BMW has released a new model AWD wagon that positions itself below the successful BMW X5 in size and price. BMW hopes the new model will enjoy the same success as the X5. 500,000 X5's have been sold worldwide and demand exceeds supply. The manufacturing plants simply cannot make enough X5's. BMW believes the luxury segment in the SUV/ AWD market will be the area of strongest growth in 2004.
BMW marketing strategists believes the buyer profile for cross over vehicles has changed and buyers are now looking for more luxury and refinement in their SUV/AWDs. BMW see its range at the forefront of the luxury AWD market.
The new X3 isn't going to be known as a SUV (sports utility vehicle) or an AWD (all-wheel drive). The marketing people have dreamt up another acronym - the SAV, (sports activity vehicle) to describe the X3. Perhaps the word utility in SUV conveys a spartan, tradesman like image that BMW Marketing thinks doesn't represent the aspirational buyers that look to the BMW brand.
The new X3 has the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) market to itself for now, largely due to its pricing. The entry level X3 starts at $65,300 for the X3 2.5 litre manual and goes up to $74,600 for the 3 litre automatic version. There are plenty of AWD vehicles in the marketplace similarly priced, the Volvo XC90 and Lexus LX330 come to mind, however they are somewhat larger vehicles. Early predictions are that the 2.5 auto version ($67,900) will be the volume seller.
John Kananghinis, General Manager of BMW Sales and Communications believes the buyer profile for this type of vehicle is likely to already own a BMW vehicle and would look to the X3 as another vehicle that offers AWD capabilities that has the BMW badge. The top line 3 litre X3 is only around $7,000 less than the entry level BMW X5. It will be interesting to see if there will be any dilution of sales from the X5 down by potential buyers to the X3 models.
Australian supply of the X3 will be restricted due to global demand in the same way demand outstrips supply of the X5 globally.
A diesel version is a possibility later in the X3's model life, but as with the X5 diesel, worldwide demand for BMW's excellent diesel engine outstrips supply.
The new X3 is powered by BMW's famous in-line six cylinder engines and come in either 2.5 litre capacity, or 3.0 litre. The 2.5 litre develops 141kW at 6,000 rpm and 245 Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm.
The 3.0 litre engine develops 170kW at 5,900 rpm and 300Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm.
A six-speed manual transmission is available in the 2.5 litre version only and the auto 2.5 and 3.0 litre come equipped with a five-speed-auto transmission.
The BMW X Drive AWD system works by utilizing the standard BMW electronic chassis systems, dynamic stability control, anti lock brakes, cornering brake control and other inputs to vary the torque spilt between the front and rear wheels. The torque split is handled by a multiple plate clutch that varies the amount of power transmitted to the front wheels by opening or closing the clutch plates.
The new body design emphasizes the vehicles long wheelbase and short overhangs. Initially its appearance appeared similar to its big brother the X5, but when parked together the X3 has a more defined chiseled look.
Standard equipment
Automatic stability control, dynamic stability control, Xdrive (four-wheel-drive system with variable torque split), hill descent control, ABS, dynamic brake control, (are all high tech), mainly electronic systems that give the X3 the credentials to be classed an AWD or in BMW speak an SAV.
Standard safety equipment
Driver, passenger airbags with occupant sensor, head air bags and side airbags ensure passengers have all the latest in passive safety fitted.
Purchasers of luxury Japanese vehicles that are used to "electric everything" with regard to features, may be surprised to find that there are plenty of features that are available at an additional cost.
Options - so many that possibly no two X3's are ever likely to be the same
Park distance control - front and rear ($1,680), sports suspension ($400), electric front seats ($2,750), servotronic power steering ($500), the choice of five different tyre and rim packages (from $300 up to $1,300), metallic paint ($1,700) and adaptive headlights ($2,970) are some of the additional options that can be fitted to personalize the X3. Spend an additional $6,990 and you can get the BMW navigational system with TV and on-board computer.
Select a couple of expensive options for your new X3 3.0i and the price of the vehicle will soon reach the RRP of the base model BMW X5.
Drive impression
The drive loop consisted of a 200 kilometre drive from Launceston out through the town of Longford, (known for its famous road race circuit in the 50's and 60's) and up into the surrounding alpine areas. The first vehicle driven was the 2.5i six-speed manual. The much loved high seating position coveted by buyers of this type of vehicle is in place in the X3. The position gives good all round vision. Seat adjustment and comfort was excellent during the drive through the test loop. Not so good was the gear lever position relative to the centre console/armrest. The height of the armrest made it difficult to change gears. It became easier when the lid was lifted upwards out of the way.
Interior cabin space was surprisingly large given the outward appearance. A nice touch in the rear stowage area is the inclusion of two rails in the floor. Various loads can be fastened to the rails to allow different shaped goods to be carried securely.
The drive climbed up through to the great lake and at around 1,000 metres, snow covered the road much to the amusement of the journalists from Queensland, one of whom had not seen snow for 12 years. The journalists from Singapore had never seen snow before; some had eyes the size of dinner plates. The snow covered roads, in the main were not too icy and the 2.5i was easy and forgiving to drive, the steering communicated grip levels surprisingly well.
Driving the 3.0i automatic in the same conditions was a little different. The 3.0 felt a little flighty and not as secure on the road. The various stability and traction aids seemed to struggle with the extra power and torque. Manoeuvring around a vehicle that had slid into an embankment on an icy gradient showcased how good the stability and traction aids were. Given the vehicle had essentially road tyres fitted, it pulled up the slope using all the electronic aids available, traction being transferred from front to rear under braking, throttle position being controlled all without any input from the driver other than steering.
The 2.5i automatic was the next X3 to be driven on the return leg, out of the snowline towards Launceston. The smaller engined X3 pulled strongly and was unfussed even when revved towards its redline.
What was surprising was the high level of refinement in the chassis. When driven hard into a corner the X3 simply turned. It loaded the weight onto the roll bars and went through the corner without any twitchiness or deviation. It turned out that this X3 had been fitted with the optional sports suspension and 18 inch wheels.
All X3's driven had alloy running boards fitted, handy, but after driver changes in wet conditions climbing over them marked everyone's clothing.
Purist 4WD drivers may not be too excited by the arrival of another AWD or crossover vehicle, the lack of ground clearance, lack of underbody sump and transmission guards and no low range usually turns away the traditional off-roaders.
That's not the market BMW wants. The X3 is going to appeal to buyers that if needed, can handle different road and terrain conditions, but still deliver car like qualities on road that in reality most people drive under.
