BMW launches the locally assembled X3 xDrive 20i
The mid-size SAV is now built in Kulim, Kedah, beside the X1, 3 Series and 5 Series saloons.
Priced at RM323,800 the CKD X3 xDrive20i offers a RM35,000 over the CBU variant, which will be discontinued as stocks run out. Buyers need not worry about getting an inferior product though. The difference between the two is limited to different 18-inch wheel designs, interior leather colours and the deletion of active dampers for the newer car. It does however gain ECO-PRO mode so fuel consumption should be improved.
The X3 is BMW’s mid-size SAV offering and is priced in between the X1 and X5. Power comes from BMW’s two-litre TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder petrol engine with Double-VANOS, Valvetronic and BMW’s High Precision Injection system. Power is stated as 184bhp at 5000rpm with 270Nm of torque produced between 1250-4500rpm. The gearbox is a ZF 8-speed auto and when combined with the turbocharged engine, it endows the X3 with a 0-100km/h time of 8.6 seconds and a 210km/h top speed.
As with all new BMW models, the X3 is engineered with BMW’s Efficient Dynamics thinking, which reduces fuel consumption and exhaust emissions without sacrificing fun behind the wheel. With ECO PRO and stop-start standard on the car, BMW claims an impressive fuel economy figure of 13.3km/l of fuel and a CO2 emissions reading of a mere 175 g/km. Experience with the CBU model points to 10.5km/l being a more realistic daily driving figure but it’s impressive nonetheless.
Unlike the X1, which is available as a 2WD sDrive model, the X3 comes exclusively with BMW’s xDrive AWD system. Unlike other systems in competitor products, xDrive enhances the driving experience by cleverly shuttling torque between axles and thus improving feel and grip. It might not be so clever at bashing through a jungle but the number of potential X3 owners who will take their cars off the pavement can be counted on one hand with all your fingers closed.
Introducing the new BMW model, Dr. Gerhard Pils, Chief Executive Officer of BMW Group Malaysia said, “Since its introduction in March 2011, we have delivered a total of 312 units of the BMW X3. Like the BMW 3 Series, BMW 5 Series and BMW X1 that are currently assembled at our facilities in Kulim, the BMW X3 will be a key contributor to our continued success and growth here in Malaysia.”
The locally assembled BMW X3 xDrive20i is covered by BMW’s Service + Repair Inclusive (BS+RI) programme, which covers the normal wear and tear repairs or replacements as well as maintenance, service and repair of factory components of the vehicle, which runs for three years from its original registration date or 60,000KM, whichever comes first.
