First launched back in 2004, BMW has taken an age, or so it seems, to refresh its X3. Between then and now, the Bavarian automaker has seen its mid-sized SUV beset by the likes of Audi’s Q5, Volvo’s XC60 and, most recently, by Land Rover's refreshed Freelander 2.
But if our early impressions of the xDrive20d and xDrive28i are anything to go by, this new BMW X3 – with improved handling, performance and fuel consumption – might give the current king of the class, the Q5, a bloody nose.
But has it done enough to see off the up-start Freelander2 SD4? We’ll wait until we get them all together before answering that.
While the X3 is impressive mechanically speaking, the design (particularly the headlight treatment) is a topic of hot debate. In this scribe’s opinion, it cheapens the look of the car (dare I say it reminds me of the headlights on a Hyundai Santa Fe) and that’s a shame because the rest of the design is just about spot-on.
Performance
From next week (late March), BMW will flood its dealerships across the country with the new BMW X3. From the get-go buyers will be able to choose from either the xDrive20d powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel making 135kW (at 4000rpm) and 380Nm (from 1750rpm), the xDrive28i which is powered by a gorgeous sounding 3.0-litre straight-six making 190kW (at 6600rpm) and 310Nm (from 2600rpm), and the powerhouse xDrive30d which runs a 3.0-litre straight-six turbo-diesel making 190kW (at 4000rpm) and a stump-pulling 560Nm (from 2000rpm). Fitted, as standard, to these models is a smooth-shifting and ultra-responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. Towing capacity has been upped from 1600kg to 2000kg.
Ride and handling
We sampled cars with and without BMW’s cost-optional Dynamic Damper Control. Even without DDC, the X3 boasts sublime body control, supple yet sporting ride and extreme grip. Indeed, there are very few cars on the market, and only one other in this class (the Audi Q5) that can hold a candle to the X3 on a twisting mountain road.
Tick the box for DDC (which monitors speed, driving style and road conditions and adjusts damper firmness to suit) and you get exactly the same car, only slightly more of it, if that makes sense. It feels slightly more agile and slightly more alive – although the steering, while direct and accurate, is a little too light.
Refinement
The X3 might not be as quiet or refined as a BMW sedan, but it isn’t exactly noisy either. Wind and road noise are kept to a minimum, but the xDrive20d isn’t as refined through the rev range as, say, the new Freelander2 turbo-diesel. The xDrive28i, on the other hand, is an utter joy; it offers a truly glorious engine note your ears will revel in every time you run it to redline.
Buying and owning
BMW has worked hard to spec the new X3 with more gear for less money. And while it’s not exactly a bargain when you consider the top-spec Freelander2 can be had for just $65,854, the new X3 is priced to match its rival at Audi.
Pricing starts at an unchanged $62,200 for the xDrive20d, $71,900 for the xDrive28i (which is a $3400 price drop), and $74,900 for the xDrive30d, which is a $2500 price drop compared with its predecessor.
The xDrive20d, as you’d expect, is the most frugal of the trio, returning a combined figure of just 5.6L/100km. That trumps both the more powerful Freelander2 and the equivalent Audi Q5. The petrol-powered xDrive28i returns 9.0L/100km, while the big daddy xDrive30d sips at its brew, returning just 6.0L/100km.
Quality
Not that we expected otherwise, but the X3 is another class act from BMW. The design and layout of the dash and cabin in general, and the quality of the fit and finish, are exemplary. But, whatever you do, don’t opt for the brushed aluminium transmission tunnel wrap; the reflection off it when driving during the day is unbearable.
Safety and security
Each model of X3 comes standard with run-flat tyres, front (driver and passenger), pelvic and thorax, side and curtain airbags, as well as a host of electronic aids like traction and stability control, to keep you out of trouble. In addition, the X3’s bonnet features energy-absorbing deformation zones to improve pedestrian protection. It also has dynamic brake lights to warn drivers following behind in emergency braking situations. And if you tick the box for BMW ConnectedDrive then, among other things, you’ll receive emergency calling. This is activated in the case of a rollover – just like KITT in Knight Rider, the car will call emergency services.
In terms of security, the X3 gets deadlocks, marked parts, an alarm and locking wheel nuts as part of the standard package.
Behind the wheel
Just like every other BMW being released at the moment, the X3 comes with the latest iteration of iDrive, which is much easier to use than ever before – and that isn’t damning it with faint praise. It allows you to access vehicle settings, your phone and audio, and set-up menus quickly and easily.
The driving position is good with excellent vision all around, although the seats (even the supposed sports seats) are way too big and flat, so you tend to slide from side to side during cornering. The electronic throttle is a pain, too; there’s too much dead travel in the pedal, so you find yourself leaning on it – you get nothing, nothing and then everything. It’s particularly frustrating in the xDrive20d, but it’s something you’d probably learn to drive around once you were familiar with it.
Space and practicality
The X3 is a roomy beast with plenty of head, shoulder, leg and foot room for six-foot-plus passengers. That said, the wide end on the transmission tunnel reduces foot and leg space for those passengers sitting in the middle of the rear seat.
Boot space is good with the rear seats up (these split 40/20/40), but drop them and there’s plenty of room in the boot for a mountain bike (about 1600 litres). That’s bettered by the Freelander2, which with its rear seats folded will hold 1670 litres.
Equipment
BMW has tried to fit as much extra gear into the X3, without having an upward affect on the price, as it possibly could. Standard features range from things like auto stop/start, rear-view camera, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth, front and rear parking sensors and much, much more. BMW also offers cost option lists as long as your arm – indeed, the entry-model xDrive20d alone can be had with more than 40 options, including stuff like head-up display. An M Sport trim package will go on-sale in June.
