BMW expands the successful family of models with the X index: the BMW X3 combines the dynamics of a typical BMW with a wide range of applications for a sports-active vehicle (Sports Activity Vehicle - SAV). The crossover is based on aggregates of the third Bavarian family. The premiere of the car took place at the International Automobile Exhibition (IAA), which was held in September 2003 in Frankfurt. The prototype for the model was the xActivity prototype, shown back in Detroit in the winter. The large wheelbase and short overhangs, as well as the falling roofline, underline the dynamism.
The alternating concave and convex surfaces give the X3 a fresh look. Effectively extended wheel arches and bright front part give the crossover a strong character and emphasize the fact that this car will feel confident in any situations. Yet priority for X3 honed behavior on paved roads, and off-road qualities - only a nice addition. The new four-wheel drive "Bavarian" received six-cylinder engines: 2.5-liter, developing 184 hp and 3.0-liter, providing dynamic vehicle movement. With a power of 170 kW (231 hp), the X3 3.0i develops 210 km / h, and with optional high-speed tuning (offered with a sports kit) it accelerates to 224 km / h.
Fans of particularly high torque will delight the X3 3.0d. The newly upgraded six-cylinder in-line turbodiesel power unit with second-generation Common Rail direct injection develops 150 kW (204 hp) for the X3, and the maximum torque is an impressive 410 Nm. It also allows you to accelerate to a maximum speed of 210 km / h, and with speed tuning even up to 218 km / h. Both engine variants are aggregated as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, and optionally with a five-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox. In the future, other engine options will be offered.
Special difference X3 is a completely new intelligent all-wheel drive system xDrive, which establishes a new scale in the field of dynamic all-wheel drive models. xDrive provides infinitely variable and smooth torque distribution between the front and rear wheels. The system immediately recognizes when a change in moment distribution is necessary, and responds within a very short time. When driving on roads, the system, as a rule, reacts even before the wheel loses traction with the supporting surface. Thus, xDrive, for example, can, with a dynamic cornering at any moment, direct the moment to the corresponding axis and significantly reduce the risk of understeer or oversteer.
On the road, xDrive thus provides a tangible gain in dynamism, driving pleasure and at the same time safe. Such a system for adjusting the chassis, as DSC, is included in the work much later compared to cars with conventional all-wheel drive. In addition, xDrive provides the best throughput on bad roads or slippery surfaces, because the effort is sent to the wheels with the best grip ratio in the shortest possible time if one of the wheels is threatened with slipping and thus losing traction with the supporting surface. The interior is much more canonical than the exterior of the car. Salon X3 is very close in design solutions to the model Z4 - the same divisions of shapes and colors.
A wide choice of both classic and sporty modern materials and colors provides the most diverse possibilities for individual interior decoration. The optional color monitor of the navigation system appears modestly from the depths when the corresponding button is pressed. Thanks to the characteristic high landing, the driver and passengers perfectly see not only the surroundings, but also a modern and spacious interior. Plenty of space behind the wide-opening tailgate.
Numerous compartments and niches underline the high functionality of the X3. And if someone wants to take a large sports equipment with him, a unique stability control system of the trailer will provide him with safety on the trip. This feature, which extends the capabilities of the DSC system, is also offered as standard, as is the automatic descent control system from the slopes of the HDC (Hill Descent Control), which also works confidently when driving on loose surfaces. The X3 developers came up with high standards for active and passive safety systems.
The successful SAV BMW design principle — the front-wheel drive shafts driven through the oil housing — provides the X3 with a very low center of gravity and thus contributes to a reduction in side rolls. The xDrive with intelligent moment distribution ensures that the X3 remains very stable even with fast cornering. As a result, the situation often does not reach critical situations. And if this happens, then stability will be maintained by the serially installed DSC system. Three years after the debut, the Bavarian company decided to slightly upgrade its compact SUV. This is not about the new generation, but only about small cosmetic changes.
Both bumpers are now painted in body color, and only the protective elements in their lower parts are still made of black plastic. The model received a new set of headlights. New round twin headlights are located under the clear glass. The rear lights have also undergone changes for the better, now they flaunt stylish stripes on the glasses and an abundance of LEDs. Tiny foglamps "flashlights" turned into real lights and got an additional function of turning lights in the dark. In addition, the driver has two-stage brake lights that will help with very intensive braking or ABS. Depending on the model, the color of the “nostrils” of the radiator grille also changes.
BMW X3 3.0 sd differs strips "nostrils" color "bright titanium", the other six-cylinder strip options have a graphite color with a metallic effect, four-cylinder versions of the black strip. The headlight cleaners offered as additional equipment are harmoniously built into the front part and are only advanced when they are turned on (on the previous model, the headlight washers were made as “fangs”). The exterior of the restyled version is characterized by the predominance of horizontal lines that stretch from the luggage compartment lid to the bumper and in this perspective emphasize the vigorous appearance of the updated BMW X3.
On the side, the discreet wedge shape of the car is underlined by the characteristic line at the bottom. Its contour is picked up by the lower parts of the front and rear aprons - this reinforces the impression of a rapidly extended side line. The harmonious outlines of the body are continued in the interior of the new BMW X3. High functionality of the cabin is combined with an exquisite design. Every detail, both externally and to the touch, testifies to high quality requirements, in accordance with which all materials were selected and processed.
The front panel is decorated with a new decorative strip, the color and material of which correspond to the decorative surfaces of the center console. Metal with electroplated coating of door handles and air conditioner controllers, exclusive leather and textile finishes, exquisite color and ceiling upholstery design, as well as sophisticated plastic surfaces clearly reflect the durable and at the same time elegant interior. The new three-spoke steering wheel and large pockets in the door trim visually and to the touch indicate high quality.
As for the color scheme, then any fussy will be able to choose a decent color for it: the body color options are ten, and the interior colors are six, while there are five more options for decorative surface finishing - from wood panels to aluminum. The material selected with the option for the upholstery equipment is also used in the center console, armrest and door trim. Black, gray and sand-beige colors create a rather relaxed atmosphere in the cabin, and the colors "terracotta", "anthracite" and "tobacco" give the interior a few expressive accents.
The novelty is equipped with many interesting and useful features, among which one of the main ones is the modified xDrive permanent drive system. In addition, the BMW X3 can standardly boast a DSC function, as well as a system for regulating driving dynamics. The essence of this function is that it provides stability and traction and at the same time optimizes the braking system, so you can be sure that you can always count on help in a difficult second. Also available is the Hillhold function, which facilitates the process of starting to move on inclined surfaces, ABS, traction control system ASC, trailer stabilization system, control system for cornering braking and much more.
Another interesting system is the Dynamic Traction Control-DTC function. Using DTC allows, for example, to move through loose snow with a slight slippage of the drive wheels. Also, this feature allows you to enter the turn in a light, but certainly controlled skid. The body of the machine is designed specifically to care for the safety of passengers and the driver, which is a little reflected in its elegance. In order to reduce the risk of injury in case of an accident, front and side airbags as well as head-curtain airbags are included in the basic package. All seats are equipped with three-point inertia seat belts. The range of engines of the new BMW X3 is quite wide.
A remarkable innovation: on top of the motor range now is not a gasoline engine, but a turbo diesel. This is the latest version of the old 3-liter engine, equipped with two series-connected superchargers. A power of 286 forces provides leadership in the classroom. By the way, the usual 3-liter turbodiesel (218 hp) also remained in the program. As well as the previous 2-liter engines - gasoline and turbo diesel. But the petrol "six" volume of 2.5 / 218 hp (plus 26 hp after modernizing) and 3 l / 272 hp (41 "horse" more than the previous engine of a similar displacement) are completely new.
With the exception of the BMW X3 3.0sd model, all variants of the model in the basic configuration are equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. BMW X3 2011 (F25) - the second generation of the popular German crossover, which was presented on July 14, 2010. Externally, the restyled crossover, has become even more like a smaller copy of the flagship full-size SUV X5. The corporate design of the model remained almost unchanged, the facelift of the exterior touched the front bumper, which acquired clear relief shapes and convex air intakes, the headlights of the front lighting equipment became more slanted and acquired LED elements. The silhouette of the car has become more dynamic.
The second-generation BMW X3 is larger than its predecessor. In particular, the car became longer by 83 mm (up to 4652 mm), wider - by 28 mm (up to 1881) and higher - by 13 mm (up to 1687). At the feet of the rear passengers free space is 20 mm more than before, and the volume of the trunk increased by 70 liters (to 550 liters). When folded, the back of the second row (separated by default in the ratio of 60:40, and optionally in the ratio of 40:20:40) in the crossover luggage can be allocated up to 1600 liters. The entire salon has been thoroughly redrawn. New three-spoke steering wheel, modified seats, transformed door panels, center console and front panel.
In the latter, by the way, after changing its architecture, the largest in-class display with a diagonal of 8.8 inches was registered, displaying work with the fourth-generation iDrive interface and an optional built-in navigator. Also, the BMW X3 2011 model year received an improved suspension (it can be supplemented with active shock absorbers) and a new steering with an electromechanical amplifier instead of a hydraulic one. Smart headlights and a new generation iDrive interface have also been added to the equipment. The most affordable version of the xDrive 20d is equipped with a two-liter 184-horsepower diesel engine, which is equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox.
Acceleration time from zero to hundred - 8.5 seconds. The maximum speed is 210 km / h. Average diesel consumption is 5.6 / 100 km. The second-priced modification of the xDrive 28i is equipped with a gasoline unit, a volume of 3.0 liters, issuing 258 liters. Completed with this version of the 8-speed "automatic» Steptronic. The most expensive BMW X3 xDrive 35i is equipped with a 306-horsepower turbo engine equipped with an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.
From zero to 100 km / h, the BMW X3 xDrive 35i accelerates in 5.7 seconds. "Maximum speed" is 245 km / h. Consumption of gasoline in the combined cycle - 8.8 liters per hundred. Standard equipment includes anti-lock braking system (ABS), stabilization system (ESP), automatic climate control, central locking, power mirrors, heated mirrors, front and rear power windows, uphill assistance system, 17-inch alloy wheels, MP3- system, satellite anti-theft system BMW Business, memory system Personal Profile. The second-generation BMW X3, officially sold in Russia, is manufactured at the Avtotor company plant in the Kaliningrad region.
In 2014, the Bavarian company presented a restyled version of the X3 model at the Geneva International Motor Show. The manufacturer has expanded the range of engines, improved the interior, upgraded electronic equipment and expanded the list of additional options. The first thing that strikes the restyled model is a slightly narrowed head optics, which now extends all the way to the grille. This seemingly not very significant detail gives a stunning effect: horizontal lines emphasize the width of the car, making it seem even more massive than it actually is.
Overall, the dimensions have not changed much, if you do not take into account the fact that because of the redesigned rear bumper, the updated X3 has become 9 mm longer. The front part also received a different texture of the front bumper with improved aerodynamic characteristics and more expressive "nostrils" of the grille. Easy retouching touched the side mirrors, they were supplemented with direction indicators with LED content. As an option, you can get all-LED main headlights and even fog with LED technology. The fifth tailgate can now be opened without hands, you just need to pull the foot under the rear bumper, and the Smart Opener system will do everything itself.
Standard to install are 225/60 R17 tires on alloy wheels 17 size, but there is a huge selection of larger wheels with alloy wheels 18, 19 and even the 20th radius. For the updated version of the X3, an already wide choice of disks was added with 5 new additional options. Also, the manufacturer has expanded the color gamut, adding four new shades, now the color of the crossover body can be chosen from fifteen options. The interior has not changed much.
The multifunction steering wheel in leather is now standard equipment. The central console has changed, new coasters have appeared, a new infotainment system with an iDrive controller has been installed, which has a built-in touchpad (handwritten input of information).
As options, new colors for upholstery and interior decoration, the latest generation of Professional Multimedia navigation system with the option of choosing the most economical route ECO PRO, full-color Head-Up Display projection display, High Beam Assistant system (high beam control) in combination with LED headlights , the Driving Assistant Plus system with active cruise control and Stop & Go chip (the car is able to independently slow down to a full stop and start moving), tracking systems for crossing the marking line and warning about Riding a pedestrian, a camera providing all-round visibility.
The BMW X3 2014 is equipped with three petrol and four diesel engines using BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. All motors are equipped with EfficientDynamics as standard (start-stop system, energy recovery systems for braking and shutdown of auxiliary units) and comply with Euro-6 standards. Transmission 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic. The updated X3 will arrive in Russia exclusively with the all-wheel drive xDrive transmission (in Europe you can buy it with rear-wheel drive only - versions of the sDrive). The architecture of a fully independent suspension with a double-lever scheme in front and a five-lever rear remained unchanged.
In the engine lineup, a 2.0-liter diesel engine was upgraded, which added 6 horsepower - up to 190. As a result, the engine became faster and smarter. He wins the first hundred in 8.1 seconds, which is 0.4 faster than the previous one.
In the combined cycle, 100 km of the track now consumes 7.1% less fuel, which is 5.2 liters.
