Whitby, ON . BMW Canada announced today that the extremely popular and successful X3 Sports Activity Vehicle will arrive in retailer showrooms this fall as a 2007 model with new drivetrains, significant exterior styling enhancements and premium interior refinements.
The 2007 BMW X3 will be offered in two variants, both powered by BMW's award-winning inline six-cylinder magnesium/aluminum composite engine with Valvetronic technology.The X3 3.0i, succeeding the current X3 2.5, will boast 215 horspower @ 6250 rpm and 185 ft-lb of torque @ 2750 rpm and be capable of 0-100 km/h in 8.5/8.9 seconds (man/auto) while the X3 3.0si, replacing the current X3 3.0i, will generate a robust 260 horsepower@6600 rpm accompanied by 225 ft-lb of torque @ 2750 rpm and sprint from 0-100 km/h in only 7.3/7.6 seconds (man/auto) . With a weight of only 165 kilogrammes, the lightweight six-cylinder engines are not only more powerful and fuel efficient than their predecessors, but their light weight contributes to the optimization of axle-load distribution and, consequently, to the outstanding agility and driving dynamics of the BMW X3.
Both powerplants are mated to standard six-speed manual transmission. A new six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission will be offered as a no-cost option in place of the previous 5-speed unit. With new converter technology and optimized software, the new automatic transmission features reduced shift times and improved response dynamics, contributing to improved acceleration.The new X3 also integrates the latest generation xDrive Intelligent All Wheel Drive system with Integrated Chassis Management technology, providing infinitely variable power distribution to all four wheels via a rigid main shaft to the rear axle and a multi-plate clutch that directs the torque to the front axle via an intermediate shaft.
Maintaining a power distribution ratio of 40:60 between the front and the rear wheels during normal driving, the Dynamic Stability Control System (DSC), working seamlessly in conjunction with xDrive via a transfer box and electronically controlled multi-plate clutch, ensures that power is distributed variably to optimize traction and dynamic control in adverse conditions.The latest generation DSC system also incorporates features that further enhance safety and stability:
- Brake fade compensation
- Brake standby to improve emergency applications
- Hill start assist to prevent roll-back when starting on an incline
- Brake drying to maintain stopping power during inclement conditions