BMW Raises The Curtain On New X3 Sports Activity Vehicle
Published: 17th June 2003
- First premium Sports Activity Vehicle in its class
- xDrive as standard: new intelligent four-wheel-drive technology
- Standard Hill Descent Control (HDC) and optional Trailer Stability Control (TSC)
- Sporting and versatile on and off-road
- World debut at Frankfurt Motor Show in September
The X3 introduces BMW’s patented xDrive intelligent four-wheel-drive, which sets new standards in agility for all-wheel-drive systems. It works by changing torque distribution from front-to-rear axles in an instant, offering substantial improvements in stability, driving pleasure and safety.
xDrive is both fully adjustable and infinitely variable. It feeds optimum torque to the required axle at any time, countering understeer and oversteer while cornering on road. Off-road, xDrive significantly improves traction by distributing drive forces to the axle with most grip. As soon as wheel spin threatens, the electro-hydraulic centre coupling transfers power to the axle with greater traction.
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) complements xDrive, but intervenes far later and is required less frequently. While xDrive helps prevent loss of traction by channelling drive forces axle-to-axle, DSC works on individual wheels, intervening when one starts to slip. In these circumstances DSC cuts power to the relevant wheel and, where necessary, also applies brakes.
