An X-citing Make Over

January 23,2005

THE LETTER ‘X’ CONNOTES mystery and intrigue. It’s the reason why terms such as ‘x-ray’ and ‘X-Men’ exist. ‘X’ is perhaps the least understood letter of the alphabet as well—commonly attached to terminology that indicates an unquantifiable quality that sets a thing apart: the ‘x-factor’. In designing a new breed of vehicles for individuals with active lives, BMW did just this. They’ve preserved everything that the brand stood for: sublime handling, impeccable engines and driver-oriented cabins while combining them with traits such as large luggage capacity, high-ground clearance and flexible interiors. The Sport Activity Vehicle or SAV was born.

First launched was the X5, and it took the world by storm. Judging by the way an SAV is, the use of the prefix ‘X’ was appropriate: it’s a vehicle that transcended bounds with a stand-out quality and appeal. It’s the only high-ground clearance, all-wheel drive vehicle with room for 2 mountain bikes at the back that lapped the Nurburgring circuit in roughly 9 seconds—putting it the same company as BMW’s own M3.

With such a great reputation and following, one can imagine the pressure BMW engineers faced in designing the X5’s little brother, the X3. Armed with a clean sheet of paper, engineers gave the X3 all the necessary SAV traits, which in turn, are lifted directly off the BMW sports sedan bible. Imbued with a creamy smooth inline-6, either a 2.5-liter (192 bhp) or 3.0-liter (231 bhp), the X3 has frisky acceleration. The engine, placed rear of the front axle (ala the Z4) gives the X3 excellent balance by distributing the weight around the center of the vehicle.

The suspension was trickier though. With the necessities of occasional off-roading, the X3 was given additional traction via an all-wheel drive system. Unlike a typical real-time system though, the X3 uses advanced electronics in place of mechanical clutches. The result is a system that weighed less and transferred the power to the front or rear wheels quicker while eliminating problems such as understeer.

With such sports sedan qualities, the X3 certainly needs the looks to match. And although the Executive and SAV variants were already pleasing to the eye, they weren’t the standouts that BMW customers hoped for. Enter the new Sport Edition. Unveiled at the BMW Xpo, the Sport Edition virtually changes the look and stance of the X3, giving it a youthful, and as its name suggests, a sportier appeal.

Last week, several journalists got a closer look at the X3 Sport Edition during a day trip to Tagaytay. Immediately when it greeted them on the parking lot, the changes were pretty obvious. Replacing the black bumpers are new M Sport inspired, body-colored ones. The X3 looks to be squatting firmly thanks to lower front bumpers with larger air intakes and fog lamps. The butch stance flows smoothly to the new body-colored step boards to the rear area where new chrome-finished twin tailpipes cap off the new look. Retained on the Sport Edition are the Executive variant’s rear spoiler, ‘sharks-fin’ radio antenna and functional roof rails. Although the same 235/55 R 17 Pirelli Scorpions shod the Sport Edition, BMW says that optional 18- and 19-inchers will be made available.

Although the X3 Sport Edition will be made available with both inline-6 engines, there’s only one trim level and it includes just about everything. For starters, there are the well-bolstered leather seats with are electronically adjustable up front. Real aluminum trimmings accentuate the dash, door handles and door sills adding to the X3’s already sporty demeanor. Touches of luxury are added with the standard automatic climate control, 6-disc CD changer, a luggage net cover and a multi-functional four-spoke steering wheel.

The Sport Edition becomes the new range topper in the exciting line of X3 that includes the Executive (luxury) and SAV (value) variants. Looks aside, what truly makes the X3 Sport Edition exciting is that it’s priced similar, for a limited time, to the Executive variant. This means that the additional appearance kit is included in the already competitive X3 package. The X3 already proves itself worthy of the BMW badge by providing the best of both worlds: all the qualities of a BMW sports sedan in a more robust, flexible package. However, with the introduction of the BMW X3 Sport Edition, it has taken things one notch higher: perfection.

By Ulysses Ang | Photos By Ulysses Ang

Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards.