German auto giant BMW announced plans last week to introduce the X3 SAV (sports activity vehicle), its latest car design, to the Chinese market.

The X3 3.0i, the first model to be marketed in the X3 series, will be available in BMW's authorized dealerships across China this month.

The high-class SAV, equipped with a five-gear automatic transmission, is able to go from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in 8.1 seconds, and can reach speeds as high as 224 kilometers per hour, according to the company.

As an SAV -- different from the more traditional SUV (sports utility vehicle) -- the X3 series is designed to target car lovers who value both off-road performance and a comfortable driving experience.

(Xinhua News Agency August 1, 2004)