Cars: tough customer
BMW Indonesia shows us the power of the all-new BMW X3 on the testing tracks of Mount Bromo.
Our driving experience with the all-new BMW X3 at the stunning Mount Bromo
BMW INDONESIA MADE waves again this year with the BMW Driving Experience: BMW Destination X 2018. Held for the fourth year in Bromo, BMW Indonesia invited its loyal customers and fans, as well as media colleagues including Indonesia Tatler, to test-drive one of the core models in the recently launched BMW X family: the all-new BMW X3.
With the tagline “The All-new BMW X3: On a Mission”, BMW Destination X took participants on a challenging trek along a 300km route, including a climb to an altitude of 2,310 metres above sea level, while taking in both on-road and off-road conditions. On this occasion, we also got to try out the new highway connecting Surabaya with Pasuruan, enjoy the natural beauty of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park while driving the BMW X3, and test the ability of the BMW xdrive system over Mount Bromo’s Sea of Sand.
All participants disembarked at Juanda International Airport in Surabaya to be met by their vehicles, which were lined up by the exit door. Divided into groups of two, we eagerly took the wheels as we marched in a convoy to our first stop, the Tune Restaurant & Wine Bar, for our welcoming lunch.
The all-new BMW X3 is the latest midsize premium sports activity vehicle (SAV) from BMW. This versatile car offers the best combination of on-road and off-road characteristics, featuring the distinctive masculine design of BMW X and the BMW xdrive smart all-wheel drive technology. Boasting the most cutting-edge technology in its segment, the BMW X3 offers security, driving comfort, and fuel efficiency.
After lunch, we continued our road trip to Jiwa Jawa Resort in Bromo. As we went uphill, we encountered the narrow, steep, and meandering road that leads up to the resort. However, thanks to the advanced features of the all-new BMW X3, these challenging obstacles were easily tackled. In fact, with the BMW xdrive feature, the result was an unrivalled driving sensation encapsulating the essence of joy and BMW’S own signature slogan
of “sheer driving pleasure”. No matter the road condition, all participants could experience unparalleled comfort when driving the X3.
On the second day, we started off at 3am to catch the sunrise from Seruni Point. Set 2,310 metres above sea level, this is one of the best places from which to catch this spectacle in Bromo. From here, we could see perfectly the breathtaking views over the enchanting mountain. The weather was bitingly cold with temperatures dropping to 4°C, but we were mercifully provided exclusive gear courtesy of BMW, who thoughtfully also added an extra team member for this day’s activity: actor and environmentalist Hamish Daud Wyllie.
Following the sunrise, we travelled down to the Sea of Sand at Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, which was to be a 10,000sqm playground for our exclusive xdrive Adventure and the chance to experience three different activities: X-track, X-perience, and X-treme Ride. It was a thrill-packed day for all the participants as we took to the wheels and felt the adrenaline course through our veins driving in the X-track and riding on the X-ramps. Not only did we get to experience the all-new BMW X3, we also had the opportunity to test BMW X4 and BMW X5.
Meanwhile, the BMW Destination X Bromo event showcased BMW’S commitment to sustainability, which has long been a vision of the company. To conclude our exciting activity, we joined a community-enrichment exercise. With this programme, BMW Indonesia assists the residents of the Mount Bromo area by planting pine trees and staking fences to protect areas that cannot be passed by public transportation. About 1,200 points, or 2 kilometres, have been planted since the first event. This is important to safeguard the natural beauty of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park with its extreme driving terrain, which provides a perfect testing ground for the BMW X3.
As we headed back to Ciputra World Hotel Surabaya for our closing dinner, we took in the superior, sumptuous features of the new BMW X3, which include BMW Efficient Lightweight, BMW Gesture Control, BMW Display Key, Panoramic Glass Roof, engine and suspension enhancements, as well as an innovative operating system. This all-new BMW X3 also marks the first time that this series comes with a Luxury Line variant, featuring exclusive interior design and highquality materials. The use of immaculate Vernasca leather with decorative stitching, as well as fine-wood oak trimmings with pearl chrome finishes, further strengthens the cabin’s luxurious impression.