Another day, another SUV or crossover vehicle is launched. The future is definitely the Sports Utility Vehicle, or, according to BMW, it can also be a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV). This time around, BMW Group Malaysia has introduced the All-New Third Generation, BMW X3. This time around, it will be locally assembled here in Malaysia. A first for the X3 range of vehicles. Deliveries for this locally assembled X3 will commence in July, 2018 with an estimated price of RM320,000.
The new X3 sits in an important position for BMW Group Malaysia. With over 1,000 units already delivered in 2018, the BMW X Family currently has recorded a 39% growth in Malaysia, compared to the same period last year. The SUV market is growing and BMW has decided to invest more of it into local assembly to cater to the demand and with that, also makes the X3 a more affordable proposition to many.
This third generation BMW X3 is also pretty competent in terms of the performance levels it offers. It has BMW's 2.0liter twinpower turbo engine which makes 252hp and 350Nm torque. 0-100kmh takes 6.3 seconds and it has a top speed of 240kmh.
It has BMW's all-wheel drive system which they call xDrive and it actually makes the new X3 something that isn't just an urban crossover vehicle. It has some off-roading capabilities or can easily slippery surfaces with more ease than ever. This is one of a rare breed of premium SUVs with better all round, all weather capabilities. Below is a video I managed to put together from the short xDrive demonstration at the launch.
It has BMW's all-wheel drive system which they call xDrive and it actually makes the new X3 something that isn't just an urban crossover vehicle. It has some off-roading capabilities or can easily slippery surfaces with more ease than ever. This is one of a rare breed of premium SUVs with better all round, all weather capabilities. Below is a video I managed to put together from the short xDrive demonstration at the launch.
The locally assembled nature of this new X3 also shows how BMW Group Malaysia’s is committed to growing its investments here in Malaysia as well as being the assembly and manufacturing hub for the BMW Group in South East Asia.
“Today, we celebrate a new generation of the BMW X3, which in the history of the premium automotive industry, is the creator of the mid-sized premium SAV segment in 2003. This is a perfect example on the BMW belief that the best way to predict the future is to create it. With over two generations of the BMW X3, we have delivered more than 1.5 million vehicles to lead the segment all over the world. Today, the All-New BMW X3 is set to continue to write the next chapter in BMW’s success story in the premium segment.” said Mr. Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia (seen here at the launch with Mr Sashi Ambi -, Head of Corporate Communications, BMW Group Malaysia).
The All-New BMW X3 is introduced in the variant of the BMW X3 xDrive30i Luxury variant. The colours offered are Terra Brown, Black Sapphire, Glacier Silver and Alpine White. Interior colour options for the leather include the Leather Vernasca Black is paired with Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Glacier Silver and Terra Brown; whereas the Leather Vernasca Mokka is best paired with Alpine White and Black Sapphire.
In terms of what I think about the overall styling, the third generation X3 is overall much better looking than previously. It still has a certain heavy rearward balance to how it looks even though it has a long front bonnet. I think it is quite colour specific in terms of how it looks. I personally like the ones which have more contrast like the Alpine White and Glacier Silver which adds an element of contrast between the bottom part of the car and higher up.
As for the interior, it feels like the materials used have had improvements to how it feels and how it looks. The whole cabin feels more premium than before with better materials used. The leather seats are comfortable and the steering is a nice size to hold. Ergonomics are good with all controls withint easy reach. The iDrive controls for the infotainment system and other switchgear all feel like they have gone to finished school and have gone up a notch or two in terms of tactile feel. There is more quality inside than before. It feels thoroughly premium inside.
The All-New BMW X3 will be available for viewing at all authorised BMW dealerships nationwide from Wednesday, 25 th April 2018 with deliveries commencing in July 2018 as BMW Malaysia are still carrying out the assembly of the first batch of X3 SAVs. Right now, the estimated sales price for the BMW X3 xDrive30i is RM320,000 on the road without insurance.
Dynamic Financial Programme.
With the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the All-
New BMW X3 can be owned with monthly instalment plans starting from RM 3,532.00
(based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure).
Complete Premium Ownership Experience.
Customers of the All-New BMW X3 can also experience the complete BMW Group
Malaysia Premium Ownership experience which includes:
BMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service
Program.
BMW 2-Year/ 24 Month Tyre Warranty Program for its Run Flat Tyre
offering and services.
BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline.
The BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App - BMW White Card.
BMW Service Online.
The BMW X3 xDrive30i summary
The dynamic handling qualities of the All-New BMW X3 are rooted in its ideal 50:50 weight distribution, its meticulously honed chassis and the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system, which made its debut in 2003 when the first generation of the BMW X3 was launched.
Sharper Design with Distinctive Looks.
The All-New BMW X3 elevates the already bold dynamic design language of its predecessor to new, even more eye-catching territory. The third generation of the pioneering premium mid-sized Sports Activity Vehicle treads a familiar BMW X family path in combining rugged off-road looks with sporting presence.
The exterior dimensions of the All-New BMW X3 may be largely unchanged, but its five-centimetre- longer
wheelbase, long bonnet and short front overhang with even more finely balanced proportions – which emphasise the perfect 50:50 distribution of weight between the front and rear axle – give it the edge over its predecessor.
At the front end, the “three-dimensional” kidney grille treatment and foglamps featuring a hexagonal design for the very first time on a BMW X model, underline the confident character of the All-New BMW X3. The SAV features LED headlights with low-beam and high-beam, side lights and cornering lights. The All-New BMW X3 also features high-beam assistant which switches head lights to high beam automatically when needed.
The underbody protection in Frozen Grey and high-gloss Chrome. The All-New BMW X3 sits on 19” light alloy wheels Double Spoke bicolour Ferric Grey.
Moving to the rear, the light clusters (whose three-dimensional look in full-LED guise give them significant visual impact), markedly downward-sloping roof spoiler and twin exhaust tailpipes bring matters to a suitably muscular conclusion.
The cargo space offers versatility as it can be expanded from 550 litres to 1,600 litres when the seats are folded down. The Comfort Access with contactless boot operation allows for added user-convenience with keyless access to the vehicle, including contactless access to the tailgate.
Supreme Driving Pleasure, Exceptional Efficiency.
The cutting-edge BMW TwinPower Turbo 2.0 in-line four-cylinder petrol engine sits at the heart of the All-New BMW X3, which comprises of TwinScroll turbocharging, High Precision Injection, Double-VANOS variable camshaft control and Valvetronic fully variable valve timing. With an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, the All-New BMW X3 is capable of sprinting from 0-100km in 6.3 seconds at a top speed of 240 km/h. The All-New BMW X3 is capable of generating a maximum output of 252hp and 350Nm of torque, offering supreme driving pleasure with exceptional efficiency.
With the intelligent lightweight construction, the All-New BMW X3 is up to 55kg lighter than its predecessor, which translates to superior dynamic performance and outstanding efficiency. With that in mind, the All-New BMW X3 also has the lowest aerodynamics with a C d factor of 0.29. The lower the factor, the less drag the body will induce. As a result, a balance between a dynamic yet efficient design is achieved.
Furthermore, the standard Driving Experience Control switch allows the driver choose between various configurations – i.e. ECO PRO, COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT+modes, all of which are designed to make the vehicle more dynamic, more comfortable or more efficient to drive.
Perfect Off-Road Prowess.
The dynamic handling qualities of the All-New BMW X3 are rooted in its ideal 50:50 weight distribution, its meticulously honed chassis and the xDrive intelligent all-wheel- drive system. Not only has the system been offering superior grip on slippery surfaces ever since, it has had a beneficial effect on driving dynamics, too.
It is interlinked with the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) meaning that the power split between all four wheels can be constantly varied to always produce the handling characteristics for which BMW is renowned, even when the driver is pressing on. Complementing the off-road capabilities of the All-New BMW X3 is Hill Descent Control which helps maintain the SAV at a steady pace when driving down a steep incline.
Comfort-Oriented Interior with a Luxurious Ambience.
The interior of the All-New BMW X3 follows BMW tradition with its driver-focused and ergonomically optimised cockpit layout and carries over many aspects of the car’s exterior design. For instance, hexagonal forms and precise, bevelled edges play a central role in the interior. The interior displays exceptional material quality, fit and finishing, and impresses functionality-wise.
One example here is the well-thought- out storage concept, which offers more storage space than ever before and ensures it is easier to access as well as galvanised plating on the air conditioning, audio and steering controls which is luxury to the sight and touch within the premium vehicle.
Evidence of the attention to detail lavished by the designers on the interior of the All-New BMW X3 includes the exclusive BMW X embossing which is highly visible on the B-pillar, enter console and rear door trim. Partially hidden BMW X embossing can also be spotted between the front door and dashboard end.
Upon entering the All-New BMW X3, the driver will be welcomed into the Leather Vernasca with contrast stitching sports seat, with padded side bolsters and eye-catching shoulder section. The dashboard is also set low to offer the distinctive “Command Position”, leaving the driver with a feeling of being in control with a good all-round vision.
With the Luxury Line, the All-New BMW X3 offers leather upholstery, a Sensatec-covered instrument panel with contrast stitching and Dark Oak fine wood interior trim strips with accent strip in Pearl Chrome. The All-New BMW X3 also comes with 6 ambient light colours tones (orange, lilac, mint, bronze, blue and white) with selectable contour and mood lighting.
The All-New BMW X3 also features a rear camera, with Park Distance Control which provides an acoustic and visual (distance only) warning of the obstacle behind the vehicle. To assist the driver further, the Parking Assistant aids with automatic parking into parallel and lateral parking spaces.
Technology and Communication.
In the All-New BMW X3, the new Multifunctional instrument display with Black Panel technology replaces the traditional gauge cluster which has been a common fixture in the page. Besides displaying a breadth of information such as navigation, the three different driving modes – ECO PRO, COMFORT, and SPORT – and their specific displays have their own colour scheme and graphic style.
The 10.25-inch Central Information Display is located above the instrument panel of the All-New BMW X3 with touch control functionality, providing a quick overview of the most pertinent information and offers users intuitive access. With the BMW ConnectedDrive, owners will have seamless connectivity to their car and the world outside. To further enhance driver experience, the All-New BMW X3 also comes with the Welcome Light Carpet, creating a sophisticated atmosphere when approaching the vehicle.
No comments:
Post a Comment