BMW X3 for the adventurous young (and rich)
Novan Iman Santosa, Jakarta
Following the successful BMW X5 sports activity vehicle (SAV), PT BMW Indonesia launched last Thursday the BMW X3 sports activity vehicle (SAV) at Plaza Senayan in Central Jakarta.
While the generic term for similar vehicles is sports utility vehicle (SUV), BMW reasons that "activity" refers more to lifestyle than "utility", which refers to something "basic, rugged".
Activity or utility, vehicles in this category are usually a crossover between the comfort of a sedan and the ability to maneuver over rough terrain of an off-roader.
BMW X3 was first introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show last September and PT BMW Indonesia president Josef Honsel hopes the new vehicle will follow in the footsteps of its predecessor, the larger BMW X5.
"BMW has successfully penetrated the upper-medium premium market segment with the BMW X5. In 2003, BMW delivered 105,000 units of the BMW X5 worldwide, including 138 units in Indonesia.
"We are confident that the mid-sized BMW X3 will continue the success and greatness of BMW X5 in this market," he said.
PT BMW Indonesia vice president of sales and marketing Harald Mayer said the BMW X3 was so unique that there was no direct competition in the market currently.
"The BMW X3 is a medium-sized, premium SAV, while other SUVs such as the Mercedes Benz M Class, Porsche Cayenne or VW Touareg are larger in head-to-head competition with the BMW X5.
"The BMW X3 is targeted at active, younger people holding management positions or successful professionals, while we expect more mature people to buy the BMW X5," he said.
Automotive enthusiasts can choose from two in-line, six- cylinder engine options with 3,000cc or 2,500cc of capacity.
The larger engine unleashes a maximum power of 231 horsepower (hp) at 6,000 revolution per minute (rpm) and a maximum torque of 300 Newton meter (Nm) at 3,500 rpm.
Such power enables the BMW X3 to run as fast as 210 kilometers per hour (kph) and it can go from stationary to 100 kph in just 7.8 seconds.
The smaller engine can be revved up to 192 hp at 6,000 rpm and 245 Nm at 3,500 rpm. It accelerates from stationary to 100 kph in 9.8 seconds and can get up to 208 kph.
BMW X3 3.0i will be priced at Rp 849 million (US$95,300) and BMW X3 2.5i at Rp 749 million.
There is also a diesel-powered version, the BMW X3 3.0d, but it is not being marketed here.
All of the BMW X3 models use five-speed steptronic automatic transmission and are equipped with xDrive four-wheel drive technology, which increases road grip, agility, traction and safety.
While other all-wheel drive vehicles have permanent power distribution from the engine to the front and rear axles at 38 percent and 62 percent, respectively, xDrive allows a more varied distribution depending on surface conditions.
xDrive, also applied in the new BMW X5 face-lift, works similar to the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) to prevent wheels from spinning.
BMW also incorporates Hill Descent Control (HDC) technology for an easy drive while descending without too much driver intervention. It can set the speed anywhere from 6 kph to 25 kph with the touch of a button. HDC can even be activated while reversing.
As for passive safety, the BMW X3 has 10 air bags including two for the driver and front passenger and curtain air bags to protect the side of the car.
There is also a Tire Defect Indicator (TDI), which constantly monitors tire gyration and pressure. It will promptly inform the driver if tire pressure is lower than it should be.
Also handy is the Parking Distance Control (PDC) to help drivers navigate while parking.
When asked whether the company would assemble the new vehicle locally, Honsel said that there were no plans for this in the near future.
"While we do not have any new investment in assembly lines for the BMW X3, we have trained our mechanics and sales force to handle the new vehicle," he said.
There are four exterior color schemes offered: black sapphire, blue water, titanium silver and silver gray, with interior color choices of gray-blue, beige and black.
All BMW X3 buyers will get the BMW Service Inclusive program offering a five-year or 100,000-kilometer warranty, whichever comes first, free service and maintenance.
The program, which is valid for all BMW models of the 3 Series, the 5 Series, 7 Series, X5 and Z4, ensures a carefree ride for BMW X3 owners.