INTERNATIONAL. The BMW X3 continues to set the standard in the ???mid-size segment for off-road vehicles and SAVs???, and has been voted the all-terrain vehicle of the year by readers of Europe??™s most widely sold all-wheel drive car magazine, ???Auto Bild Alles Allrad??™. Previously this year the BMW X3 was also voted the 'Off-road Vehicle of the Year' by car magazine Offroad.

???The BMW X3 has a strong following in the Middle East, with sales 23% higher in 2006 compared to 2005,??? said Phil Horton, Managing Director, BMW Group Middle East,??? In addition to this, regional sales for this successful model up to June 2007 have also increased by 10% in comparison to the same period last year.

???Our customers demand exclusivity, high quality and excellent performance from all BMW models and the new BMW X3 is no exception, delivering sporty handling and premium comfort.???

Offering a unique combination of agility and versatility, the new BMW X3 has continued its predecessor??™s unique story of success, having launched in the region in November 2006. Powerful new engines, fresh design and a sophisticated interior make BMW??™s Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) already widely lauded for its outstanding agility and driving dynamics even more attractive than before.

The new BMW X3 also features BMW??™s new generation of straight-six petrol engines, boasting a composite magnesium/aluminium crankcase, the VALVETRONIC and bi-VANOS. These engines deliver maximum output of 200 kW/272 hp (up by 30 kW/41 hp over the previous engine) and, respectively, 160 kW/218 hp (up by 19 kW/26 hp). Even more effective and faster interaction of BMW??™s intelligent xDrive all-wheel drive with DSC Dynamic

Stability Control and engine management is ensured on all engine variants by Integrated Chassis Managements (ICM) with its optimised computer technology.

Featuring an even more sophisticated system of Dynamic Stability Control, the BMW X3 is enhanced by numerous additional functions. BMW??™s new DSC not only ensures superior driving stability and traction, but also optimises the effect of the brakes by increasing brake pressure as required in response to even the slightest fading under extremely high brake temperatures.

(DSC) Dynamic Stability Control also comprises the (ABS) anti-lock brake system, (ASC) Automatic Stability Control, (HDC) Hill Descent Control, Trailer Stability Control, and (CBC) Cornering Brake Control preventing the vehicle from swerving whenever the driver applies the brakes lightly in a bend.

Given its wide range of qualities, the BMW X3 has become an outstanding achiever in international car markets. With virtually unlimited options in the use of the vehicle, sporting and dynamic driving characteristics, the stylish presence of the X3??™s body design, and superior quality of finish make the new BMW X3 a genuine point of difference in the all-wheel-drive market.

Source: [url=http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?id=11735&t=1&c=34&cg=4]Business Intelligence Middle East[/url]