New X3 to carry on BMW's Sports Activity Vehicle legacy
2010-09-01 22:49:20 Author: admin Source:
The first generation BMW X3, the best sellling Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) for the marque, has ended its production cycle at an Austrian plant. BMW Group has already confirmed that the production of the new BMW X3 will commence on 20 November for the German market at the BMW Spartanburg plant in South Carolina, U.S.A.
The new X3 is a resolute continuation of the formula for success of the first SAV in its class. With further enhanced agility, optimized driving comfort, more space than any of its competitors and innovative equipment options, it offers the ideal prerequisites to inherit the position of its predecessor as the benchmark in the segment and to strengthen it further.
First introduced in 2004, the first generation X3 comes with an intelligent four-wheel drive (xDrive), remarkable handling characteristics and a variable interior. As a result, the concept of establishing benchmarks in the field of driving dynamics within the competitive environment of all-terrain vehicles, which had previously already been successfully pursued in the case of the BMW X5 in a higher segment, was endorsed yet again. In addition, driving pleasure, premium quality and satisfactory efficiency helped the previous X3 to reach popular status and achieve good marks in independent surveys such as;the “Customer Satisfaction Index” (CSI) issued by the J.D. Power, the Allgemeine Deutsche Automobilclub (ADAC), “Auto Bild Allrad“ and “Off Road” magazines. .
In the past 7 years, some 605,498 units of X3 has been built at the Austrian facility, along with the CKD (Completely Knocked Down) in Russia, Egypt and Thailand, a total of 614,824 units concluded its relatively successful tenure. The last vehicle of the first generation X3 to be completed at the plant was a diesel variant, xDrive35d.
With the new X3, BMW faces an intensified competition among rival marques, but the new SAV is again expected to push itself to the top through the renowned BMW EfficientDynamics which enhances performance and provides favorable fuel consumption and emission levels.
The vehicle’s entirely newly developed suspension technology facilitates a clear advantage both in terms of agility and driving comfort. With a loading capacity that can be increased from 550 to 1,600 litres and 40 : 20 : 40 split-folding rear seat backrests, the new BMW X3 offers the largest amount of space and at the same time the highest level of variability in its segment. Moreover, there is a choice of innovative equipment features, driver assistance systems and mobility services by BMW ConnectedDrive that is unique within the competitive environment. Additionally, the new X3 is the only model in its class to offer the options of a Head-Up Display and Internet access inside the vehicle.
Edited/Images: BMW
