BMW X3
Here we have the younger brother of the BMW X5, sporting a new front face kidney-shaped like grille that enhances its sporty looks, the new enhanced BMW X3 continues to set standards in the visual aesthetics of compact premium SAV’s (Sports Activity Vehicle).
Launched in March of this year in Malaysia, the X3 also sports a redesigned front air-dam and new fog lights. It is surprising though, that the X3 looks like it has a rather low roofline even though it sits on all 17″ alloy rims. Some may find it awkward looking, due to it’s narrow-looking styling that is presented in this model, but then again, it’s a BMW, so expect some superb road holding.
Drivers get some fancy gizmos like, rain-sensing wipers and xenon headlights that is able to provide good road vision during night drives. Ample space can be found as the BMW X3 has numerous storage slots in the center console and glove compartment for the storage of CD’s and other small things. The new X3 also has a reasonable spacious cabin legroom for most adults and the rear boot space is more than adequate.
According to the people at BMW, the X3 for the Malaysian market is totally assembled at their plant in Rayong, Thailand. This helps BMW keep their manufacturing costs comparatively lower.
The X3 comes with a 2.5-litre inline-six cylinder petrol engine that can deliver slightly more power compared with its predecessor by being 3cc’s higher (2,497cc compared to 2,494cc previously) Acceleration is reasonably more swift now even when the acceleration pedal is floored to the max, and the Steptronic automatic transmission provides smooth and quick gearshift action throughout.
Despite it having a large size, the X3 comparatively behaves better than many other saloon cars out-there when driven fast. In their road tests, it was evident that the X3 was eminently manoeuvrable coupled with excellent road holding characteristics even on wet road conditions. One simple reason for this is due to BMW’s X-Drive intelligent four-wheel drive system which helps in providing superb road holding characteristics.
BMW says that the X-Drive is an anticipatory system that will respond quickly, by receiving data which it obtaines from the wheel sensors and the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system, this enables them to minimise both under and over steering; thus finally improving driving pleasure and all safety aspects.
The front sports seats has the capacity to hold both the driver and passenger well enough, and the NVH (noise, vibration and heat) insulation done on the X3 is top-notch. Beyond its comfortable interior, the BMW X3 is above all, a mean but sweet-handling machine that stays true to the BMW motto of offering “Sheer Driving Pleasure’.
Interested Malaysian BMW buyers can now look forward to happier driving times as BMW presently has a Service + Repair Inclusive programme which will help buyers with their cost of servicing, maintenance or wear-and-tear for the next three years or 60,000 km, whichever comes first.
Engine : L6-cylinder - 2,497cc
Max Power : 218hp @ 6,500 rpm
Max Torque : 250Nm @ 2,750 - 4,250rpm
Transmission : 6-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic
Features : Climate comfort windscreen, interior mirror with digital compass, Park Distance Control (PDC), rain-sensing wipers, Xenon headlights, airbags
Price : RM319,000 OTR (On-The-Road) without Insurance.
