X3
xDrive35i will offer not only the most dynamic driving characteristics in its
categories, but also by far the most favorable fuel consumption and emission
levels within their class.
The Innovative New 8-Speed Automatic
Transmission
Like many new
BMW models, the new X3 features an 8-speed automatic transmission which brings
smooth shifting, sportiness and efficiency to new levels of perfection. Compared
to the exemplary 6-speed automatic offered previously, the 8-speed has "taller"
cruising gears that make a significant contribution to reduced fuel consumption
and emissions, as well as quietness. Its wider spread of ratios from lowest to
highest gear enhances acceleration and response across the range of driving
speeds. The revolutionary design even allows for direct shifts from 8th gear to
2nd gear for maximum acceleration.
This new automatic's
attributes have been achieved via an innovative concept that provides the two
additional ratios (7 and 8) with no increase in bulk or weight. In a
ground-breaking arrangement, four planetary gearsets and five clutch packs are
controlled in a way that no more than two of the five clutch packs are
freewheeling at any given time. The modest increase in the number of mechanical
elements allows the new transmission to achieve unusually high efficiency. The
so-called "gearing efficiency" is higher than 98% in all eight gears. In 6th,
gearing efficiency is at its optimum because that is a direct drive. Combine
this with reduced friction and the ability to keep the torque converter "locked
up" more of the total driving time, and the transmission becomes very much a
part of the overall BMW EfficientDynamics concept.
Two Additional
Gears Mean Threefold Progress
The wider spread of ratios allows the engine to run at lower
speeds, often in the "tallest" gear, 8th. Yet even with this wider spread, the
steps between adjacent gears are reduced; in turn this means a stronger,
smoother flow of power during acceleration.
Faster shifts are a
further benefit because only one clutch pack is disengaged to shift up or down
by one or two gears. On the other hand, downshifting more than two gears is
accomplished as a direct shift. For example, a downshift from 8th to 2nd gear is
made with only one clutch pack disengagement, and thus occurs without stepping
down through the intermediate gears. So, at one instant the driver can be
enjoying the quiet, fuel-efficient low rpm of 8th gear, and in the next instant
getting maximum acceleration.
New Suspension, xDrive Intelligent
All-Wheel Drive, and Made-to-Measure Dynamics
The new BMW X3 features
standard xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive. Now in its third generation, BMW
xDrive has been revised to incorporate even more flexibility, quicker response
and improved handling characteristics. The new system marks a significant
evolution in xDrive capabilities, which has always depended upon a networking of
Dynamic Stability Control and the xDrive system. With the overall Integrated
Chassis Management system, all three control circuits work in parallel. This
refined interaction achieves even quicker reactions to changing driving
conditions and enhances xDrive's already outstanding handling dynamics.
BMW xDrive is unique in design and construction. In normal conditions,
driving torque is always transmitted to the rear wheels, and most of the time to
all four wheels. Normal torque split is 40% front/60% rear. The portion of
torque transmitted to the front wheels is controlled by a multi-disc clutch that
can be fully open (100% to the rear), fully engaged or at any level of partial
engagement in between. The torque split between rear and front wheels is thus
steplessly variable. Engagement pressure on the multi-disc clutch is directed by
an electronic control system in response to actual road and driving conditions.
This gives xDrive a dynamic ability that is unparalleled by other all-wheel
drive systems.
The new BMW X3 also features completely
redeveloped suspension technology. The combination of a double-joint
spring-strut suspension at the front and a multi-link rear suspension provides
the foundation for agility and driving comfort. The standard Servotronic
speed-sensitive power steering contributes to the X3's precise handling.
The X3's optional Electronic Damping Control adjusts the shock absorbers to any
level of firmness, quickly adapting to road conditions and the driver's
demands.. Suspension control is always optimum for current road conditions,
vehicle speed, and load. The shocks default to the softest appropriate setting
for the vehicle's speed, and when the vehicle encounters an irregular road
surface, they adjust instantaneously to control ride motions, preserve ride
comfort, and maintain adhesion to the road. The system is so fast that even at
highway speeds the system can sense a pothole at a front wheel and adjust
rear-wheel damping before it reaches the same pothole. The Electronic Damping
Control option includes a new Performance Control feature on the X3. Performance
Control helps the X3 maintain a neutral handling character by adjusting the
xDrive torque split to 20% front/80% rear in steady state cornering. Performance
Control can also apply the inside rear brake while also applying a little more
power to the outside wheel (to compensate for the additional drag of the brake)
in order to help rotate the vehicle.
Adjacent to the E-Shift lever on the
X3's center console is the optional Driving Dynamics Control selector (included
with EDC). DDC provides three settings that tailor vehicle characteristics to
different drivers, one driver's different moods, driving conditions - or all of
the above. The settings are Normal, Sport and Sport Plus.
The X3's driving
dynamics can be widely controlled by different calibrations of so many
elements. In addition, when equipped with the Navigation system, the driver may
use iDrive to custom-tailor the Sport setting.
Just ahead of the
Driving Dynamics Control switch is the Dynamic Stability Control switch for
BMW's all-encompassing stability- and traction-control system. A brief push on
this button switches the system to Dynamic Traction Control, in which DSC's
intervention threshold is raised; one effect of this setting is improved
traction in deep snow. A long push on the same button de-activates DSC
altogether, though the anti-lock braking and anti-rollover functions always
remain active.
BMW X3 M Sports Package
A model-specific
option from BMW M GmbH, the M Sports Package for the BMW X3 is scheduled to
launch in the second quarter of 2011 and comprises attractive chassis,
aerodynamics, exterior and interior components that allow for further
optimization of the exceptional dynamics of the new BMW X3 as well as lending
them a visually striking look. The range of features includes the M aerodynamics
package, chromed exhaust tailpipes and BMW Individual High Gloss Shadow Line for
the side window surrounds and roof railing. The front, side and rear body
components of the M aerodynamics package come in body color, and the inlay in
the rear apron is painted in Dark Shadow metallic.
Sports suspension
tuning and 18-inch M light-alloy wheels, along with Performance Control for the
standard-fitted xDrive all-wheel-drive system, boost the dynamic potential of
the Sports Activity Vehicle. In the new BMW X3 xDrive35i they are complemented
by a sports automatic transmission featuring steering wheel shift paddles and
variable sports steering including Servotronic. As an option, 19-inch M
light-alloy wheels are also available with differently sized front and rear
tires, while the accessories range also offers 20-inch M light-alloy wheels with
different front and rear tires.
Sports seats in a cloth/leather
combination, an M leather steering wheel with multifunction buttons including
cruise control, door entry sills with the M logo and an M driver's footrest
contribute to enhanced driving pleasure in the interior of the new BMW X3 with
the M Sports package. This premium sporting ambience is rounded off by the BMW
Individual roof liner in Anthracite, interior trim in Fine Brushed Aluminum and
a stainless steel inlay in the luggage compartment loading sill.
Standard and Optional BMW ConnectedDrive Functions
BMW ConnectedDrive comprises all offers and
technologies which connect the vehicles, drivers and passengers, and the outside
world. ConnectedDrive is comprised of three main pillars: Convenience,
Infotainment, and Safety. Each of these three pillars operates and interacts
seamlessly with iDrive and other onboard controls to create a unique and
unmatched experience for both the driver and passengers.
The new BMW X3 is produced at the BMW Spartanburg,
South Carolina plant.
BMW X3 xDrive35i: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications