BMW's New X3, 6 Series, 5 Series and X5 at Frankfurt
WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., Sept. 10 -- Following BMW's aggressive market offensive initiative, BMW will debut several new and updated models at this year's Frankfurt (IAA) Auto Show. They include an all-new BMW SAV, the X3, the new 6 Series coupe, the 5-series sedan, and the updated X5 SAV.
The all-new X3 Sports Activity Vehicle
The exciting new X3 Sports Activity Vehicle, stands out with its unprecedented levels of agility and versatility that can only be found in a BMW SAV. Its modern design language with interacting concave and convex surfaces gives the X3 a youthful and fresh appearance. In typical BMW fashion, this new BMW will feature new technologies to offer greater safety and performance.
The X3 SAV will be available in two versions-the X3 2.5i and the X3 3.0i. The former is powered by a 2.5-liter, 184-horsepower inline 6-cylinder engine and the latter, motivated by a 3.0-liter version that provides 225 enthusiastic horsepower. Both models come standard with a six-speed manual transmission with a five-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission available as an option.
The outstanding levels of both traction and agility delivered by the X3 are due in no small part to its new xDrive, BMW's latest all-wheel drive system. This new all-wheel drive system sets new standards in agility for all-wheel drive vehicles. It immediately recognizes traction loss and can respond by changing power distribution among the four drive wheels-often before the wheels begin to lose their grip. This applies to dry-weather road conditions as well to significantly minimizing both understeer and oversteer in aggressive maneuvers.
The BMW X3 will be available in early 2004. Visit www.bmwusa.com/newX3. The all-new 6 Series coupe
An icon is reborn. The previous 6 Series Coupe (1977-1989) had left such an impression with automotive enthusiasts worldwide that BMW not only wanted to exceed their expectations with a modern rendition, but looked to surpass sporting coupe standards in every conceivable way. To that end, BMW introduces the new 645Ci-a premium coupe that offers performance and luxury with the unusual mix of BMW driving pleasure and unparalleled technology.
Powering this new coupe is BMW's potent and efficient 325-horsepower 4.4-liter VALVETRONIC V8 engine. Transferring this power to the rear wheels is one of three available transmissions-a smooth-shifting six-speed manual gearbox, a six-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission, and a six-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG). The SMG, which first debuted in the M3 sports coupe, combines the thrill of manual transmissions with the convenience of full automatic shifting. Clutch actuation is handled entirely by SMG, and upshifts and downshifts can be toggled manually with the steering-wheel- mounted buttons or shift lever mounted on the center console. A selectable "Drive" mode provides completely automatic shifting.
Also available on the new 6 Series is BMW's Active Steering system, Active Cruise Control, Head Up Display, and glass panoramic roof. These new technologies offer greater safety and driving pleasure.
Active Steering, part of the Sport Package in the US, provides a variable steering ratio, which tailors how quickly the front wheels react to inputs made by the driver. In slow-speed situations, such as when driving in congested areas, Active Steering quickens the response of the front wheels for evasive maneuvering or while parking. At faster highway speeds, the steering response is more relaxed, making for a more comfortable and stable driving experience. The result is a steering system that meets the needs of your driving environment with no sacrifices in performance or comfort.
The Head Up Display, as its name implies, projects important vehicle information on the windshield with a focal point that is in the line of sight with the road. The driver can select the type of information he or she wants displayed including navigation instructions and vehicle speed. This allows the driver's eyes to stay on the road, greatly increasing safety if an unexpected road event occurs.
The 6 Series coupe will feature a large panoramic glass roof. This is a two-part roof that includes a powered inner sunshade that can retract partially, or fully. The power glass panel also tilts upward at the rear, allowing air to circulate throughout the interior cabin.
The New 5
The all-new, fifth generation 5 Series will again be offered in three versions, two featuring BMW's award-winning inline-six engines and the other featuring BMW's ground-breaking V8. The 525i will feature a 2.5-liter inline six that produces 184-horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque while the 530i's 3.0-liter offers 225 horsepower and 214 lb-ft of torque. Finally, the 545i will feature a new 4.4-liter V8 engine that uses double-VANOS variable valve- timing, VALVETRONIC throttle-less engine control and infinitely variable intake manifold runner-length control to produce 325 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed manual transmission will be available on all three versions. A six-speed automatic and a six-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) will also be available.
Like the new 6 Series, the new 5 sedan's body makes extensive use of aluminum to form an extremely stiff yet lightweight platform. This leads to better performance and fuel economy and an ideal front/rear weight distribution, in a car that is also larger than its predecessor. The rigid chassis and tuned suspension are made entirely of aluminum.
The 5 Series also features Active Front Steering and Active Cruise Control (ACC). For the first time in the 5 Series, Adaptive Headlights will be available. With this system, the two bi-xenon headlights are controlled in real-time as a function of the steering wheel angle, yaw rate and road speed, illuminating the road ahead in a bend. As an additional active safety enhancement, the new 5 Series features Adaptive Brakelights. When the driver applies the brakes hard, or upon activation of the ABS, the rear taillights join the brakelights at the same intensity to signal following vehicles.
The new 5 Series will be available for sale in the U.S. market later this month.
The BMW X5
BMW's engineers and designers have thoroughly upgraded the athletic X5 giving this outstanding vehicle a wide range of both technical innovations and design updates. The new, intelligent xDrive all-wheel drive system, new and even more powerful engines extending all the way to the new X5 4.8is, and new design elements highlight this model update. As a result, the X5 will remain the perfect vehicle for the sporting driver seeking to combine the magnificent handling and driving dynamics of a BMW with the commanding driving position and wide range of purposes this SAV offers.
The 2004 X5 will be available with two new powertrain choices. In the X5 4.4i, a new 4.4-liter VALVETRONIC V8 engine with 315 horsepower is standard. The X5 3.0i will continue with its 225-horsepower inline six, but will now benefit from the new six-speed manual gearbox, as well as the new xDrive all- wheel drive system.
Numerous new and proven equipment features also contribute to superior driving safety in the X5. As an example, the available Adaptive Xenon Headlights ensure optimum illumination of the road ahead in all kinds of bends (available in Spring 2004). This "intelligent" system uses the wide range of data collected by the chassis and suspension control units to guide the headlight beams along the course of the road. New bi-Xenon headlights, in turn, ensure bright illumination and are standard on the 8-cylinder models and available as an option on the six-cylinder X5s.
The enthusiast using the superior power and performance of the new X5 to tow a trailer will also benefit from another unique safety feature: the trailer stability control offered on the new model. This control system prevents the trailer from building up an increasing pendulum motion by recognizing those dangerous movements and intervening with the brakes to help reinstate a safe and stable driving condition.
BMW Group In America
BMW of North America has been present in the United States since 1975. Since then, the BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales and financial service organizations for the BMW and MINI brands and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, an industrial design firm in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Corp. in South Carolina is part of BMW Group's global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all Z4 roadster and X5 Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 340 BMW car, 327 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle, 148 BMW Motorcycle retailers, and 70 MINI dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group's sales headquarters for North, Central and South America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.
Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the Internet at http://www.bmwusa.com/ http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/ and http://www.miniusa.com/