The all-new BMW X3 – In Their Own Words

Hi there. Bob Aldons, The Car Guy with a recent press release from BMW. The third generation BMW X3 has been announced for Australia. So here’s what BMW has to say about the new X3

• Third-generation BMW X3 set for 2017 Australian debut
• New platform offers improved passenger space and cabin versatility
• Reduced weight and improved safety features
• Modern exterior designed by Australian Calvin Luk
• Fresh interior layout coupled with latest infotainment technologies
• Entry-point X3 xDrive20d priced from $68,900^*
• Smooth, efficient X3 xDrive30i priced from $75,900^*
• Refined, powerful X3 xDrive30d priced from 83,900^*
• In showrooms from November 2017
• Additional variants to follow in 2018

BMW Group Australia is proud to announce pricing and specification details for the all-new BMW X3 Sports Activity Vehicle.

“This third-generation BMW X3 sets a new bar in the medium SAV segment,” said BMW Group Australia CEO, Marc Werner.

“With an intelligent lightweight design, leading-edge infotainment systems and a spacious, family-friendly cabin environment, we expect the BMW X3 to be at the forefront of our brand for many years.”

Available from November 2017, the range will initially consist of the X3 xDrive20d, X3 xDrive30i and X3 xDrive30d variants.

The launch range will be joined by additional models in 2018.

BMW X3 pricing^*:

By model: Performance and efficiency

Sleek, modern exterior with a touch of X factor

With a modern exterior design by Australian Calvin Luk, the new BMW X3 combines a capable off-road presence with a sleek, modern aesthetic.

Featuring an Active three-dimensional double kidney grille that sits prominently ahead of the LED headlight arrays (Adaptive LEDs standard on xDrive 30i/30d), the new BMW X3’s frontend sets an impressive precedent.

The characteristic bumper design splits the air inlet into three distinct sections, contributing further to the sleek overall appearance. For reference, the new X3’s drag co-efficient is only 0.29cd.

Moving to the side profile, the new BMW X3 further demonstrates its strong proportions, its short front overhang and bold shoulder lines combining confidently with the side air breathers, flared wheel arches and sculptured door elements.

The rear end’s bold expression melds nicely with the overall exterior design, its wide rear window allowing superb rear vision while the bold rear spoiler further underlines the new BMW X3’s dynamic prowess. All-LED tail lights give a three-dimensional impression with the characteristic L-shaped design that merges seamlessly into the side shoulder line. Finally, the lower section offers body-colour details and obvious underbody protective elements further reinforce the new BMW X3’s off-road capability.

BMW’s xLine exterior line is offered as standard-fit on the new X3, featuring prominent highlights in a sleek matt aluminium finish.

New design 19-inch light alloy wheels are fitted as standard to the BMW X3 xDrive20d, fitted with 245/50R19 run-flat tyres.

A new 20-inch light alloy wheel is fitted to the xDrive30i and 30d, shod with mixed run-flat rubber measuring 245/45/20 on the front axle and 275/40/20 at the rear.

Dimensions

A classy and flexible interior

BMW designers have managed to appreciably increase interior space and comfort with no detriment to the X3’s storage capability and versatility.

Focused on the driver in the best BMW tradition, the new BMW X3’s interior apes the premium layout of the new BMW 5 Series.

Introducing new ‘X’ interior embossing, the X3 cabin is filled with sophisticated surfaces, the standard sports seats a particular highlight with their padded side bolstering and prominent shoulder supports.

Galvanised interior trim embellishers add a further tactile layer to the interior’s ambience (fitted as standard on X3 xDrive30i and 30d).

Flexible storage plays an ever-more important role in the modern SAV segment, and BMW designers have created a flexible, adaptable and convenient family space for the new X3 as a result.

Front door storage compartments can hold bottles of up to one litre capacity, while ahead of the gear lever sits a pair of cup holders as well as a smartphone space that is complete with inductive phone charging capability. There is also a LED charge level indicator and reminder alert to ensure you never forget your mobile device again.

Second-row seats can be remotely operated from the rear and can be split into a 40/20/40 configuration for maximum flexibility. Despite the improved interior space luggage capacity remains unchanged from the predecessor model, with 550 litres in the boot increasing to 1,600 litres with the second-row seats folded flat.

Technology inspired by 5 Series

Taking inspiration from the BMW 5 Series, the new BMW X3 introduces the next generation of BMW innovations into the SAV segment.

Intelligent lightweight design maximises high-tensile steels, aluminium, magnesium and durable plastics contribute to a weight reduction of up to 55kg against a comparable predecessor model.

Semi-automated driving capability is possible via BMW’s Personal CoPilot system. Available as part of the Driving Assistant Plus package (standard on xDrive30i and 30d), hands-free driving capability is possible for up to 30 seconds with this system. In addition, steering and lane control assistant, active cruise control with Stop&Go function, cross-traffic warning and Lane Keeping Assistant with collision prevention are featured in this package.

Inside, the X3 offers the latest iDrive6 infotainment system, accessed via a new 6.5-inch central screen with the navigation system Business package fitted as standard to the xDrive20d.

Impressively, a new Head-Up Display, featuring 70 per cent larger surface area and impressive definition, provides another customisable information source.

Step up to the xDrive30i and 30d brings a 10-inch screen with intuitive touchscreen functionality.

Also standard on the xDrive30i and 30d is a new multi-function instrument display. Housed behind the steering wheel, this 12-inch high-definition digital screen is adaptable to the Driving Experience Mode selected by the driver, accessible via a button array on the second console.

Driving Experience Mode enables the driver to switch between ECO PRO mode for maximum efficiency, COMFORT mode for a strong blend of smoothness, efficiency and response or SPORT mode for more focused dynamic performance.

Integration with smartphone technology has never been more important, and the BMW X3 delivers with Connected+, the latest in personalised connectivity.

Through Connected+ owners can now perform the following in addition to the familiar ConnectedDrive functions:

• Access BMW Connected Onboard (mobility information source)
• Send my routes to car (Extended version of ‘Send to Car’)
• Share live trip status
• Navigate door-to-door (Gets you to your destination, even by foot)
• Update ‘My Destinations’ (Enables importation of address book and calendar data, as well as third party app integration)

Remote 3D view forms part of the Parking Assistant Plus system that is standard on higher model grades. This allows the owner to access a view of their parked X3 remotely on their smart device. Upon request, the vehicle takes images of its surroundings to generate an adjustable view on the mobile device.

Smooth, efficient and powerful drivetrains

The new BMW X3 debuts with three efficient, responsive engine configurations.

At the entry point is the xDrive20d, powered by the latest-generation 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine. This produces 140kW and 400Nm for a zero-100km/h time in 8.0 seconds, with fuel economy of 5.7L/100km on the combined cycle.

The X3 xDrive30i houses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, producing some 185kW and 350Nm. Zero-100km/h is achieved in 6.3 seconds, and it consumes 7.6L/100km.

Finally the X3 xDrive30d uses a 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine to generate an impressive 195kW and 620Nm. The top-specification engine at launch, the xDrive30d accelerates to 100km/h in only 5.8 seconds while returning 6.0L/100km combined.

All variants use the latest-generation BMW xDrive system and eight-speed automatic transmissions to ensure strong response and impressive traction in all conditions. This system, which debuted in the 7 Series, combines a lighter and more efficient design with an enhanced response rate.

Hill descent control is also standard, allowing for fingertip speed control in low-grip, downhill situations.

Standard specification highlights

The new BMW X3 xDrive20d boasts an impressive array of specification and style as standard. Equipment highlights include:

• xLine exterior trim with matt aluminium design elements
• 19-inch light alloy wheels
• Eight-speed automatic transmission
• Electric folding exterior mirrors
• Roof rails
• Sport leather steering wheel
• Electric sports front seats trimmed in combination cloth and leather upholstery
• LED Headlights with extended contents
• Full colour Head-Up Display
• Parking Assistant with front and rear park distance control and rear view camera
• Driving Assistant with Lane Departure Warning
• Wireless phone charging
• Navigation system Business with Real-Time Traffic Information and Speed Limit Info

Both the BMW X3 xDrive30i and 30d are matched for specification, with further highlights including:

• 20-inch light alloy wheels
• ‘Vernasca’ leather upholstery
• Adaptive LED headlights with high-beam assist
• Comfort Access System
• Eight-speed sports automatic transmission with shift paddles
• Driving Assistant Plus with galvanic embellishers
• Parking Assistant Plus with Surround View
• Multi-function instrument display with 12-inch display
• Navigation system Professional with 10-inch touchscreen

Impressive option packages

Grouping several key options to create additional customer value has long been a key aspect of the BMW purchase experience.

For the new BMW X3, the following option packages are available.

M Sport Package ($4,550^* on xDrive20d, $3,800^* on xDrive30i and 30d)

• ‘Vernasca’ cloth/leather upholstery with black or blue contrast stitching (xDrive20d)
• BMW Individual anthracite headliner
• BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line
• BMW Individual roof rails in high-gloss Shadow Line
• Dynamic Damper Control
• Interior trim in Aluminium Rhombicle pattern with Pearl Chrome highlights
• LED fog lights
• M Aerodynamics Package
• M leather steering wheel
• M Sport Suspension
• 19-inch M light-alloy wheels (xDrive20d)
• Eight-speed Steptronic transmission with gearshift paddles (xDrive20d)
• 20-inch M light-alloy wheels (xDrive30i and 30d)
• M Sport Brake

Innovations Package ($2,500^* for X3 xDrive20d)

• Comfort Access
• Parking Assistant Plus
• Multi-function instrument display
• Adaptive LED headlights

Exclusive Package ($3,800^*, all variants)

• Ambient interior light
• Sensatec instrument panel
• Woodgrain interior trims
• Front seat Lumbar Support
• Front seat heating
• HiFi Sound System

Rear Comfort Package ($1,820, all variants)

• Roller blind for rear side windows
• Seat heating, front and rear
• Rear seat backrest adjustment

Further stand-alone options are available, including a range of exterior metallic paint finishes, light alloy wheels and interior trim finishers. Please consult the specification guide for details.

Condition Based Servicing

All maintenance requirements for the BMW X3 range are controlled by the Condition Based Servicing (CBS) system.

With CBS, sensors and advanced algorithms monitor and calculate the conditions in which a vehicle is used, including mileage, time elapsed since its last service, fuel consumption and how a vehicle is driven. Based on the information captured, maintenance requirements are determined, identifying whether an annual vehicle inspection or oil service is due.

Selected BMW service and maintenance costs can be covered by a single, one-off advance payment with BMW Service Inclusive (BSI), which is available in two packages: Basic or Plus.

Find One

If you’re hunting around for a great price on your next new car, perhaps you should call the auto expert, Car Business. My company, based on the north side of Brisbane, will return your inquiry within 24 hours and make the process of buying your new car easy and stress-free. I protect you from the pressure exerted by car dealer’s salespeople. There isn’t any obligation – just a pretty significant saving.

You’re where? Seriously, my services are available for you in any Australian state and territory: from Darwin to Hobart, Cairns to Perth.

If you’ve got a vehicle to trade, we have some clever ways to maximize the value – from used car dealers keen for your car to assist you to sell it privately. Finance and Insurance? We can handle that too, and we promise you will not be paying exorbitant dealer markups there either.

So, to get the best new car price, talk to others and then talk me. I’ve got the experience to handle the dealers and achieve the lowest new car prices. If you think you’re entitled to fleet pricing, I can often get better than that too. Whether you’re a small fleet or a large national fleet, Car Business will go to work and get that price down. Lower new car prices are my goal. So you’ll get the best prices from us rather than hoping you can help yourself.

If I can’t get you the best new car price, better than you can get yourself from a car dealer, we won’t charge you any fee. No Saving, No Fee. – that’s what you should expect from a car buying expert. 

Car Business WILL save you money on your next new car purchase – guaranteed