Three times the technology to the power of X, BMW’s new X3

Get social with me on Twitter and Instagram @DanielCalbacho

BMW’s Group Product Communications, Edward Makwana, mentioned at the launch of the 3rd generation X3 in Knysna that BMW is more than a motor manufacturer. He went on to say that BMW is in the business of technology.

Today, more than ever, cars aren’t what they used to be. Four wheels, a motor and a gearbox with air-conditioning they aren’t. They were. But not anymore. The new X3, codenamed G01, supersedes the accomplished 2nd generation X3 (2011 – June 2017) that took the baton from the 1st generation X3 (2003 – 2010). 17 years later and things have progressed.

You still get BMW’s famous 50/50 weight distribution, potent engines, flawless automatic gearboxes, luxury interior and sporty drive. BMW did those things well. But now, there is much more… Thanks to technology, which is the keyword, the new X3 is laced with an array of features driven by technological innovation. The list of know-how is long, in every aspect of the new X3. I’m not sure I’d be able to keep your attention long enough to list it all. Rather, I’ll touch on some highlights – BMW ConnectedDrive: this feature offers seamless connectivity between owners, their cars, and the outside world.

Operated via BMW’s sexy large landscape screen and iDrive rotator control, this system is like your bestie. Happy to navigate, dial a number, read out a text message and give you weather and headline updates. New to the X3 is gesture control – wave your hands (not in the air, and definitely like you just don’t care), and the car will adjust volume or change the channel, etc. Also new is a Voice Control. It is far better at understanding driver’s commands. You don’t have to put on a faux accent to get BMW’s Siri to get your vibe!

A feature I loved - BMW Personal CoPilot: a comprehensive line-up of driver assistance systems. This takes cruise control to a new level. The system (your bestie) monitors the car in front of you and automatically brakes and accelerates, all while keeping a safe following distance which you preselected via the cars steering wheel. The X3 also features an active steering system that keeps you in your lane by gently correcting your steering. This system is called Lane Keep Assist, that works with side collision protection. Together, they form part of the optional Driving Assistant Plus safety package and work via active steering inputs.

The optional Head-Up Display is awesome. It’s like a sci-fi movie with important information projected onto X3’s windshield. It allows the most important driving-related information to be projected directly into the driver’s field of vision. Resolution and graphics are of a high quality.

A new feature is the remote 3D View function, which can be used to beam a three-dimensional view of the car’s immediate vicinity directly to a smartphone.

If you’re unlucky and have an accident, your bestie has you covered with Intelligent Emergency Call. The X3 has a standard built-in SIM card that allows drivers of the new BMW X3 to use Intelligent Emergency Call with automatic locating and accident severity detection. With the new BMW Teleservice Accident Assistance, the vehicle now also detects low-speed collisions below the threshold for airbag deployment. The driver receives a message in the iDrive display, offering to contact the BMW Accident Assistance service directly. A push of a button is all it takes to obtain professional support from the BMW team. It is like having a guardian angel with you at all times.

The selection of devices that can connect to the new X3 using BMW Connected now ranges from iOS and Android smartphones to the likes of smart wearables like the Apple Watch and Samsung Gear (S2 and S3). Apple CarPlay is also available.

The X3 is available in three trim variants. This allows customers the opportunity to style their X3 the way they prefer. For example, the xLine model – with radiator grille and other exterior details in Aluminium paired with specifically designed light-alloy wheels – emphasizes the robustness of the Sports Activity Vehicle. The BMW X3 is now also available in Luxury Line trim, whose chrome radiator grille bars, two-tone underbody protection and classically designed light-alloy wheels shine an even brighter spotlight on the elegance of the exterior design.

The M Sport model focuses its attention on the dynamic attributes of the new X3 with M aerodynamic features, a sports braking system highlighted by blue-painted callipers, a particularly dramatic wheel design and the optional exterior paint shade Phytonic Blue.

The engine line up:

BMW X3 M40i:
Six-cylinder in-line petrol engine, eight-speed Steptronic transmission.
Capacity: 2,998cc, output: 265 kW at 5,500 – 6.500 rpm,
Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h (62 mph)]: 4.8 seconds,
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph).
Fuel consumption, combined*: 8.4 – 8.2 l/100 km (33.6 – 34.5 mpg imp),
Priced from R1 000 676



BMW X3 xDrive30i:
Four-cylinder petrol engine, eight-speed Steptronic transmission.
Capacity: 1,998cc, output: 185 kW at 5,200 rpm,
Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h]: 6.3 seconds,
Top speed: 240 km/h.
Fuel consumption, combined**: 7.4 l/100 km,
Priced from R745 000

BMW X3 xDrive20i: (from third quarter of 2018)
Four-cylinder petrol engine, eight-speed Steptronic transmission.
Capacity: 1,998cc, output: 135 kW at 5,000 rpm
Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h]: 8.3 seconds,
Top speed: 215 km/h.
Fuel consumption, combined**: 7.2 l/100 km,

Price to be confirmed  

BMW X3 sDrive20i: (from third quarter of 2018)
Four-cylinder petrol engine, eight-speed Steptronic transmission.
Capacity: 1,998cc, output: 135 kW at 5,000 rpm
Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h] 8.3 seconds,
Top speed: 215 km/h.
Fuel consumption, combined**: 7.4 l/100 km,
Price to be confirmed

BMW X3 xDrive30d:
Six-cylinder in-line diesel engine, eight-speed Steptronic transmission.
Capacity: 2,993cc, output: 195 kW at 4,000 rpm,
Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h]: 5.8 seconds,
Top speed: 240 km/h.
Fuel consumption, combined*: 6.0 – 5.7 l/100 km,
Priced from R873 000

BMW X3 xDrive20d:
Four-cylinder diesel engine, eight-speed Steptronic transmission.
Capacity: 1,995cc, output: 140 kW at 4,000 rpm,
Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h]: 8.0 seconds,
Top speed: 213 km/h.
Fuel consumption, combined*: 5.4 – 5.0 l/100 km,
Priced from R687 500

bmwx3.co.za

.

 

Views: 343

Add a Comment

You need to be a member of neofundi to add comments!

Join neofundi


Follow us on twitter  

 

© 2024   Created by neofundi.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service