• Priced from $67,900
• Exhilarating dynamics, unmistakable design
• xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive for supreme agility
• Choice of 2.5-litre and 3.0-litre straight-six engines
• Luxuriously equipped

BMW forges down an unbeaten track with its innovative adventure-minded X3 Compact All-Wheel Drive, which makes its Australian debut at the Melbourne International Motor Show on 27 February.

Due on sale early in the third quarter of 2004, two six-cylinder petrol engine models will be available at launch. These are the X3 2.5i, priced from $67,900 for the six-speed manual and $70,500 for the five-speed Steptronic automatic. The X3 3.0i will be available only with a five-speed three-mode Steptronic automatic transmission for $77,600.

The X3 is the first compact all-wheel drive to combine high performance both on and off road in the lap of luxury. It joins the fastest growing market segment: the luxury SUV market, which grew by almost 60 percent in 2003, and growth is expected to continue in 2004.

While large luxury 4WD market welcomed new competitors in 2003, not all SUV buyers require such large vehicles, especially if they travel mostly through heavily congested city streets.

The nimble, agile and more compact X3 will be the ideal solution for buyers seeking genuine all-wheel drive ability.

In addition to highly-praised dynamics that will thrill keen drivers, the innovation and functionality of the all-new design, and its typical gold-standard BMW build quality, the Australian specification BMW X3 comes fully equipped with a generous array of features and equipment.

Standard fit on all X3 models are BMW’s latest Dynamic Stability Control system, ten airbags, multi-function leather wrapped steering wheel with cruise control, 17-inch light alloy wheels, roof rails, rain sensor and automatic headlight control, fog lights, climate control air conditioning, on board computer, and CD radio.

The BMW X3 also offers the discerning buyer a wide range of optional equipment with which to personalise their purchase. Two particular highlights are the new Panorama Roof and BMW’s innovative Adaptive Headlights.

The two-piece Panorama Roof extends almost completely throughout the entire roof area of the X3, covering a glass area of 0.65 square metres. The driver is able to open up the roof completely at the touch of a button.

Adaptive Headlights, in turn, improve visibility in the dark by swivelling to the side in an infinite adjustment process geared to the steering angle of the vehicle. This adjusts the two Bi-Xenon headlight units as a function of the steering angle, yaw rate and road speed, thus illuminating bends ahead of the driver, clearly and brightly.

Further Australian market options include sports suspension, 18-inch light alloy wheels, aluminium running boards, electric front seats, sports seats, heated seats, satellite navigation and TV monitor, voice activated controls, and a quality HiFi system.

BMW’s internationally lauded straight-six cylinder engines power the X3, producing 141 kW and 245 Nm of torque in the 2.5i and 170 kW and 300 Nm of torque in the 3.0i.

Like its larger X5 sibling, the X3 employs BMW’s just-released xDrive all-wheel drive transmission, which continuously and intelligently splits drive torque between the axles for premium control and safety under all driving conditions.

BMW’s unique trailer stability control ensures safe driving conditions when towing. This extension of the DSC suspension control system is standard, just like Hill Descent Control, for taking downhill gradients safely even on loose ground.

The X3’s near vertical tailgate opens from the bumper line to allow easy loading of bulky items.

The X3 also has homes for many oddments usually carried by outdoors adventurers. An array of additional storage compartments and handy boxes means even greater user-friendliness.