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First Oz look: BMW’s pricey new X3

Compact luxury: BMW’s smallest SUV will come in two specifications Down Under, priced from $68,000.

BMW X3 makes its Australian debut, but only the well-heeled should apply

2 Mar 2004

BMW’S all-new compact off-roader, the X3, has made its Australian debut at the Melbourne motor show, alongside local premieres of the all-new 6 Series coupe and convertible, facelifted X5 4.8is and the new 5 Series kingpin, the 545i sedan.

With pricing revealed previously, specifications for the two X3 variants was the big news here, while BMW Australia managing director Franz Sauter also offered sales estimates for its newest luxury SUV contender.

Mr Sauter said some BMW dealers had already taken deposits before pricing was announced for X3, which goes on sale in July, and that the company expected to shift at least 800 units in 2004.

“Yes we have deposits, and I think that is a positive sign by the way, because in that part of the market usually people do not advance order much. But several dealers have taken orders and we are very satisfied with the early order intake. It is a good indication,” he said.

Mr Sauter admitted X3’s price and positioning would see up to 30 per cent of X5 buyers opt for the (slightly) smaller X3.

“There will be a bit of substitution, but certainly not more than there is between 3 and 5 Series. When you come into the 5 Series then usually around 30 per cent of the customers previously drove the 3 Series - and the other way around as well,” he said.

Billed as “the world’s first premium sports activity vehicle”, X3 will be available Down Under in two variants.

The X3 2.5i will feature a 141kW/245Nm 2.5-litre six-cylinder engine and BMW’s new six-speed manual transmission for $67,900, while the five-speed Steptronic auto version will cost $70,500.

Meantime, X3 3.0i features a 170kW/300Nm 3.0-litre straight six, mated exclusively with a five-speed Steptronic auto, for $77,600.

All X3s will feature as standard BMW’s latest Dynamic Stability Control system, eight airbags, multi-function leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, rain sensor, auto headlight control, foglights, auto climate control, trip computer and CD radio.

14 center imageOptional X3 equipment will include a two-piece Panorama glass sunroof, adaptive headlights, sports suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels, aluminium running boards, wood or aluminium interior trim, electric front seats, sports seats, heated seats, satellite navigation with TV monitor, Voice Control, a professional quality sound system and a Sport Package.

At 4565mm long, the X3 is 87mm longer than the 3 Series Touring and only 102mm shorter an X5, while its 2795mm wheelbase is 70mm longer than 3 Series Touring’s and only 25mm shorter than X5’s. X3 is also 1674mm high compared to X5 at 1715mm, with a similar 201mm of ground clearance.

Depending on the seat arrangement, X3 can accommodate up to 1560 litres of luggage, with a carrying capacity of 500kg, and the 2.5i is able to tow as much as 1700kg (1800kg for the 3.0i).

Contributing: Bruce Newton

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