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Posted by sangxjin on 10-19-2002 01:29 AM:

[spyshots]BMW X3

Following the demand for the larger 5-Series based X5 4x4, the BMW X3 - unsurprisingly, based on the 3-Series - is to go into production in 2004. BMW has signed a deal with four-wheel drive specialists Magna Steyr for development and production of the X3, a 3-Series-based 4x4. Expect a car of similar character to the hugely successful X5, but in miniature. That will mean a four-wheel drive that's particularly good on-road (for a 4x4), pretty capable off it, good to sit in, well made and very probably, highly desirable. Engines will come from the 3 series range, and are likely to include the familiar 2.5 and 3.0 six cylinder petrol engines as well as the 3.0 litre diesel. Prices are likely to start from well under Ł30,000.

The X3 will be developed and built by Magna Steyr - part of SFT (Steyr-Daimler-Puch Fahrzeugtechnik) - in Graz, Austria. Professor Joachim Milberg, Chairman of the BMW board, said somewhat mystically: "Those who work alone can only accumulate, but those who cooperate intelligently can multiply. Our cooperation with Magna Steyr increases the speed and flexibility of our company and is a further milestone in the consistent implementation of our product offensive". Dr. Burhkard Goschel, member of the Development Board, went on to explain: "We are making sure, right in the development process, that the X3 will be a BMW through and through. Components where BMW is a step ahead in terms of expertise will continue to be developed by BMW engineers solely".

Magna Steyr/SFT has a long and credible heritage in four-wheel drive development and assembly (anyone remember the Steyr-Puch Haflinger?), though in recent years much of this has been in collaboration with DaimlerChrysler. SFT currently makes the Mercedes G- and M-Class 4x4s and the Jeep Grand Cherokee in Graz. It also built Mercedes' 4-Matic W124-Series E-Class models. Magna Steyr will build a new assembly line for the X3 in Graz, and modify its current paint shop and shell construction facilities; around 2,500 new employees will be recruited to build the X3, as well as 400 new engineers for pre-production development. The facilities will be designed to build over 300 vehicles a day for all world markets.