The X3 crossover is the next car to benefit from BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology, starting from spring of 2012.

The new BMW X3 xDrive28i will get the same engine that received a warm welcome in the new 328i sedan, a 2-litre, four-cylinder 180 kW/245 hp petrol engine.

This engine utilizes a supercharging system operating according to the Twin Scroll principle, High Precision Injection with direct fuel injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve control and double VANOS variable camshaft control.

All that means you get more than satisfying performance, with above average fuel economy. With 350 Nm of torque available between 1,250 and 4,800 rpm, this version of X3 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.7 seconds – 0.2 seconds faster than the predecessor model, while managing average fuel consumption of 7.5 litres/100 km and a CO₂ emission level of 175 grams per kilometre.

The car also gets the eight-speed automatic transmission and the intelligent four-wheel drive system BMW xDrive with electronically controlled and variable power distribution. It also offers three driving modes, “COMFORT”, “SPORT” and “SPORT+”.

Ultimate Factories this time visits BMW X-Series factory in South Carolina to reveal their production secrets and also look at the process of building the new X3, which used to be built in Austria before becoming a full American model.

BMW’s American plant has been given a thorough upgrade in 2010, hired over 1,000 new workers, and updated the latest equipments in preparation for produciton of new models. Did you know BMW makes more than 1,000 X3 and X5 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 Sports Activity Coupes in one day? The X3 accounts for 450 of them. That’s astonishing and shows how popular are BMW SUVs.

These videos here give you a behind-the-scenes look at the factory and manufacturing process. The special will be aired Tuesday, November 1, at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

X3 Robot

Giving the old 2008 BMW X3 a fresh new look, Italian tuner Romeo Ferraris came up with the Military Green treatment.

The visual package itself is very cool, but the X3 is not exactly a tough and rough SUV, worthy of the military name. Anyhow, the car gets a kinda matte green paint job which at € 1,800 is bit painful. The carbon look roof will cost you another € 600, and if you want the door handles and frames painted as well, that’s an extra € 300.

This X3 also benefits form 20-inch G-Power wheels and 30mm lowered suspension, as well as re-trimmed interior. Those wheels alone cost € 4,474 and their Yokohama Advan Sport 255/35R20 tires € 649.

As for the engine, Romeo provides an ECU remap and a sport air filter, for € 450 and € 106 respectively, which add 42 hp and 108 Nm of torque to the output of the 3.0 liter engine.

via: Infomotori

AC Schnitzer revealed their complete tuning package for the 2011 BMW X3. A package that includes visual and mechanical upgrades.

They’ve tried to improve the styling by using a body kit consisting of front spoiler, the rear roof spoiler and the AC Schnitzer protective film for the rear skirt. They’ve also provided a wide range of rims to choose from. There’s the Type VIII forged racing rims in 22 inch, or Type VII racing rims in BiColor or silver in 22 inch. One-piece rims of Type VI (BiColor), Type VIII (BiColor) and Type IV (BiColor or Silver) are also available in sizes 18, 19 or 20 inch. Forged alloy wheels Type V in 20 inch are the other option. But the car still looks ugly!

For the interior a sport steering wheel (in development), AC Schnitzer aluminium gear knobs in anodized silver/chrome or “Black Line”/chrome, or with digital gear display, and the “Black Line” aluminium cover for the BMW-specific i-Drive system controller, create a nice and fancy place to be in.

AC Schnitzer currently offers sports exhaust made of stainless steel for 2.8i and 3.5i six-cylinder models with chrome tailpipes. But the xDrive20d gets a more thorough upgrade and as a result the power goes up from 184 to 218 HP They are also working on an upgrade program for the X3 xDrive30d.

Car makers are apparently bored with the ‘who’s got more gears in his gearbox’ game and are now switching to turbos!

We used to get maximum two turbos in normal cars, but now reports are coming in that BMW is working on an M-version of the X3 SUV which has a tri-turbo engine. That’s three turbochargers on a straight-six engine. Apparently it’s a 3.2 liter version of the current twin-turbo inline-six which features another electric turbocahrger that provides low rpm boost.

We’re not interested in how it works really, that’s too boring! What we like is the result of this engineering witchcraft which in the X3M (not confirmed yet) makes more than 450 hp! One would imagine the fuel consumption remains the same as a normal six-cylinder.

So even though the idea of a high performance SUV is really rather pointless, but an X3M with this engine sounds like a great prospect, mainly because it’ll be more efficient than the monstrous X5M and X6M. If only the car looked a bit better than this…

source: CAR

For potential customers or those who’ve already bought the new 2011 X3, BMW released an iPad application to help them get acclimated with all the new things about this ugly but popular crossover. It is for the first time BMW launches a digital catalogue for their cars. The application combines the advantages of the classic product catalogue, the website and the interactive possibilities of the iPad.

The application even has a built-in car configurator that gives users the chance to configure their ideal vehicle individually and to order product literature by operating the touchscreen. It also includes plenty of information and video material, and an interactive 360° view.

Customers can also contact BMW directly using an integrated form if they wish to arrange test drives.

Using the iPad’s direct links to social media channels such as Facebook, users can post information about the vehicle on their own wall or send their ideal vehicle to friends.

With this application, BMW is examining, for the first time, the possibilities that the iPad offers in terms of sales promotion measures and creating a platform for the communication of further vehicle and product literature.

The iPad application is available free of charge at http://itunes.apple.com/app/bmw-x3/id404814453.

So here it is, the future of car catalogues!

A while ago we had a report about Citroen’s DS3 competition on Facebook, but then Citroen refused to give the prize to some of the winners and they wrote to us complaining! But that shouldn’t be a problem with BMW X3 Games, becasue the Germans are running it and they will keep their word! With the X3 Games, BMW is offering amateur sportsmen and women from throughout Europe a unique stage to demonstrate their versatility, skill and ability to work in a team.

BMW X3 Games that will be held from 27th April to 1st May 2011 in Geneva, consist of Sailing, mountain biking, skiing, golf, running and of course driving. Each team also has to also successfully complete a creative task. There will be Sixty teams, each consisting of three members, competing against each other for the ultimate prize, which is the new BMW X3 for each of the members.

BMW says that it’s the ultimate challenge for sporty all-rounders, and by that they want to reflect on the X3′s sporty and all-rounder character.

From 15th November 2010 to 28th February 2011, anyone interested can either register individually online at www.bmw.com/X3games or as a complete team of three. The teams to appear at the BMW X3 Games in Geneva will then be drawn and receive a notification concerning their participation by mid-March 2010. Each entrant will compete in two of the six sports. All three team members will work together to master a creative task. A points system will be in place to determine the overall score.

“The BMW X3 Games are aimed at amateur sportsmen and women from all age groups,” says Ralf Hussmann, Head of BMW Sports Marketing and Brand Cooperation. “Each competitor can bring their own personal strengths to this multi-sport event, thus working with team-mates to achieve the big goal. However, the BMW X3 Games are about more than three spectacular main prizes. Teams from 18 European countries will assemble in Geneva, where they will not only compete against each other in an exclusive environment, but will also line up together. We can look forward to thrilling duels in a unique atmosphere.”

The BMW X3 Games are scheduled to start with a sailing regatta on Lake Geneva. The contestants will sail on Beneteaus First Class 7.5 yachts. They will then move on to a challenging course in nearby “Juragebirge”, which they will tackle on BMW Cross Country Mountain Bikes. The ski competition will be held in Chamonix Mont-Blanc, close to the Swiss metropolis, before the participants must demonstrate their ability behind the wheel of the BMW X3. A round of golf in Gross Stableford format and a 14-kilometre run round off the sporting challenges at the BMW X3 Games.

The overall winners can look forward to an impressive vehicle. The new BMW X3 celebrated its world debut at the “Mondial de l’Automobile Paris 2010” in October. Featuring greater sportiness, driving comfort, interior space and versatility, the X3 is significantly increasing the lead in the segment founded by its predecessor.

First to the destination, last to refuel: When it comes to efficiency, the two engine variants available as the car is launched are setting new benchmarks. The Auto Start Stop function is combined with an eight-speed automatic gearbox for the first time. No other manufacturer in the world can boast such a comprehensive range of measures for reducing consumption and CO² emissions as BMW. High-performance engines and a sporty driving style need not conflict with the environment and resources. BMW X3 xDrive20d with automatic gearbox: combined consumption 5.6 litres/100 km, combined CO² 47 g/km. BMW X3 xDrive35i with automatic gearbox: combined consumption 8.8 litres/100 km, combined CO² 204 g/km. The new BMW X3 is also the first BMW X model, which has an EPS Electric Power Steering and optional Performance Control as standard. The choice of driver assistance systems offered by BMW ConnectedDrive is unique in the segment. The new BMW X3 can be equipped, inter alia, with Adaptive Cornering Headlights, Head-up Display and reversing camera including Top View.

The all-new BMW X3 Sports Activity Vehicle will go on sale in America by the year-end, starting from $37,625. That is for the X3 xDrive28i model equipped 240-horsepower which is the base. Despite that it comes with features like standard 8-speed automatic transmission and BMW’s acclaimed xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system.

The 2011 X3 will include more standard equipment, including Bluetooth connectivity, iPod/USB interface, anti-theft alarm system, and on the X3 xDrive35i, standard BMW Xenon Adaptive Headlights. Produced exclusively at BMW’s Spartanburg, S.C. factory, the new X3 will be supported by a state-of-the-art ordering and manufacturing system.

The new BMW X3 features the latest in BMW ConnectedDrive technologies, including an available rearview camera with Top View.  The most comprehensive integration for the latest Blackberry smartphone devices will be available, making it possible to read emails from the Navigation screen while stationary and, through innovative text-to-speech technology, listen to e-mails while driving.  As a true representative of The Ultimate Driving Machine®, the X3 offers a number of options to enhance driving dynamics and active safety.

The available Dynamic Handling package includes two firsts in a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle: Driving Dynamics Control and the new Performance Control which works with Dynamic Stability Control to combine individual wheel braking with light throttle to help counteract the effects of understeer and oversteer. Variable Sport Steering is also included with the package. Additionally, for the first time, the X3 will be available with BMW’s Head-Up Display as an option.

The new generation of BMW X3 Sport Activity Vehicle has gone into production so it will be ready for its launch which is sometime in November. There are fundamental differences between the old and the new models of the X3, for instance the new one is about 30 percent uglier than the model it replaces, but apart form that they’ve moved its production line from Austria to their own plant in United States of America.

The firs generation BMW X3 used to be produced by BMW’s partner Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria but the 2011 model will be manufactured by BMW themselves at the high-end Spartanburg plant in the US state of South Carolina. So it must mean the new X3 will have much better quality and we won’t see cheap plastics or loose trims in it anymore!

Press Release:

Within the last 7 years, the first-generation BMW X3 has written an extraordinary success story. In Graz alone, 605,498 units of the agile all-rounder came off the assembly line during this period. Together with the vehicles produced within the framework of the CKD (Completely Knocked Down) assembly in Russia, Egypt and Thailand, the total figure adds up to 614,824 units. The last vehicle of the first model generation, a Vermilion red metallic BMW X3 xDrive35d, will remain with the Magna Steyr company, where it will be used in future as an executive car. A BMW X3 xDrive20d with full emergency vehicle specifications that had left the assembly line shortly before, will be donated by the BMW Group to a non-profit making organisation. For many years now, the BMW X3 has proved itself to be an ideal emergency vehicle for police and doctors. At the end of its model life, yet another vehicle will now take on this important task in the service of the general public.

As the first and, for some time, the only premium vehicle of its kind, the BMW X3 launched in 2004 and boasting intelligent four-wheel drive BMW xDrive, outstanding handling characteristics and a variable interior, gave reason for spontaneous enthusiasm and a lasting positive response on the international automotive markets. As a result, the concept of establishing benchmarks in the field of driving dynamics within the competitive environment of all-terrain vehicles, which had previously already been successfully pursued in the case of the BMW X5 in a higher segment, was endorsed yet again.

Driving pleasure, premium quality and, in addition, outstanding efficiency helped the BMW X3 become extremely popular and achieve excellent results in independent surveys. Experts have honoured the BMW X3 with several awards for outstanding safety, customer satisfaction, reliability and stable value. These included top rankings in the “Customer Satisfaction Index” (CSI) issued by the J.D. Power market research institute, as well as in the breakdown statistics kept by the Allgemeine Deutsche Automobilclub (ADAC). Twice in succession, the BMW X3 was voted both “Four-Wheel Drive Car of the Year” and “Off Road Vehicle of the Year” respectively by readers of the magazines “Auto Bild Allrad“ and “Off Road”.

The segment established by the first-generation BMW X3 is now also served by other premium vehicle manufacturers. The new BMW X3 faces up to intensified competition with consistently optimised qualities in all relevant disciplines. The engines on offer for this Sports Activity Vehicle boast the best performance and, thanks to BMW EfficientDynamics, the most favourable fuel consumption and emission levels as well. The vehicle’s entirely newly developed suspension technology facilitates a clear advantage both in terms of agility and driving comfort. With a loading capacity that can be increased from 550 to 1,600 litres and 40 : 20 : 40 split-folding rear seat backrests, the new BMW X3 offers the largest amount of space and at the same time the highest level of variability in its segment. Moreover, there is a choice of innovative equipment features, driver assistance systems and mobility services by BMW ConnectedDrive that is unique within the competitive environment. For example, the new BMW X3 is the only model in its class to offer the options of a Head-Up Display and Internet access inside the vehicle.

With the model change, the production of the BMW X3 is being relocated to the BMW Spartanburg plant, a facility that has become the expertise centre for BMW X models. So far, the US American location of the BMW Group’s global production network has produced BMW X5 and BMW X6 models. Thanks to substantial extension work and with an investment of around $750 million, the prerequisites for the production of the new BMW X3 and the associated increase in the annual production capacity to around 200,000 vehicles have been created at Spartanburg.

The collaboration between the BMW Group and Magna Steyr also lives on within the framework of the new production structures. In the meantime, production of the MINI Countryman has started in Graz. The fourth model of the brand is not only the first MINI to feature four doors and a large tailgate, but can for the first time also be fitted with four-wheel drive technology. In this way, the Austrian production partner’s expertise in the field of all-terrain vehicles, which has already been demonstrated in the case of the BMW X3, continues to be comprehensively utilised.

Usually it takes at least a couple of month for BMW to release a M Sport Package for its new models, but this time for the new X3 they already have it so they’re not going to dilly dally around and just dropped it a day after they revealed the car itself! This is of course a preview and actual details will be released later, but you can notice the differences.

At front there’s a new apron with that traditional M bumper. It also gets a rear diffuser thingy and twin exhaust pipes as well as specially designed 19-inch rims. Other features will include stiffened suspension, because it’s support to be sporty, sports seats, leather-wrapped gear knob and steering and aluminum accents.

We wish they had spend the time they were making this kit on designing the car properly, so it wouldn’t be so gopping to look at!

BMW released the first official video of the all-new X3 crossover. This footage will give you a better view of the exterior plus you get to see it in motion. But it does not make much difference, it’s as ugly while moving as it is stationary! The new X3 will get a range of new equipments and options, uprated suspension and optimized engines. Click Here for more details.

This is the new generation of BMW X3 Sports Activity Vehicle for 2011, and it’s enhanced in every way over the previous model. It’s bigger, more practical, more functional, better equipped, and above all it’s much more efficient than its predecessor. But my God it’s ugly! The back is alright, but the front-end is a total mess. It seems to be designed by someone who just wanted to finish this and go home. It’s got no passion, no character. It’s just some lines!

So as far as design matters, it’s even worse than the current X3. But maybe it redeems itself in terms of technicalities.

As for the interior, the layout is more or less the same as all the other BMWs, but it gets latest generation iDrive, with 6.5-inch screen as standard. You can also order the 8.5-inch navigation screen. Obviously it comes with folding and 40 : 20 : 40-split rear seat backrests and as a result it offers up to 1,600 liters of cargo space. Some of the unique options for the X3 includes Head-up Display, Internet access, reversing camera with Top View.

The old X3 was a good car on the road, because it was just a jacked-up BMW saloon, but it was really rubbish off it. The new one is also based on the same sort of foundation, but it comes with improved suspension system with optional Damper Control, Dynamic Drive Control, and Performance Control.

Four-wheel drive technology BMW xDrive is also standard on all models. So if anything, it will be even better as a road car, but for the offroad capabilities we should wait until it faces some real-world testing.

The 2011 X3 also gets electric power steering featured for the first time in a BMW X model, and variable sports steering as an option. Other new features include eight-speed automatic transmission, and the addition of auto start/stop system to all models.

At launch the X3 will be available with two engines, a four-cylinder diesel engine with 135 kW/184 bhp and the famous straight six-cylinder petrol engine with 225 kW/306 bhp. Thanks to BMW’s EfficientDynamics, and indeed the new start/stop system, both powertrains are light on fuel and have very good CO2 rating and comply with Euro 5 standards.

•   Engine variants:
BMW X3 xDrive20d: Straight four-cylinder diesel engine with aluminium crankcase, turbocharger and Common Rail direct injection,
displacement: 1,995 cc, power output: 135 kW/184 bhp at 4,000 rpm, max. torque: 380 Nm at 1,750 – 2,750 rpm,
acceleration [0 – 100 km/h]: 8.5 seconds,
top speed: 210 km/h,
average fuel consumption according to EU: 5.6 litres/100 km,
CO2 emission according to EU: 149 g/km,
exhaust emission standard: EU5.
BMW X3 xDrive35i: Straight six-cylinder petrol engine with
BMW TwinPower Turbo, direct injection and VALVETRONIC,
displacement: 2,979 cc, power output: 225 kW/306 bhp at 5,800 rpm,
max. torque: 400 Nm at 1,300 rpm,
acceleration [0 – 100 km/h]: 5.7 seconds,
top speed: 245 km/h,
average fuel consumption according to EU: 8.8 litres/100 km,
CO2 emission according to EU: 204 g/km,
exhaust emission standard: EU5.

All new 2010 BMW X1 is now fully revealed and is getting ready to take the market by storm. X1 slots right under BMW X3 in terms of size and usability and price and can be considered as a rival for Mercedes GLK which price-wise is in the same category as the X1 (given the engine and options) but looks much better. X1, being a BMW, is considerably more expensive than Japanese rivals, but to be honest even they look better than this car! Follow the jump to check out BMW X1 European price…

-BMW X1 sDrive18i €27,200

-BMW X1 sDrive18d €29,550

-BMW X1 xDrive18d €31,550

-BMW X1 sDrive20d €32,400

-BMW X1 xDrive20d €34,400

-BMW X1 xDrive23d €38,800

-BMW X1 xDrive28i  €41,500

]]> http://www.motorward.com/2009/07/bmw-x1-european-pricing/feed/ 0 http://www.motorward.com/2008/12/mercedes-glk-priced-35000/ http://www.motorward.com/2008/12/mercedes-glk-priced-35000/#comments Mon, 08 Dec 2008 10:55:19 +0000 Arman Barari http://www.motorward.com/?p=1224

Mercedes Benz GLK, latest compact SUV by the German manufacturer will go on sale early next month with base price under $35,000. Reports say the GLK is priced low so Mercedes wouldn’t offer incentives on it but considering what this car has to offer, this is a bargain.

Mercedes declined to give a sales forecast for the vehicle. But Ernst Lieb, CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA Inc., said at a press event here that it makes little sense to import a vehicle without sales of at least 15,000 to 20,000 annually because of the cost of maintaining spare parts.

Lieb said the United States is expected to account for 35 to 40 percent of GLK’s worldwide sales.

The GLK is entering a segment that Mercedes-Benz expects will grow to just under 140,000 units annually in the United States by 2010 — a 72 percent leap from 2007 sales, said Bernhard Glaser, general manager for product management.

Next year, four GLK rivals will go on sale — the Audi Q5, Lexus RX 350 replacement, Volvo XC60 and Cadillac SRX.

Mercedes’ pricing of $34,775 for the GLK undercuts the BMW X3, which has a base of $40,225. Both prices include shipping.

“We priced based on what the market allows us to do,” said Lieb. “Yes, it’s aggressively priced, but we need the sales. We don’t want to have a higher price and then offer incentives.”

Mercedes-Benz expects the GLK to attract customers from other automakers and be an entry point into the brand, said Glaser. With buyers shifting from larger to smaller vehicles, “we see plenty of potential for the GLK,” said Glaser.

To draw a younger buyer, said Glaser, Mercedes-Benz designed the GLK with lines similar to the full-sized GL and the military-based G class, rather than the softer look of the best-selling ML.

source : AutoNews

Gargash Enterprises sole dealer of Mercedes Benz in Dubai, Sharjah and Northern Emirates, unveiled all new Mercedes GLK during a road show promotion in Ibn Battuta mall in Dubai. They’ve established a custom-made driving track in launch arena so guests could enjoy GLK driving experience. This is the new “launch concept” Mercedes is to pursue for promotion of all models across the region.

GLK is Merc’s latest hit in mid-sized SUV (CrossOver) segment which combines high riding SUV joy with every day practicality of a city car. Main rivals for GLK in the market are Nissan Qashqai, Mazda CX7, Land Rover LR2, Infiniti FX and BMW X3.

source : AMEinfo