The BMW X family has been a strong growth driver for BMW Malaysia. Even more so when the company delivered over 1,000 X models in 2018, a staggering 39 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. Now, the BMW X family is going to be further expanded with the all-new G01 BMW X3.
Offered in a sole xDrive30i Luxury trim, the locally assembled SUV will join the existing X5 xDrive40e and the recently launched X2 sDrive20i. Managing Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia, Mr Harald Hoelzl said, “With over two generations of the BMW X3, we have delivered more than 1.5 million vehicles to lead the segment all over the world. Today, the All-New BMW X3 is set to continue to write the next chapter in BMW’s success story in the premium segment.”
QUICK FACTS
| Name | G01 BMW X3 xDrive30i Luxury |
| Engine | 2.0-litre BMW TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Max Power | 252 hp @ 5,200 – 4,800 rpm |
| Max Torque | 350 Nm @ 1,450 – 4,800 rpm |
| 0 – 100 km/h; Top Speed | 6.3 seconds; 240 km/h |
| Price (OTR without insurance) | RM320,000 |
Exterior
Underpinning the new X3 is the brands CLAR platform shared with the G30 5 Series. Despite the largely unchanged dimensions, the wheelbase has stretched by 50 mm and the car now weighs 55 kg lesser than its predecessor.
The X3 for the Malaysian market is dressed in the Luxury trim line which gets chrome finish on the Kidney grille and window trim, dual exhaust outlets and a more elegant body kit all around. Main equipment includes automatic LED headlamps, full LED taillamps, keyless entry, powered tailgate and 19-inch double-spoke bicolour alloy wheels wrapped in 245/50 R19 profile run-flat tyres.
Interior
The cabin dittos that of the 530e Sport, sans the cabin colour combination and X embossing on the door cards. The Luxury line X3 gets Vernasca leather upholstery with contrast stitching, Dark Oak fine wood interior trim and sport seats. Customers can also specify to have their interior in either Black or Brown.
As the Luxury moniker denotes, the X3 comes with plenty of tech too – Digital Instrument Cluster, 10.25-inch touchscreen iDrive system connected to 12-speakers, multifunctional steering wheel with paddle shifters, six-colour ambient lighting, electronic parking brake, reverse camera, Park Distance Control, Parking Assistant and tri-zone automatic climate control.
Boot space is rated at 550 litres, expandable to 1,600 litres with the rear seats folded down.
Performance
Under the hood is a 2.0-litre BMW TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder petrol engine that delivers 252 hp and 350 Nm of twist. Drive is channelled to all four-wheels courtesy of the xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system and eight-speed automatic transmission. The X3 is no slouch either, capable of going from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds and maxes out at 240 km/h.
BMW has also kept the cars driving dynamics close to its roots, maintaining a perfect 50:50 weight distribution, giving the X3 superior handling characteristics.
Safety
Safety equipment is par for the course with six airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Dynamic Stability Control, Dynamic Traction Control, Automatic Differential Brake, Cornering Brake Control, Hill Descent Control and ISOFIX mounting points.
What Else?
The BMW X3 xDrive30i is available in four exterior colours – Terra Brown, Black Sapphire, Glacier Silver and Alpine White. All purchase of the X3 through authorised BMW dealers will come with a 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty, 5-Years/100,000 km Free Scheduled Service, 2-Year/ 24 Month Tyre Warranty, Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline, BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App, BMW White Card membership and BMW Service Online.
The X3 will be available at all authorised BMW dealerships nationwide from 25 April 2018 onwards and interested parties can already place a booking for one. First deliveries are expected to commence in July 2018.
IMAGE GALLERY
BMW X3 xDrive30i Luxury Launch
BMW X3 xDrive30i Luxury Press Photo
