vB Easy Archive - New BMW X3 (Becareful Large Pics)

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New BMW X3 (Becareful Large Pics)
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Posted by: Christopher15

BMW’s New Smaller SUV Unveiled

BMW has issued pictures of its new X3, the SUV trailed at the Detroit Auto Show in the form of the Xactivity concept. Back in January the Munich firm insisted that the Xactivity was just a design exercise, but the stance didn’t fool too many people. It was obvious it was a production vehicle, and now the pretense has been dropped; the second of what BMW calls its “Sports Activity Vehicles” will go into production later this year after being shown to the world at the Frankfurt show in September.

The X3 moves down a size from the successful X5, putting it in the same range as vehicles like the Ford Escape. Justifying the “premium” tag it has attached to the X3, BMW is using it to launch a new four-wheel-drive system patented under the name of xDrive. According to the manufacturer, xDrive sets new standards in agility for 4x4 traction systems. It works by instantly changing torque distribution from front to rear axles and is claimed to offer “substantial improvements” in stability, driving pleasure and safety.

The system is both fully adjustable and infinitely variable. It feeds optimum torque to the required axle at any time, countering understeer and oversteer during cornering in road use. Off-road, it is designed to improve traction by distributing drive forces to the axle with the most grip. As soon as wheelspin threatens, the electro-hydraulic center coupling transfers power to the axle with the greater traction.

The xDrive system is combined with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) to give the X3 optimum road handling characteristics using the inbuilt safety measures DSC offers in extreme situations. Off-road, the X3 uses one of the best souvenirs BMC kept as a reminder of the time it owned Land Rover, Hill Descent Control. HDC uses the brakes to control the vehicle on extreme downhill sections and was first used on Land Rover’s Freelander. When BMW sold Land Rover to Ford, it kept hold of HDC for its own 4x4s.

Styling of the vehicle is much more influenced by BMW’s cars than off-road vehicles, and the look is much more crossover than 4x4. One of the styling points BMW stresses is the kick up in the waistline at the rear side window, which makes the window almost triangular. At the rear, there is a tailgate that underlines the X3’s crossover status – it appears to be not much bigger than that of a 5-Series wagon, and is unlikely to swallow the bulky objects more traditional off-roaders accept with ease.

The first engine available in the X3 is likely to be the 230-hp 3.0-liter six, which should give a maximum speed of around 130 mph, extended to 139 in sports trim. The engines for the X3 will not be direct transplants from BMW’s road car range because in the search for a lower center of gravity, the front drive shaft passes through the engine’s oil pan.

The interior of the X3 is also influenced by BMW’s road car styling, with twin instruments in a binnacle ahead of the driver and luxurious, rather than practical, furnishings. Equipment is top-notch too, with a retractable sat-nav screen, wheel-mounted radio controls and all the usual car-style air-conditioning and comfort items. One thing missing is the company’s controversial iDrive system.

Unlike the X5, which is built in the USA, the X3 will be built at the Steyr plant in Austria. Prices have not yet been released, but a figure of around $40,000 for the base model would not seem to be unrealistic. —Ian Norris

From TheCarConnection.com

I personally think the car is ugly just like the new 2004 5 Series and 7 Series.

Posted by: bizzyseller

I really like it!

Posted by: [Corporal Dan]

ugly!

Posted by: Stock R

LOL. Looks like the matrix crashed into the z4 or something.

But it does resemble a mini x5.

At 40g USD though, that doesn't really place it much lower in price than the x5 does it?

Posted by: Audi_S4

ungly.... don't even know y BM is making a SUV...

just like how porchse is makin it's new SUV now... ugly... breaking it's tradtion....

Posted by: kromix

Quote:

Originally posted by Audi_S4
ungly.... don't even know y BM is making a SUV...

just like how porchse is makin it's new SUV now... ugly... breaking it's tradtion....

Because SUV's are whats selling

Posted by: mbrowning

Saw the first pic... thought it looks hot. Saw the second pic, think it looks UG-LY.

Posted by: bizzyseller

The first pic looks like a tall M Coupe/Roadster (the hatchback one)

The Second pic looks like an FX45.

........ speaking of FX45, i'd take that over this anyday.

20"........... 20"!!!!!!!

Posted by: grrr8guy

Quote:

Originally posted by mbrowning
Saw the first pic... thought it looks hot. Saw the second pic, think it looks UG-LY.

actually for me it's the other way around...

the 1st pic makes it look like a tall station wagon... has a subaru outback feel to it... i really don't like the front fascia

whereas the 2nd pic sorta reminds me of the toureag/cayenne... much better angle...

either way, i think it'll do fine sales-wise

Posted by: Aiya

Hmmm...looks to be a six speed manual. interesting...

Posted by: wolwol

i wonder who is the chief designer on this car

chris bangle?

Posted by: spike78

nice!

Posted by: hotch

it looks like a vibe.

we need to revive the z8, now THAT'S a BMW

Posted by: Aurora

Quote:

Originally posted by hotch
<snip>
we need to revive the z8, now THAT'S a BMW

YEAHHH!

That's what I'm thinking!

Posted by: eimajuno

I don't think that it looks that bad. It looks more like a wagon then a SUV or what they like to call it, SAV.

Posted by: BrokeMyWallet

Quote:

Originally posted by hotch
it looks like a vibe.

we need to revive the z8, now THAT'S a BMW

I've seen these pictures on BMW forums...I think it's a good looking car. Any idea on pricing?

As much as I love BMWs, Z8's performance wasn't good enough to justify the price compared to other fine cars in the price range.

Posted by: SharpST77

Quote:

Originally posted by [Corporal Dan]
ugly!

agree

Posted by: The Rex

i think it's ridiculous... just reinforces the "poseur" image that sadly plagues bmw owners (sad since some of their products are really nice)

the bmw 325xi touring probably makes more sense for most buyers (unless you're the just-gotta-have-an-suv-because-they're-just-so-cool type

)

but make mine the new subaru legacy wagon with the turbo and a stick

Posted by: bennysmalls

Quote:

Originally posted by Stock R
LOL. Looks like the matrix crashed into the z4 or something.

But it does resemble a mini x5.

At 40g USD though, that doesn't really place it much lower in price than the x5 does it?

haah ya. bmw, NO. stop now. nobody's gonna pay >$40k for a cr-v competitor. (and as i am saying this, some idiots are signing waiting lists :/) yup, its the sad truth. horrible car, but the reason why they are making it is because SOMEBODY IS GOING TO BUY IT. actually, make that A LOT OF PEOPLE WILL BUY THIS. hey, somebody has to buy that revolting lime-green and purple striped shirt for $120 at banana.

Posted by: BrokeMyWallet

Quote:

Originally posted by rex-star
[B]the bmw 325xi touring probably makes more sense for most buyers (unless you're the just-gotta-have-an-suv-because-they're-just-so-cool type

)

North America is still full of those people sadly

Posted by: 2L8-IWON

Quote:

Originally posted by bennysmalls
haah ya. bmw, NO. stop now. nobody's gonna pay >$40k for a cr-v competitor. (and as i am saying this, some idiots are signing waiting lists :/) yup, its the sad truth. horrible car, but the reason why they are making it is because SOMEBODY IS GOING TO BUY IT. actually, make that A LOT OF PEOPLE WILL BUY THIS. hey, somebody has to buy that revolting lime-green and purple striped shirt for $120 at banana.

Considering the fact that the BMWs are more a better dollar value when you look at the whole picture rather than a price tag, I think that the X3 will do very good. Look at all those who said a $168,000 4dr car will never sell, well how many 760iL's and 745iL's do you now see.

Simply BMWs have more saftey features, better reliability,superior road handeling, not only that but what other vehicle other than a Lamborgini has the same kind of resale, I just sold like two months ago my 1992 BWM 325i and I got $14,000 for the thing, 220,000km and no rust, do dents, and not to mention it but my 1992 had more "Standard" equipment that is now still options on many cars today like ABS, Power One Touch UP & DOWN windows, Traction Control, Dual Climate Controls, just to name a few.

My Point is simply that a BMW all though it is always going to be a considerable amount more than a Honda, Nissan, GM or Ford, you will never get the use, features, reliability and resalability that you will from a BMW. I have had now three BMWs and I have and nor will I ever change my mind about spending the extra bit of money for them, the saftey features that they offer as standard equipment is truly amazing feat, or design and technology.

But that is not to say that the X3 will probably become the "wifes" new grocery getter, unfortunatly it probably will but at least this one will do it in effeciency as they are claiming that it will get an average of 12L/100km city and 7.8L/100km Highway. and considering that my 330 gets on average 680 to 740 KMs to a full tank of gas, (55L) I truly belive that it will get its claimed milage or better. So again hats off to BMW a SAV/SUV that actually getts good gas mileage, hmm its better than some Honda's how about that..... Besides Honda's are in no way even close to competing with a BMW.

and now I prepair to be cursed at.... right...

Posted by: pokerface

speaking of sport wagons,

Audi A4 Avant for me, thank you...

Posted by: BrokeMyWallet

Quote:

Originally posted by 2L8-IWON
Point is simply that a BMW all though it is always going to be a considerable amount more than a Honda, Nissan, GM or Ford, you will never get the use, features, reliability and resalability that you will from a BMW. I have had now three BMWs and I have and nor will I ever change my mind about spending the extra bit of money for them, the saftey features that they offer as standard equipment is truly amazing feat, or design and technology.

BMWs are not still as reliable as most Japanese cars. Just look at any reputable reliability survey and you'll see that BMW ranks usually at the bottom of top 10. They are great handling machines but not exactly built to last.

I used to own a BMW and absolutely loved it but I'm not biased. In terms of safety and overall engineering technology, Mercedes is still way ahead of BMW and pretty much everything else.

Having that said, I think alot of people will buy the X3...it's creating a new niche...a compact luxury SUV.

Posted by: whitetiger604

interior looks nice....dun like the outside.

Posted by: 2L8-IWON

Quote:

Originally posted by BrokeMyWallet
BMWs are not still as reliable as most Japanese cars. Just look at any reputable reliability survey and you'll see that BMW ranks usually at the bottom of top 10. They are great handling machines but not exactly built to last.

I used to own a BMW and absolutely loved it but I'm not biased. In terms of safety and overall engineering technology, Mercedes is still way ahead of BMW and pretty much everything else.

Having that said, I think alot of people will buy the X3...it's creating a new niche...a compact luxury SUV.

Kinda off topic but the Mercedes Benz S500 is being introduced with a 7 Speed Automatic for 2004!!!! Wow!!! Wonder how well it will work, in city driving.

Posted by: Killa-b

a) i find it kinda ugly outside, it does NEED body colored bumpers
b) there is a market look @ the forester, etc.

c)this is really a North American market car, in Europe Estates, are VERY VERY popular, and SUV's are kinda non-popular. in the USA its the reverse. most German brands have north american estates, but they never sell well.

in fact BMW will be releasing a M5 Estate.

d) i we are on our 4th BMW, and i would never look @ any other brand, for the money, you cant get a better overall car. (yet to see how well the G35 endures)

we have had one eletrical problem in our first 5 series, which was dealt with very quick, all other cars have been flawless.

i think i need to see the car in person b4 i make my mind up. a lot of people want the high viewability that is given in a van and suv, but not the van looks or the SUV bigness. this is where this car fits in.

the Z8, you must remember that the Z8 is now kinda "old". and in reality if you look @ the spec's its a VERY quick car (low 4's) which most car today do not beat. name the cars in its price segment that are faster (besides SL55) there really are not that many. and remember that its a FR platform, there is only SOOO much they could do in terms, when comparing to the big red horse. either way the Z8 is what it was to be, a limited commerative edition w great performance, nice style, etc it will go down in history as a very valuable car.

BMW is said to be working on a Z10 w/ the new 500-550 HP enging from the new M5, that should put most thigns to shame.

the new 6 series cabrio will be very nice.

Posted by: BrokeMyWallet

Another thing about Z8 is that it has the same engine as M5. Personally, I wouldn't to pay $130,000 to own a sports car that has the same exact engine as an $70k car. BMW brand image is still not quite prestigious enough to justify the $100k+ price tags either.

It seems like BMW will be expanding their line up big time...the upcoming 1, 4 and 6 series and this X3...I'm very interested in seeing how well BMW will build lower priced cars. After test driving the Mini, I'm pretty confident that they won't disappoint anyone.

Posted by: bennysmalls

Quote:

Originally posted by BrokeMyWallet

It seems like BMW will be expanding their line up big time...the upcoming 1, 4 and 6 series and this X3...I'm very interested in seeing how well BMW will build lower priced cars. After test driving the Mini, I'm pretty confident that they won't disappoint anyone.

the 6 series looks pretty tight. saw it in this month's automobile magazine. so is it like a 5 series coupe or something? i also herad they will call the 3 series coupes the 4 series or something now.

Posted by: Killa-b

Quote:

Originally posted by BrokeMyWallet
Another thing about Z8 is that it has the same engine as M5. Personally, I wouldn't to pay $130,000 to own a sports car that has the same exact engine as an $70k car. BMW brand image is still not quite prestigious enough to justify the $100k+ price tags either.

It seems like BMW will be expanding their line up big time...the upcoming 1, 4 and 6 series and this X3...I'm very interested in seeing how well BMW will build lower priced cars. After test driving the Mini, I'm pretty confident that they won't disappoint anyone.

good point but you have to admit that the S32 engine is one of the best ever made!

Posted by: BrokeMyWallet

Quote:

Originally posted by Killa-b
good point but you have to admit that the S32 engine is one of the best ever made!

Yep, it sure is

I just love the sound of BMW engines, inline 6 or V8...they are awesome.

Posted by: Koofteh

What do you guys think of the X7? Is that supposed to come out or just a concept car for now?

BTW, why is it that all pre-production pictures always have the damn gray bumpers? Eww, any car would look terrible with different coloured fenders. I'm talkin' about the X3 pictures on page 1...

Shawn

Posted by: pokerface

Quote:

Originally posted by Shawn_230
What do you guys think of the X7? Is that supposed to come out or just a concept car for now?

BTW, why is it that all pre-production pictures always have the damn gray bumpers? Eww, any car would look terrible with different coloured fenders. I'm talkin' about the X3 pictures on page 1...

Shawn

Chrysler Pacifica!!!

Posted by: Koofteh

Yeah, it kind of does remind me of the Pacifica. But I guess the price would be really high for the X7. A loaded X5 4.4i or a 4.6 are near or over C$100,000 so I guess the X7 would be like based over $100k.

Shawn

Posted by: pokerface

Quote:

Originally posted by Shawn_230
Yeah, it kind of does remind me of the Pacifica. But I guess the price would be really high for the X7. A loaded X5 4.4i or a 4.6 are near or over C$100,000 so I guess the X7 would be like based over $100k.

Shawn

I wonder how the MB GST would price at....

Posted by: BrokeMyWallet

Quote:

Originally posted by Shawn_230

[/B]

That's a poor p-shop job

Posted by: DOPE

Nice interior! It kinda looks like a 4x4 VW Golf. I think I like it.