Reborn for Limitless Exploration
The All New BMW X3 Grand Tour Concludes in Xinjiang

٠ Gobi desert, lakes, and mountains accentuate athletic design of all new X3
٠ With an abundance of smart technologies that outpaces the premium mid-size SUV segment, the X3 provides extra convenience and comfort when driving in the beautiful scenery.
٠ Authentic BMW with the brand’s typical driving pleasure
٠ The pure “X” offroad DNA conquers all terrains
٠ Explore the limitless horizon with the “X” spirit

(Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region) From June 28 to July 11, the All New BMW X3 Grand Tour under the theme of “Reborn for Limitless Exploration” was successfully held in west China’s Xinjiang province. Different from previous test drives, the tour adopted the innovative “relay” form with four completely different routes. As a member of the BMW X family, the all new X3 boasts athletic design, all-terrain performance and excellent handling, as well as the product claim “Made to be counted on”, which all perfectly coincide with Xinjiang.

Encompassing 1.66 million square kilometers, Xinjiang covers 1/6 of the total land area of China. Landform characteristics of Xinjiang are described as mountains and basins alternating with each other, basins and oases caught in mountains’ embrace. Local people simply describe this characteristic as “three mountains with a basin between each two”. Mountain Altai lies in the north, Mountain Kunlun in the south, while Mountain Tianshan lay along the middle dividing Xinjiang into two parts. Other land forms including lakes, forests, Gobi, and deserts contribute to the stunning diversity of Xinjiang. Xinjiang culture has been well-known for the Silk Road since the ancient times. In this over 3,000 km test drive, all new BMW X3s crossed Bortala, Yili, Nalati, Bayanbulak, Kuqa, and Aksu to finally arrive in Kashgar.

Dazzling Canyons and Lakes of the Fairyland in North Xinjiang

In the first leg spanning 2 days and 800 km, the all new BMW X3s started from the Dushanzi District of Karamay and went across the Dushanzi Grand Canyon, Valleys of Fantastic Rocks, and Sayram Lake.

Xinjiang’s majestic beauty is matched stride for stride by the X3’s robust, masculine design. The large double-kidney grilles adopt the inverted trapezoid design for the first time; complemented by the large lower air inlet, an aggressive diving visual is created. Other factors creating a strong visual impact include the rougher hexagonal wheels and the Full LED taillight with 3D design.

Driving ahead to the Valleys of Fantastic Rocks, you can awaken your imagination to appreciate the wonderful, surreal rock formations.

The smart technologies of the all new BMW X3 facilitate carefree appreciation of the beautiful scenery. Observation of all surroundings becomes easy, almost second-nature with the all new X3’s Remote 3D View. Never worry again about forgetting your parking slot as you can check the vehicle position with the “BMW Connected” APP in real time. With the Display Key, checking the time, remaining fuel, current driving range, service notification, central lock system, windows, and sunroof is now easy. On hot days, the Display Key can open the vehicle ventilation system in advance to keep the interior comfortably cool. In addition to recharging the Display Key, the wireless charging device is also able to recharge wireless chargeable smartphones.

After leaving the fantastic rocks, the fleet headed to Sayram Lake. With a surface elevation of 2,071m, longitudinal length of 30km, latitudinal measurement of 25km, an area of 453 square kilometers, water storage of 21 billion cubic meters, Sayram Lake is the largest and highest lake in Xinjiang. The lake water is crystal clear with transparency as far as 12 meters.

The 5D HMI system can prevent distractions from appreciating the scenery. For example, by virtue of the gesture control feature of the all new BMW X3, you can reject an untimely call by waving your hand. Furthermore, you can say, “Play the song ‘Wind and Waves Appear Beside Sayram Lake’”, and the Natural Language Understanding (NLU) will obey your wish immediately.

Running on the Open Field and Crossing the Tianshan Mountains

With a distance of more than 600km, the second portion started from Yining and went across Gongliu County, Nalati Grassland, and the famous Dushanzi-Kuqa Highway. After hiking in the Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon, the all new BMW X3 fleet crossed the Tianshan Mountains, headed for South Xinjiang, and arrived in Kuqa.

On the Nalati Grassland, endless green grass grows under the azure sky. The luxury features of the all new BMW X3 are comparable to those of the all new BMW 7-Series and 5-Series sedans on the CLAR platform, such as the Sensatec leather wrapped instrument panel and black glossy trim panel or Fineline Cove wood grain trim panel available on different models. Ambient lighting with 11 color combinations and fine Vermasca leather seats deliver unparalleled comfort. The seat cushion, exclusively thickened by 12-15mm for China, adjustable backrest, ambient air package, and advanced SynTAK technology for the silence of powertrain create instantly more relaxing conditions for the rear row passengers and alleviate stress and fatigue in their rides. The 1.12 square meter panoramic sunroof enables you to fully enjoy the sunshine.

Heading for Kuqa along the winding Dushanzi-Kuqa Highway, the all new BMW X3 entered the mountains and effortlessly navigated the winding, thrilling road.

The front and rear axle load ratio of 50:50, the body-in-white weight reduction of 55kg compared with the previous model, and the body rigidity increase of 30% all contribute to the unparalleled driving dynamics and pleasure that are now synonymous with the all new BMW X3. Regardless of sharp or normal turns, handling is always quite simply, flawless. The more efficient and intelligent xDrive AWD system monitors the dynamics of the wheels at all times for real-time adjustments.

All new BMW X3 is equipped with the innovative BMW Personal Co-Pilot system. Its adaptive cruise control (ACC) system is able to accurately identify the road speed limit and no entry signs, and actively adjust the speed within the limit scope under 210km/h. In case of traffic jam on the everyday urban roads, its traffic jam assist function will be activated. In the monotonous driving conditions characterized by frequent stops and starts, automatic braking or acceleration can maintain a safe interval. Moreover, the Active Lane Keeping Assistant, Front Collision Warning, Collision Avoidance Assistance, and Evasion Assistance can drastically minimize the occurrence of an accident.

The unique Adaptive Driving Mode ensures every comfortable and pleasant journey with proactive shifting of driving mode under different road conditions, based on the system‘s self-learning of drivers’ driving mode.

Crossing the canyons and Gobi deserts

The third leg of the journey started from Kuqa in Southern Xinjiang, which is full of Gobi deserts. In particular, Wensu Grand Canyon and its surrounding areas boast rarely seen ancient halite scenery and grotesque Yadan landform scenery as well as the huge and seen only in China Karst erosion scenery, arguably a “live museum of geological evolution history”.

The intelligent BMW xDrive AWD system underpins the strong all-terrain performance of the all new BMW X3. Facing the complicated Gobi desert road conditions, its standard BMW xDrive demonstrates strong ability to foresee the out of control tendency of the vehicle to, within a very short time, rapidly transmit the power to the wheel(s) with the best adhesive force, and the traction distribution ranges from 0 to 100%.

The hill descent control or HDC function simplifies driving down dangerous slopes. When a wheel loses its grip, the Antilock Brake System (ABS) system is activated to assist with the braking, so that the vehicle can rapidly regain the traction and run down the slope safely and stably. When the HDC is activated, you just need to control the steering wheel; the brake lights will also be turned on, and the driving speed can only be adjusted between 3km/h and 25km/h, which greatly improves the vehicle control.

The offroad talent of the BMW X family and typical offroad traits are quite evident. Since the all new BMW X3 has the highest ground clearance of 216 mm in its class, and an approach angle of up to 25.6°, leading to stronger passing ability, the X3 is effortlessly able to cope with various offroad conditions. In addition, the all new BMW X3 features the body posture display unique in segment. You can check the vehicle posture on the 10.25 inch large central touch CID to better estimate the front road conditions and to prevent an accident.

Challenging the Pamir Plateau

In the last section, the all new BMW X3 fleet drove further south to higher elevation areas, the beautiful Pamir Plateau with breath-taking scenery, mainly passed the White Sand Lake, Karakuri Lake, and Taheman Wetland, and finally arrived in Kashgar Old Town.

Surrounded by the white sand, the White Sand Lake reflects the White Sand Mountain. Driving ahead to the area with the elevation of over 3,600m, a moving scene was created by the aesthetically stimulating pairing of the Muztagata Mountains with the Karakuri Lake.

The power of the all new BMW X3 does not fear the plateau. Despite operating at an elevation of over 3,600m, the X3 is not compromised a bit because of the lower air density. The enhanced B48 turbo-charged engine is able to create potent output of up to 185kW and 350Nm. Complemented by the 8-speed automatic/manual transmission, the vehicle (xDrive 30i) can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in merely 6.8 seconds.

Taheman Wetland is surrounded by mountains. Due to its low terrain, numerous mountain springs flow into this area and form the largest grassland base in Tashkurghan. This oasis on the plateau sustains numerous herdsmen.

The last stop is the hub on the ancient Silk Road, an exotic place - Kashgar Old Town. Recollecting the magnificent scenery in the tour, life is a symbol, an attitude of pursuing freedom, a spirit of exploring the unknown, and deep pondering on life. We are not only independent individuals, but we also have family, friends, and missions to struggle for. Embrace the beauty, the natural conditions, and the journey in such a miraculous land as Xinjiang as the BMW X3 clearly has!

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