All-new, second-generation BMW SUV has the X factor

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Friday, July 23, 2010

THE BMW X3 is a car that has been much criticised in recent times — partly justifiably — but I must confess I have always felt it to be a car not best served by some critics.

That being the case, It will be interesting to see how the second generation of mid-sized SUV fares critically; that is especially so as anyone I know who owns one of these machines has fallen for the car, in no uncertain terms and consistently swears allegiance to it. So car buyers don’t always listen to the critics., it would appear, are not always listened to.

BMW says that the new 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, the company says that the new machine establishes benchmarks in agility and efficiency, while, at the same time, convincing through noticeably increased driving comfort.

They tell us the design combines the typical BMW ‘X’ character with a dynamically stretched silhouette, while 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 will offer a choice of two, ultra-modern power units.

The four-cylinder diesel featured in the new BMW X3 xDrive20d develops a maximum power output of 135 kW/184 bhp, exceeding that of its predecessor by 5kW.

At the same time, Average fuel consumption in the European Union test cycle has dropped by 14%, to 5.6 litres/100 km.

The new BMW X3 xDrive35i is powered by a 225 kW/306 bhp, straight six-cylinder petrol engine.

The automatic transmission is combined, for the first time, with an auto start-stop function.

This 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 includes a KERS brake energy regeneration system.

The new BMW X3 will come with permanent, four-wheel drive technology as standard.

This electronically-controlled system ensures variable distribution of drive torque to the front and rear axles. The 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.

BMW says the new car will be built in the Spartanburg plant in South Carolina, in the USA, in accordance with stringent BMW Group quality standards.

There is no information, as yet, on pricing and spec, so watch this space.