BMW Group Malaysia, the official distributor of BMW and MINI cars in the country, is expecting the all-new BMW X3 to drive its outstanding growth momentum.
“Now with the all-new BMW X3, BMW Group Malaysia looks forward to push the BMW X family further this year,” said its managing director and chief executive officer Herald Hoelzl during the launching ceremony.
Hoelzl added that with more than 1,000 units already delivered this year, the X Family was enjoying a significant 39 per cent growth in Malaysia, compared to the same period last year.
The BMW X5 and BMW X2 are the main drivers of the performance.
“With over two generations of the BMW X3, we have delivered more than 1.5 million vehicles to lead the segment all over the world.
“The all-new BMW X3 is set to continue to write the next chapter in BMW’s success story in the premium segment,” said Hoelzl.
Overall, BMW Group Malaysia delivered 3,000 BMW, MINI and Motorrad vehicles in the first quarter of this year, a 15 per cent growth over the 2,600 vehicles delivered in the same period last year.
The BMW brand saw an 18 per cent growth in deliveries with more than 2,500 new vehicles in the first quarter, from 2,100 in the first quarter of last year.
MINI grew by six per cent with 220 units from 200 units in the first period of last year.
Meanwhile, BMW Motorrad grew by two per cent in the first quarter with 260 motorcycles delivered.
The company also introduced the third-generation mid-sized sport activity vehicle (SAV), the all-new locally-assembled BMW X3 with a starting price of RM320,000, excluding insurance
“Today, we celebrate a new generation of the BMW X3, which in the history of the premium automotive industry, is the creator of the mid-sized premium SAV segment in 2003. This is a perfect example on the BMW belief that the best way to predict the future is to create it.
“For the very first time, the independent and passionate BMW X3 is made available from the launch as a locally assembled vehicle to offer our customers here a wider choice and availability of products, as well as a differentiation, option and a mix from our offering of fully imported models in the premium SAV segment.”
Hoelzl added that the all-new BMW X3 spotted a more striking and dynamic design language, boasting class leading driving systems and dynamics — all of which attributes to the all-new BMW X3’s independent spirit.
“It is only fair that the all-new BMW X3 is called ‘The Independent’ in the BMW X Family,” said Hoelzl.
The all-new BMW X3 is powered by a BMW TwinPower Turbo 2.0-litre in-line four-cylinder petrol engine, paired with an eight-speed steptronic sport transmission. It is capable to generate a maximum output of 252hp and 350Nm of torque.
BMW claims that the X3 is able to sprint from standstill to 100kph in 6.3 seconds, with a top speed of 240kph.
It is 4,708mm in length, 1,891mm in width and 1,676mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,864mm.
The premium SAV has 550 litres of boot space with all seats up, and it is expandable to 1,600 litres when the seats are folded. It has a 67-litre fuel tank capacity.
Weighing at 1,848kg, the all-new BMW X3 is 55kg lighter than its predecessor, thanks to the intelligent lightweight construction. This translates to superior dynamic performance and outstanding efficiency.
There are four external colours options to complement two interior choices. External colours include Terra Brown, Black Sapphire, Glacier Silver and Alpine White. Interior options are the Leather Vernasca Black and Leather Vernasca Mokka.
Every purchase of the all-new BMW X3 comes with the complete premium ownership experience, which includes the BMW five-year unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled service programme, two-year run flat tyre warranty programme, BWM roadside assistance and accident hotline, BMW Group Loyalty+ mobile app with BMW White Card and the BMW Service Online.
The all-new BMW X3 will be available at all authorised BMW dealerships nationwide from Wednesday, with deliveries commencing in July.