BMW X3 roars onto the roads, catering specifically for Chinese drivers
BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd said the market is excited about the launch of the all-new BMW X3, an authentic and ideal China exclusive model, designed for local customers who want sheer driving pleasure and a sublime luxury experience.
The German automaker’s Chinese joint venture unveiled the latest edition to its product portfolio on Tuesday in Chongqing, announcing that the mid-size Sport Activity Vehicle’s manufacturers suggested retail price was 399,800 ($60,115) to 585,800 yuan, with six variants offering greater options.
Local production of the all-new third generation X3 is redefining its market segment, BMW said. It boasts five outstanding advantages, including its robust X design language, authentic BMW driving pleasure, cutting-edge intelligent connectivity, comprehensive luxury comfort, as well as flexible and practical interior space.
“We fully understand that our dear Chinese customers have very high expectations for the new X3. We listened and made every effort to build it in China without any compromises on the materials, the quality and high-tech equipment,” said Johann Wieland, president and CEO of BMW Brilliance.
The all-new BMW X3 is the sixth locally produced BMW model. It has been well received by customers since nationwide pre-orders became available at the end of April.
Evolved from the previous two generations, the new X3 is fitted with 12 industry-leading features that are exclusive in its segment, while adding 20 high-end configurations. That said, it nonetheless retains its wellknown authentic BMW attributes.
The X3 exterior has enhanced robust and athletic styling, showing power and strength from every angle. For the first time, the X3 has incorporated the larger “double kidney” grille with an inverted trapezoid design, while adding BMW adaptive hexagonal LED headlamps.
Extensive research and development
We listened and made every effort to build it in China without any compromises on the materials, the quality and high-tech equipment.”
Johann Wieland,
has led to the use of aluminum alloy in the construction of the X3’s engine hood, front fenders and front doors — dramatically reducing its weight — while hot-formed and highstrength steel has also been widely used in the body to enhance rigidity.
Compared with the previous generation, the rigidity of the body has been improved by 30 percent while the weight of the bare metal body has been reduced by 55 kilograms.
Innovative technology and premium features of the X3 are on par with that of the new BMW 5 Series and 7 Series, surpassing public expectations for the premium mid-size SUV segment, the company said.
According to BMW Brilliance, the new model has achieved a perfect 50:50 weight distribution between the front and rear axles, which is one of the fundamental factors behind BMW X3’s excellent dynamic qualities.
By combining the upgraded BMW B Series 2.0L TwinPower Turbo engine with the eight-speed automatic transmission, the X3 has greater smoothness and more efficiency. Moreover, the BMW X3 xDrive 30i can generate a maximum output of 185 kilowatts with peak torque of 350 Newton meters, and can now accelerate from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in just 6.8 seconds.
During the official launch of the BMW X3, the xDrive 28i made its debut as the newest variant to join the X3 product lineup. In comparison to the 25i variant, the 28i engine power exceeds, generating a maximum output of 165kW with peak torque of 310Nm. Moreover, the 28i can accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 7.6 seconds.
With power that surpasses that of the 25i at a more favorable price than the 30i, the new 28i will undoubtedly become the most popular variant of the new BMW X3 model, the company said.
The BMW xDrive allows for fully variable torque distribution between the front and rear axles, with a range between zero to 100 percent.
In addition, the high ground clearance of 216 millimeters, and highest maximum approach angle of 25.6 degrees, creates ample space for crossing rugged roads or obstacles.
In terms of autonomous driving, this vehicle is the first of its kind to introduce the BMW Adaptive Mode, which enables the car to proactively adapt to drivers’ driving styles and road conditions, ensuring a more enjoyable journey.
The new X3 integrates the latest achievements of BMW Group’s intelligent technologies.
These include physical buttons, temperature-sensitive buttons, a smart touchscreen, natural language understanding, and gesture control. These configurations enable the model to be more versatile and provide drivers with the pleasure of a human and vehicle integrated drive.
Installed inside this Sport Activity Vehicle, or SAV, is the largest combined screen area in segment, including a head-up display that has been expanded 70 percent in area, a 12.3-inch LCD digital dashboard and a 10.25-inch central touchscreen.
The new model also offers wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless charging for mobile phones, offering its customers greater convenience. Other handy services can be accessed via the cloud-based BMW Connected App. The Remote 3D View function and the BMW 7 Series display key are also unique in the segment. As the first BMW vehicle equipped with BMW Personal Copilot, the all-new BMW X3 sets benchmarks in intelligent driving in its segment. The latest generation of Active Cruise Control has integrated lane-keeping assistance, traffic jam assistance, emergency avoidance assistance and crosstraffic alert assistance. These can be activated to support the driver during monotonous traffic conditions within a speed range of 0-210 km/h.
The interior design of the new BMW X3 is comparable to business sedans, with its new Vernasca leather seats, excellent shoulder support and active seat ventilation, according to BMW Brilliance.
The instrument panel is covered in Sensatec leather, while the main console and door buttons are decorated with metal. Moreover, there are also chrome-plated X logos — adding an additional sense of modern luxury.
Specifically designed for Chinese customers, the rear seats are 12-15 mm thicker than the cushioning fitted in the European and American models. Furthermore, the new car features adjustable backrests exclusively in this segment that can be folded down in a 40:20:40 configuration.
Its wheelbase has been extended to 2,864 mm, which is 54 mm longer than that of the previous generation. This allows for sufficient legroom and makes more space for the upper body, surpassing all others in its segment.
Other design elements have also hit new heights in this segment. These include the integrated panoramic sunroof, a PM 2.5 air filter and advanced noise cancellation technology.
With an impeccable reputation, impressive features and competitive prices, as well as flexible financial solutions, the all-new BMW X3 perfectly caters to the demand by Chinese customers for quality, technology and value, the premium automaker added.
“The first generation BMW X3 was a pioneer and leader in the premium mid-size Sport Utility Vehicle segment, and as for the third generation, it will continue to lead the market,” said Wieland. “We have to be a leader, not a follower.”