New BMW X3

BMW X3 has been renewed and BMW revealed the first photos and data regarding the new X3. BMW has redefined the entire meaning of the X3. It seems that they have gathered all the less impressive characteristics of the former X3 and gave them away while they have improved all the good things to their best. The new BMW X3 is going into a new dimension.

If the former BMW X3 was trying to somehow differentiate itself from the already successful bigger brother, the X5, the new BMW X3 gives up any pretention of radicalism. Basically it is the same approach encountered in the design of the BMW 5 Series. No more design experiments. So the new BMW X3 embraces a more familiar look.

Seen from the front there is no way you could mistake it for something else. The headlights now form a more unitary image and they are better integrated in the car’s design. The new X3 also uses LED lights for daytime driving, a common feature on newer BMW models. The fog lights are perfectly round and placed in a raised position on the front bar.

From a side you’ll notice that the new BMW X3 seems bigger, even if overall it preserved a sporty silhouette. BMW took the decision of granting the new X3 more interior space and that shows on the outside, too. This feature could make it a best seller among BMW X models. But this is something that only time will answer. From this angle the car seems more dynamic.

The back of the X3 shows a very clear relation with the X5. Somehow seen from behind the car seems more powerful and more aggressive.

New BMW X3 driving Characteristics

The new BMW X3 has the xDrive permanent all wheel drive featured as standard. Distribution of power to the wheels is controlled electronically by an onboard computer, which balances the ratio of power between the front and rear axles of the car. In a genuine BMW style more power goes to the rear wheels for better handling. The dynamic stability control or DSC monitors the cars trajectory to ensure that the new BMW X3 follows the path chosen by the driver. An additional but optional electronic controlled system named Performance control has the ability the road behavior of the X3, especially when cornering, by delivering more power to the exterior wheels and braking the interior wheels on a bend. This means you can corner faster and more precisely in a BMW X3 fitted with this system.

The suspension of the BMW X3 is designed to offer the best handling characteristics possible while maintaining a perfect grip. The chosen solution for BMW X3 consists of a front axle with double joint spring struts while the rear benefits from a multilink suspension. This means that the wheels follow the road surface independently.

The BMW X3 handles better also due to the Electric Power Steering system. The EPS includes a Servotronic function which varies the power required to turn the wheels based on the car’s speed. At low speeds maneuvering the car requires less effort which adds to the comfort of the car while at higher speeds the system allow a more precise and safe steering.

Another premiere for the new BMW X3 is the availability of the Dynamic Damper Control. This means the car adapts itself to the road surface and to the driving conditions to provide best handling, safety and comfort.

In the new X3 you can influence the stiffness of the suspension by choosing one of the three available settings: NORMAL, SPORT AND SPORT+ of the Dynamic control system. Much like in the BMW M models, Dynamic Control selected modes influence not only the dampers but the entire behavior of the car.

BMW X3 is going to be produced in the USA at BMW’s facility at Spartanburg, the location where other successful BMW X models are made such as the BMW X5 and BMW X6.

For 2010 there will be two available BMW X3 models: BMW X3 xDrive20d with a 2 litre diesel engine and BMW X3 xDrive35i. New engine variants will be available later, either towards the end of 2010 or at the beginning of 2011.