BMW Group Malaysia Introduces New, Locally Assembled BMW X3 xDrive20i

BY Editor

BMW X3 xDrive20i

Jan 11, 2013– Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia  (Techreleased) – BMW Group Malaysia today announced the introduction of the new, locally assembled model of the BMW X3 xDrive20i, an entirely new production series to be assembled at BMW Group Malaysia’s Assembly Plant in Kulim, Kedah.

Introducing the new BMW model, Dr. Gerhard Pils, Chief Executive Officer of BMW Group Malaysia said, “The introduction of the new BMW X3 xDrive20i marks the fourth model line we have introduced here at our assembly facilities and further increases BMW Group Malaysia’s investment and commitment in the country. The new locally assembled units will continue to match the capabilities of their imported counterparts here and will further allow us to optimize our supply to customers throughout the country as well as maximising our ability to increase the total cost of ownership value, waiting time for complete units and spare parts for our customers in the country.”

Dr. Pils added that the new BMW X3 has created a unique medium Sports Activity Vehicle segment that integrates form, function and style into one dynamic package. He said, “Since its introduction in March 2011, we have delivered a total of 312 units of the BMW X3 to date. Like the all new BMW 3 Series, the new BMW 5 Series and the new BMW X1 that are currently assembled at our facilities in Kulim, the new BMW X3 will be a key contributor to our continued success and growth here in Malaysia.”

Aesthetically, the new BMW X3 carries the typically muscular design cues of the BMW X family. Added with a dynamically stretched silhouette, the vehicle looks stunningly elegant, durable and sporty. The typical characteristic upright kidney grille and triangular headlight arrangement of the new BMW X3 ensures an undeniably robust presence, emphasised by the flared wheel arches, short wheelbase and horizontal rear lines complemented with 18” light-alloy V-Spoke wheels.

Further accentuating its external looks are Bi-Xenon headlights with daytime driving light function that feature the signature Corona Rings, a BMW feature that also aids in providing added safety.

Similar to its imported counterparts, the locally assembled BMW X3 also features the advanced xDrive system that guarantees optimum performance in all driving situations. With improvements to the chassis which features a double-joint spring strut and a five-link rear suspension for extra agility and considerably enhanced ride comfort, the new BMW X3 xDrive20i’s all-wheel drive and electromechanical power steering systems have been further enhanced to ensure even more precise vehicle handling. For example, during routine cornering, additional power is transferred by the xDrive system to the rear wheels to foster precise steering and directional stability.

In its interior, the new BMW X3 features a contemporary interior ambience characterised by top quality materials and superior craftsmanship, coupled with a generous sense of space. With 23 mm more knee room and a 20 mm increase in width over the previous BMW X3, the three rear seats certainly provide a sizeable space upgrade. Providing a volume of between 550 and 1,600 litres, the luggage compartment of the new BMW X3 is also one of the best in its segment.

It is, however, not just about pure value. Usable space is also essential to the SAV customer and the new BMW X3 has an adaptable interior which can be changed to suit personal requirements, with numerous ergonomically designed and useful storage areas throughout the vehicle. The rear seat backrests can be split 40:20:40 where the three segments can be folded down either individually or together. In this way, it is possible to adapt the luggage compartment according to individual user requirements.

Further to this, the asymmetrical instrument panel and centre console inside the car is also oriented towards the driver while the Radio BMW Professional which includes an 8.8 inch control display and 12 loudspeaker HiFi system are offered as standard to ensure all infotainment requirements are met and exceeded. With BMW ConnectedDrive, owners of the new BMW X3 will also enjoy complete USB connectivity and Bluetooth hands free functions and are able to access a host of safety and infotainment functions such as BMW TeleServices and the optional BMW Telematics Platform Accessory (TPA), which includes an emergency Vehicle Recovery System as well as other BMW Assist remote services.

Featuring the powerful and efficient new two litre BMW TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder petrol engine, combining Double-VANOS, Valvetronic and BMW’s High Precision Injection system, the new BMW X3 xDrive20i offers unmatched and quintessential BMW performance with a total output of 135kW/ 184hp with a torque generation of 270Nm, allowing the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 8.6 seconds whilst only consuming an impressive 7.5l/100km of fuel and registering a CO2 emissions reading of a mere 175 g/km.

As part of the BMW EfficientDynamics strategy, the new BMW X3 also features optimised aerodynamics, intelligent lightweight construction, Brake Energy Regeneration, Electromechanical Steering, the Auto Start/Stop function as well as the ECO PRO mode in combination with the 8-speed automatic transmission for an exemplary fuel consumption and emission reading.

Additionally, the new BMW X3 xDrive20i also features Driving Experience Control enabling drivers to choose different driving mode settings for the vehicle’s accelerator, engine, steering and transmission at the switch of a button located at the vehicle’s centre console. The modes available include “COMFORT”, “SPORT” and “ECO PRO”.

The new locally assembled BMW X3 xDrive20i is covered by BMW’s extensive service program, the BMW Service + Repair Inclusive (BS+RI) which covers the normal wear and tear repairs or replacements as well as maintenance, service and repair of factory components of the vehicle. The service program offers peace of mind BMW ownership and provides cover from three years from its original registration date or 60,000KM, whichever comes first.

The new BMW X3 xDrive20i will be available at all 16 authorised BMW dealerships nationwide from this Saturday, 12th January 2013. The retail price (on the road, without insurance, with BMW Service Inclusive + Repair) for the new BMW X3 xDrive20i is RM323, 800.