Alfardan Automobiles, official BMW importer in the country, unveiled the all-new BMW X3 yesterday at the BMW West Bay Showroom. The vehicle is now available in the Qatar market.
Alfardan Automobiles COO Ma’n Alhamawi said: “Ever since the first edition of the X3 arrived on the scene in 2003, it’s been one of the most well-loved vehicles on the market. And now, its third generation is set to become another firm favourite, with its latest instalment, showcasing the very best of what BMW has to offer: luxury, innovation, elegance, and superb performance.”
The X3 was the car that launched the mid-size SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) segment in 2003.
Since then, BMW has recorded more than 1.5mn new registrations of the X3 across the two model generations so far.
Now the new X3 is set to write the next chapter in this success story with an even more striking, dynamic design language, powerful yet also efficient drive systems and luxurious appointments.
Like all members of the successful X family, it blends standout driving qualities on any terrain with unrestricted everyday usability.
The third generation of the X3 follows in its predecessors’ tyre tracks by combining rugged off-road looks with a sporting presence.
Its familiar proportions, including very short front and rear overhangs, shine the spotlight on the perfect 50:50 distribution of weight between the front and rear axle.
The potent dynamic intent of the new X3 is highlighted by a chunky kidney grille and foglamps, featuring a hexagonal design for the first time on a BMW X model.
At the rear, the light clusters (whose three-dimensional look in optional full-LED guise give them considerable visual impact), markedly downward-sloping roof spoiler and twin exhaust tailpipes bring matters to a suitably muscular conclusion.
The xLine, M Sport and Luxury Line trim variants (the latter is a new addition to the line-up) and the range of BMW Individual items enable the appearance of the X3 to be adapted even more precisely to the customer’s personal tastes.
In addition to the standard 18-inch light-alloy wheels (previously: 17-inch), customers can dip into the options list for wheel/tyre combinations in sizes up to 21-inch.
Another new equipment item is the optional BMW Display Key, which not only locks and unlocks the X3 by radio remote control, but also shows a variety of status information on the car and serves as the control unit for the optional auxiliary heating, for example.
The BMW engineers employed far-reaching chassis modifications to significantly improve the driving dynamics, directional stability and steering feel of the new X3.
The car that emerges is even sportier than its predecessor, yet avoids compromising on ride comfort.
Three petrol units will be available from launch (or shortly afterwards) for the new X3.
The 185kW/252 hp BMW X3 30i (combined fuel consumption: 7.4 I/100km all the engine variants) will team up as standard with an optimised version of the eight-speed Steptronic transmission.
The rigorously applied BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy for the new X3 includes both fuel-economy-optimising powertrains and the extensive application of intelligent lightweight design measures.
Gesture control allows various navigation and infotainment system functions to be operated intuitively using finger and hand gestures.
Meanwhile, the likewise optional Voice Assistant lets the driver use everyday language to have their requests turned into the appropriate actions instead of having to use set spoken commands.
The optional Head-Up Display enables the most important driving-related information to be projected directly into the driver’s field of vision.
The Head-Up Display in the new X3 is unrivalled in its segment for graphics, resolution and display options.
Alfardan Automobiles COO Ma’n Alhamawi unveils the new BMX X3 yesterday. PICTURE: Thajudheen
