BMW X3 2014 News

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has published its latest round of safety recalls, with models from Ford, Mazda, BMW, Kia, Audi, Jeep, Alfa Romeo and Lamborghini affected.

While Australian VW owners continue to wait to find out if their cars are affected, should BMW buyers be worried too?

New Honda Jazz sets new benchmark for rear view cameras: $14,990.

BMW has announced pricing and details for its updated X3 mid-size SUV, just one month after its first appearance at the Geneva motor show.With a significantly revised front end, the new X3 has been brought in line with the headlight and grille treatments of the 3 and 4 Series lineups.New front and rear bumper, sideskirt and alloy wheel designs also feature, and the side indicators have moved to the wing mirrors.The interior scores new gloss black detailing to the centre stack, plus new centre console cupholders and new leather and woodgrain trim options.“These additional styling upgrades complement the vehicle’s dynamic on- and off-road capability, and the increased value – up to $6,000 of extra standard equipment in some models – makes the X3 a more attractive proposition than ever before,” BMW Group Australia general manager of marketing Toni Andreevski says.The 20i and 20d now come standard with Bi-Xenon headlights, gearshift paddles, improved connectivity and the lights package.The higher spec 28i and 30d models now come standard with the sports transmission, 360 degree surround view monitor, 12-speaker audio and X-embossed headrests.The two petrol, two diesel 20i, 20d, 28i and 30d lineup contines as before, but the 20d has scored an extra 5kW and 20Nm to bring its totals to 140kW/400Nm.Acceleration to 100km/h for the 20d drops by 0.4s to 8.1s, and combined fuel consumption is also improved by 0.4L to 5.2L/100km. The X3 continues with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed auto as standard across all variants.BMW’s ConnectedDrive system is now standard on all X3s, with a variety of services, apps and the ability to contact emergency services in the event of an accident.This reporter is on Twitter: @Mal_Flynn

Once again, not much to see but it will be an excuse for a value boost......and probably some extra technology and economy improvement. 

Although the car has some links with the first-generation car, the newcomer borrows visual cues from the latest X models, gains more useable interior space and enhanced performance with a new range of engines. BMW Australia spokesman, Piers Scott, says the newcomer is expected to arrive into local showrooms early next year.  Initially two engines will be available at launch in Europe, a 135kW 2.0-litre turbo-diesel and 225kW 3.0-litre petrol six, both adopting BMW's "efficient dynamics'' principles. However, Scott believes that once the car arrives here, more engine variants will be available.  "But are really not in a position to confirm which variants they will be,'' he says.  However, the company does plan other turbo-diesel and petrol engines and a hybrid version, which could also make it to Australia if right-hand drive hybrids are available. Apart from new engines, some higher performance models will get a new eight-speed automatic.  Like BMW's sedan range, the new off-roader will get auto stop/start for the first time in conjunction with the six-cylinder engine as well as the eight-speed auto. BMW's xDrive four-wheel drive technology is standard across the range with a "performance control'' function available.  The car gets newly conceived suspension technology, electric power steering and for the first time in an X model, variable sports steering, which will be optional in some markets. It will also be the first X model with optional damper control and dynamic drive control.  The all-wheel drive splits torque 40:60 front-to-rear thanks to an electronically controlled multi-disc diff and a host of other techno features. The MacPherson front struts have been redeveloped along with the multi-link rear suspension, while an optional electronic damping control adapts to the road and driver inputs. Normal, Sport and Sport-Plus modes are mounted next to the gear selector. The Sport controls sharpen throttle response, transmission shifts, steering assist, DSC settings and suspension firmness. The "performance control'' feature shuffles 80 per cent of the torque to the rear under steady acceleration.  Inside the cabin gets new materials and added versatility with a 40/20/40-split rear seat. With the seats folded, the maximum luggage capacity is 1600 litres.  A range of BMW ConnectedDrive options will be available, including head-up display, internet access, reversing camera with top view. Follow the Carsguide blog on Twitter  

It has confirmed early details of its new X6 and believes it will create a new path as 4WDs move deeper into the crossover world between existing car classes. BMW is convinced there are plenty of potential customers for a vehicle that will look and drive like a prestige car but still sit high in traffic and move away from the existing family wagon styling. “The X6 is a new concept. This is the most refined coupe SUV you will find in the world,” BMW Australia managing director Guenther Seemann says. “This is a real coupe. It will be coming at the beginning of next year.” The man who heads the X6 program, former BMW motorsport engineer Albert Biermann, has been in Australia for the introduction of the X5 and confirms Seemann's glowing praise. “This is something very different ... but still an X car,” he says. BMW is expected to preview the X6 late this year or early next year, most likely at the Detroit motor show in January, once it has fired its new M3 V8 super coupe into action. The X6 will be built at the BMW factory in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where the success-story X5 is also built. “I believe it will not compete with the X5 because it is a four-door, four-seater,” Seeman says. “Some 6 Series and Porsche 911 customers may want to drive a different car and this could be the X6. “Porsche Cayenne and Range Rover Sport are the kind of cars that will compete.” Seemann says BMW will renew its vehicle line-up by 2011, hinting at new premium models beyond the X6.

Snow had fallen the night before and lay thickly across the road, with a fresh fall starting as we pushed BMW's shiny new X3 softroader through the icy mountain landscape above Launceston in northern Tasmania. It was an almost surreal scene as the white carpeted road chased telegraph poles into the distance, snow swirling across the invisible surface with only the guide posts to mark our way. The outside temperature display of our car read zero degrees Celsius, readouts in other cars actually dipped below freezing. As the road began a series of short sharp, climbing turns the high-priced Pirellis of some cars scrambled for traction. Other less fortunate motorists had slewed off the road while one unlucky camper van sat with its nose pushed into an embankment. At no time however did BMW Australia consider calling off the jaunt that took us in a large 200km plus loop around the Great Lake before heading back to warmer climes of Launceston. The much anticipated X3 joins larger brother the X5 that has been a "tear away" success for the company since its launch a couple of years back. Like other manufacturers BMW has discovered there is a huge demand for off-road and soft-road style vehicles, particularly in the luxury segment. BMW describes the vehicle not as a traditional 4WD, not in the current idiom SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) but as an SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle), with even more car-like dynamics, claiming it creates an entirely new segment. "The X3 will form a substantial pillar in our growth beyond the core brands that we have," spokesman John Kananghinis said. The X3 does not look that much smaller than X5 until you venture inside where the accommodation is more in keeping with that offered by a 3 Series model. But there is still a substantial amount of rear legroom and the useable luggage area is almost as large. There are three different models, a manual and automatic 2.5-litre straight six and a 3.0-litre straight six – the latter the same engine that powers the base model X5. Prices for the X3 start at $65,300 for the 2.5 six- speed manual, climbing to $67,900 for the 2.5 auto and toping out at $74,600 for the 3.0-litre six auto. We were able to sample both the 2.5-litre and 3.0-litre five-speed, tipshift autos and can report that both deliver plenty of punch. There's nothing disappointing about the smaller engine, certainly at the price. And there's not much to differentiate the cars, which all have the same tailpipe arrangement unlike the X5. The 2.5-litre straight six is good for 141kW of power and 245Nm of torque and in manual form can sprint from 0-100km/h in 8.9 seconds (auto 9.8secs) with a top speed of 208km/h.. The larger 3.0-litre engine produces 170kW and 300Nm and is good for 8.1 seconds, with a top speed of 210km/h (221km/h with the sport pack fitted). Drive is transmitted to all four wheels through BMW's XDrive system, with torque split variably and infinitely between front and rear wheels. Ground clearance is rated at 201mm. BMW claims the xDrive neutralises understeer or oversteer in fast cornering, but we discovered the vehicle still had a tendency to oversteer on the wet, slippery bitumen hairpins that we encountered. Overall, however, the X3 remained supremely confident in a range of conditions. Backing up xDrive is stability control, ABS brakes, Hill Descent Control and Cornering Brake Control. Standard equipment includes 10 airbags, multi- function leather-wrapped steering wheel with cruise control, 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, rain sensor and automatic headlight control, fog lights, climate control airconditioning, trip computer, and CD sound system. The quality is typical BMW with excellent fit and finish, but we disliked the overuse of grey, lower body protective cladding on lower spec cars, particularly those with lighter contrasting paintwork. Meanwhile, the rear seats seemed rather firm and the vehicle packs only a space saver spare wheel. The 3.0-litre diesel engine from the X5 is also under consideration for the car, but as yet is not available in right-hand drive – and if we get it will not arrive until later in the vehicle's life cycle.