Launch of the BMW X3

On the first night of the launch held for the media as well as invited guests of BMW, approximately 500 guests attended the VIP and Media night to be among the first to come close and personal with the X3, BMW's latest SAV offering and its latest X series model. The three X3s on display at the venue proved to be extremely popular with the guests.

Themed ‘Make Interesting Happen', those who attended the launch witnessed a high-energy night with bravado performances to usher in the arrival of the new model. Throughout the event, the guests were entertained by Vernetta Lopez, one of Singapore's most popular radio DJ on Class 95FM as well as performers that perform every 15 minutes to showcase the various environments can possibly be seen at without looking out of place on or off road like in the city, in the mountains or on a beach.

The guests were further entertained by the Film Studio, where they can sit in one of the three X3s with an animated screen in the background to create the impression that he or she is driving through mountainous regions, along the beach or in the city, environments that aptly suit the X3's character. The whole Film Studio experience is then filmed, recorded onto a CD and given to the guests as a souvenir from the event. There was also an interactive wall and a technology area for the guests to learn more about the X3.

Premium cocktail canapés catered from the Ritz Carlton were served with champagne and wines throughout the night while gorgeous looking courtesy girls dressed in white romper and matching high heels were present to guide the guests to engage in the activities.

The launch festivities continued throughout the next two days during the weekend where the public had the chance to view the X3 at the launch venue. Throughout the three-day event, approximately 6000 people visited the event venue and launch festivities, making the X3 launch are rather successful one to say the least.

The new BMW X3 has already been hailed "Off-Roader of the Year" by readers of Germany‟s Off Road magazine in the "SUV" category just months after its international launch. Started since 1982, the vote for "Off-Roader of the Year" ranks among the most important and traditional reader polls in Germany. This accolade sees the new BMW X3 following the path of its predecessor model, which was voted "Off-Roader of the Year" twice in succession - in 2006 and 2007. BMW distributor PML will offer the BMW X3 xDrive28i and xDrive35i.

The body design of the new BMW X3 conveys urban elegance and versatile agility. The combination of a flat front end and a high rear end produces, when viewed from the side, a dynamically formed wedge shape, indicating the vehicle‟s sporting characteristics. The convex and concave surfaces are accentuated with distinctively structured lines.

At the front end of the new BMW X3, the forward-slanting BMW kidney grille, a large headlight assembly, a powerful-looking front apron and the distinctively contoured bonnet signals self-assured presence. Together with the round headlights, the fog lamps, which are positioned far towards the outside, form the light source arrangement that is characteristic of BMW X models. The upper edge of the headlight assembly sports an accentuating chrome trim, creating the focused look so typical of BMW vehicles.

The side view of the new BMW X3 is also characterized by a unique interpretation of typical BMW X design features. These include the powerfully flared wheel arches and the short distance between the front axle and the instrument panel. The dynamic appearance of the silhouette is additionally accentuated by three characteristic lines.
The rear end is characterized by horizontal lines, underlining the new BMW X3‟s robust character. Accurately applied lines and expressively modeled surfaces create attractive light and shadow effects. The taillights have a distinctive T shape that is characteristic of the BMW X3.

Underneath the skin, a generous and variable spatial concept, high-grade materials and a characteristic three- dimensional surface design provide the interior of the new BMW X3 with a modern, premium ambience and intelligent functionality. Brand-typical driver orientation is emphasized by the asymmetrically designed centre console. The raised seating position facilities convenient entry, while optimizing the overview of the traffic situation.

Both up front and at the rear the new BMW X3 has a multitude of large storage compartments, trays and cup holders. The three rear seats offer outstanding comfort for travelling long distances. With a volume of between 550 and 1,600 litres, the luggage compartment of the new BMW X3 is the best in its segment. At the same time, the variability with which available space can be adapted to suit each personal requirement, is also unrivalled.

The xDrive35i range topper's 3.0-litre straight-six engine featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo, direct petrol injection and VALVETRONIC generates a maximum output of 306bhp at 5,800 rpm. Maximum torque of 400Nm is available between 1,200 and 5,000 rpm. The sprint from 0 to 100km/h takes a mere 5.7 seconds. Top speed is 240km/h. The BMW X3 xDrive35i offers not only the most dynamic driving characteristic, but also by far the most favourable fuel consumption and emission levels within the competitive environment of its engine class. Average consumption in the EU test cycle is 8.8 litres/100km (CO2 emission level: 204 g/km).

The xDrive28i, meanwhile, generates a maximum output of 258bhp at 6,600 rpm. Its maximum torque of 310 Nm is available between 2,600 and 3,000 rpm. It is able to clock the century sprint in 6.9 seconds with a top speed is 210 km/h. It has an average consumption in the EU test cycle of 9.0 litres/100km (CO2 emission level: 210 g/km).

The new BMW X3 xDrive28i is equipped as standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the BMW X3 xDrive35i comes with a sports automatic transmission with shift paddles on the steering wheel.

For the X3 xDrive35i, the automatic transmission is combined for the first time with an Auto Start Stop function, where the engine is automatically switched off when stopping at road junctions or in a traffic jam. In ambient temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius and above, the Auto Start Stop function will not be engaged to avoid discomfort for the passengers on board. The car is additionally equipped with a gear shift indicator. Furthermore, the equipment featured in all model variants, which include brake energy regeneration, EPS Electric Power Steering, demand-controlled ancillary components, intelligent lightweight construction contribute towards lowering fuel consumption and exhaust emission levels.

The range comes with permanent four-wheel drive technology BMW xDrive as standard. Its electronic control unit, which is interlinked with the DSC Dynamic Stability Control, counteracts at an early stage to oversteer or understeer through fast and precise response. By means of innovative tuning designed to enhance driving dynamics, the intelligent four-wheel drive technology optimizes not only traction, but, above all, handling in bends. Performance Control enhances the BMW X3‟s agile handling even further.

The new BMW X3 also features completely redeveloped suspension technology. The combination of a double-joint spring-strut axle at the front and a five-link rear axle offers in conjunction with a widened track (92 mm wider than that of the predecessor) the ideal prerequisites for optimizing agility and driving comfort and an equal degree. EPS Electric Power Steering including the Servotronic function for speed-dependent power steering is incorporated in all versions of the BMW X3 model for the first time and contribute significantly to precise handling.

Like all BMW X models, the new BMW X3 is also provided with an extremely torsion- resistant body, precisely defined support structures and large deformation zones. The safety equipment package comprises front and pelvic thorax airbags, side curtain head airbags, three-point automatic seatbelts on all seats, belt force limiters, belt latch tensioners and crash-active front headrests as well as ISOFIX child seat mounts in the rear compartment.

Look out for a full, in depth review of the X3 on oneshift.com really soon.

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