BMW launches second-generation X3

November 02,2010

From the wide plains of Spartanburg, South Carolina, comes the second-generation
BMW X3. The original X3, while a pioneer in the premium compact Sport-Utility Vehicle (excuse us, Sports Activity Vehicle) class, had a cramped interior and very firm suspension. While that gave it the excellent handling that the brand is known for, ride quality was popsicle-stiff.
To address the size issue, the new X3 is 12mm taller, 83mm longer, 28mm wider, and has 12mm more ground clearance. The back seat features the trademark three individual seats that can be split folded 40:20:40, at least as an option. Luggage area has grown to 550 liters with the seats up, and up to 1600 liters with seats folded.

The X3 looks markedly larger on the outside, too, with a look more in line with the current X5. The trademark trapezoidal lamps with circular light units remain, this time with optional white LEDs forming the “Angel Eyes” (BMW’s official term is “Corona Rings”).

The cabin features a driver-oriented cockpit with asymmetric center console. An 220 mm (8.8-inch) high-resolution screen dominates the instrument panel. Fourth-generation iDrive is standard on the X3. More storage compartments are also on the menu, addressing the previous X3’s lack of such.

Launch engines are two gasoline units, both 3.0-liter inline-6s. The base engine is an aluminum unit that is reportedly the lightest six-cylinder of its class size, good for 240 bhp. 0-100 km/h is a tick over 6.7 seconds. The turbo delivers 300 bhp and features a 7000 rpm redline. 0-100 km/h is just over 5.5 seconds, with an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h. The confusing nomenclature remains, with the base 3.0 installed in the X3 xDrive28i, and the turbo in the X3 xDrive35i.

BMW’s eight-speed automatic makes its way to the X3. With two taller gears on top of the direct-drive sixth gear, the unit reportedly provides greater efficiency with no increase in bulk or weight. Direct downshifts, say from 8th gear to 2nd, are possible. The all-wheel drive system splits torque 40:60 front: rear, with up to 100% torque delivery to the rear possible.
A full range of chassis-tweaking electronics is available, from damping control to stability and traction control. With the USA being the primary market for BMW’s X vehicles, the X3 will be assembled in the BMW’s expanded Spartanburg plant.

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