KUALA LUMPUR, April 20 ― SUV fans will be very happy to note that the all-new BMW X3, launched today is now a CKD (locally assembled) model, which brings its price down to a more attainable level. Although BMW likes to call it a "SAV”, which stands for Sports Activity Vehicle, the X3 is in essence a SUV to the rest of the world who are no savvy with the BMW phraseology.

The all-new BMW X3 is a very well-packaged product, and its key features include the latest BMW proprietary X-Drive system which was already a class leader even in its previous stage of development. The X-Drive allows the All-Wheel Drive system to divert from zero to 100 per cent of all its power to either the front or rear axles depending on the need for traction. Working with the Dynamic Traction Control which can transfer drive from one side of each axle to the other, it is possible for the X-Drive system to concentrate all its power to even one wheel, if necessary. While all this might sound very technical, what it means is that you will always have optimum grip no matter what the situation. The X-drive is to be appreciated during extreme conditions such as in a muddy areas or during heavy thunderstorms, providing a safe drive with positive grip on the road when others are slipping and sliding all over the place.

Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia said, "Today, we celebrate a new generation of the BMW X3, which in the history of the premium automotive industry, is the creator of the mid-sized premium SAV segment in 2003.This is a perfect example on the BMW belief that the best way to predict the future is to create it. 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.”

Hoelzl added that with over 1,000 units already delivered in 2018, the BMW X Family is enjoying a significant 39 per cent growth in Malaysia, compared to the same period last year. Driving this performance is The Boss ― the BMW X5, and the First-Ever BMW X2. Now, with the all-new BMW X3, BMW Group Malaysia looks forward to pushing the BMW X Family further this year. "For the very first time, the independent and passionate BMW X3 is made available from launch as a locally assembled vehicle to offer our customers here a wider choice and availability of products as well as a differentiation, option and a mix from our offering of fully imported models in the premium sports activity vehicle segment,” Hoelzl said.

Overall, BMW Group Malaysia delivered 3,000 BMW, MINI and Motorrad vehicles in the first quarter of 2018, charting an impressive 15 per cent growth compared to the same period last year with 2,600 vehicles delivered. In the details, the BMW brand saw an 18 per cent growth in deliveries with over 2,500 new vehicles in the first quarter of 2018 (Q12017: 2,100 vehicles). MINI, meanwhile, grew by 6 per cent ― delivering over 220 vehicles compared to the same period in 2017 where 200 vehicles were delivered. While BMW Motorrad grew by 2 per cent in the first quarter of 2018 with close to 260 motorcycles delivered to customers.

The all-new BMW X3 now sports an even more striking and dynamic design language, boasting class leading driving systems and dynamics ― all of which attribute to all-new BMW X3’s independent spirit. "It is only fair that the all-new BMW X3 is called The Independent in the BMW X Family,” Hoelzl said.

The all-new BMW X3 is introduced in the variant of the BMW X3 xDrive30i Luxury. The dynamic handling qualities of the all-new BMW X3 are rooted in its ideal 50:50 weight distribution, its meticulously honed chassis and the BMW xDrive intelligent All-Wheel-Drive system, which made its debut in 2003 when the first generation of the BMW X3 was launched.

This third generation of the BMW mid-sized Sports Activity Vehicle treads a familiar BMW X family path in combining rugged off-road looks with sporting presence. The exterior dimensions of the All-New BMW X3 may be largely unchanged, but its five-centimetre-longer wheelbase, long bonnet and short front overhang with even more finely balanced proportions ― which emphasise the perfect 50:50 distribution of weight between the front and rear axle ― give it the edge over its predecessor. Hill Descent Control is also standard equipment in the X3.

At the front end, the "three-dimensional” kidney grille treatment and fog lamps featuring a hexagonal design for the very first time on a BMW X model, underline the confident character of the all-new BMW X3. The SAV features LED headlights with low-beam and high-beam, side lights and cornering lights. The All-New BMW X3 also features high-beam assistant which switches head lights to high beam automatically when needed. Under body protection is in Frozen Grey and high-gloss Chrome. The All-New BMW X3 sits on 19” light alloy wheels Double Spoke bicolour Ferric Grey.

Moving to the rear, the light clusters provide a three-dimensional look in full-LED guise to give them significant visual impact, and a rearward and downward-sloping roof with a spoiler and twin exhaust tailpipes give it a more sporty look.

The interior of the BMW X3.

The cargo space can be expanded from 550 litres to 1,600 litres when the seats are folded down. The Comfort Access with contactless boot operation allows for added user-convenience with keyless access to the vehicle, including contactless access to the tailgate.

The X3 is offered with a BMW TwinPower Turbo 2.0 in-line four-cylinder petrol engine with High Precision Injection, Double-VANOS variable camshaft control and Valvetronic fully variable valve timing. With an 8-speedSteptronic Sport transmission, the All-New BMW X3 is capable of sprinting from 0-100km in 6.3 seconds with a top speed of 240km/h. Maximum output is 252hp and 350Nm of torque, which should be adequate for close to 90 per cent of the people who would be looking at a vehicle of this category.

Lightweight construction reduces the weight of the All-New BMW X3 by up to 55kg compared to its predecessor, which translates to better dynamic performance and better efficiency. With that in mind, the all-new BMW X3 also has the lowest aerodynamics with a CD factor of 0.29.

Furthermore, the standard Driving Experience Control switch allows the driver choose between various configurations ― i.e. ECO PRO, COMFORT, SPORT modes, all of which are designed to make the vehicle more dynamic, more comfortable or more efficient to drive.

The interior of the All-New BMW X3 follows BMW tradition with its driver-focused and ergonomically optimised cockpit layout and carries over many aspects of the car’s exterior design. For instance, hexagonal forms and precise, bevelled edges play a central role in the interior. The interior displays exceptional material quality, fit and finishing, and impresses functionality-wise. One example here is the well-thought-out storage concept, which offers more storage space than ever before and ensures it is easier to access as well as galvanised plating on the air conditioning, audio and steering controls which is luxury to the sight and touch within the premium vehicle.

Attention to detail lavished by the designers on the interior of the all-new BMW X3 includes the exclusive BMW X embossing which is highly visible on the B-pillar, centre console and rear door trim. Partially hidden BMW X embossing can also be spotted between the front door and dashboard end.

Upon entering the all-new BMW X3, the driver will be welcomed into the Leather Vernasca with contrast stitching sports seats, with padded side bolsters and eye-catching shoulder section. The dashboard is also set low to offer the distinctive "Command Position”, leaving the driver with a feeling of being in control with a good all-round vision.

With the Luxury Line, the all-new BMW X3 offers leather upholstery, a Sensatec-covered instrument panel with contrast stitching and dark oak fine wood interior trim strips with accent strip in pearl chrome. The all-new BMW X3 also comes with 6 ambient light colours tones (orange, lilac, mint, bronze, blue and white) with selectable contour and mood lighting.

The All-new BMW X3 also features a rear camera, with Park Distance Control which provides an acoustic and visual (distance only) warning of the obstacle behind the vehicle. To assist the driver further, the Parking Assistant aids with automatic parking into parallel and lateral parking spaces.

In the all-new BMW X3, the new multifunctional instrument display with Black Panel technology replaces the traditional gauge cluster. Besides displaying a breadth of information such as navigation, the three different driving modes ― ECO PRO, COMFORT, and SPORT ― and their specific displays have their own colour scheme and graphic style.

A 10.25-inch central information display is located above the instrument panel of the all-new BMW X3 with touch control functionality, providing a quick overview of the most pertinent information and offers users intuitive access. With the BMW ConnectedDrive, owners will have seamless connectivity to their car and the world outside. To further enhance driver experience, the all-new BMW X3 also comes with the Welcome Light Carpet, creating a sophisticated atmosphere when approaching the vehicle.

In terms of external colour offering, the all-new BMW X3 offers new and bold colours of terra brown, black sapphire, glacier silver and alpine white. On the interior, the Leather Vernasca Black is best paired with alpine white, black sapphire, glacier silver and terra brown; whereas the Leather Vernasca Mokka is best paired with alpine white and black sapphire. The all-new BMW X3 will be available at all authorised BMW dealerships nationwide from Wednesday, April 25, 2018, with deliveries commencing in July 2018.

Customers of the all-new BMW X3 can also experience the complete BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership experience which includes:

― BMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Program.

― BMW 2-Year/ 24 Month Tyre Warranty Program for its Run Flat Tyre offering and services.

― BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline.

― The BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App - BMW White Card.

― BMW Service Online.

The estimated retail price (on the road, without insurance) for the all-new BMW X3 is RM320,000.00.