BMW's X5 is regarded as the standard setter in the luxury 4WD class. Its new, smaller sibling - the X3 - has similarly impressive performance and dynamics; however in some other respects it is not quite up to BMW's usual standards, or those of its rivals.
Value for money
Pricing
The X3 2.5 costs $65,300 with a six-speed manual gearbox, or $67,900 with a five-speed-Steptronic automatic. The X3 3.0 (tested here) costs $74,600, with the five-speed auto only.
Warranty
Two years/unlimited kilometres, which is below average in years.
Standard features
The X3 includes automatic airconditioning, an in dash CD player, leather upholstery (cloth in the 2.5), cruise control, roof rails, rain sensing wipers, remote central locking and a trip computer.
Retained value
The X3 is a new model, with no history, but based on X5 resale values expect it to be well above average.
Design and function
Ergonomics
The driver faces a slim, functional dash, modelled on the Z4. The small, uncluttered instrument binnace houses the speedo and tacho, which have fake metal bezels and silver needles.
The test car had an optional pop up sat nav/TV/audio display screen to on the top of the dash (the space is used as oddment storage if you don't tick the box) with a single knob for moving around the screen and selecting functions.
At least having the screen up near your line of sight, rather than lower down on the dash, makes it easier and safer to operate, although like all such displays it does tend to distract your gaze from where it should be directed
The test car's centre console bin was occupied by the optional six-stack CD unit, so apart from the netted door bins oddment storage was inadequate.
A height/reach adjustable leather wrapped wheel, height adjustable seat (with optional power adjustment on the test car) and long seat travel allow the driving position to be tailored to any physique.
Vision is clear around the car, though the relatively high window sills, and dark interior trim, do engender a slightly boxed in feeling.
Innovation
The X3 is built on a modified 3 series unitary platform. It's obviously smaller than the X5, particularly in width. The X3 3.0 is also more than 250 kg lighter than the X5 3.0, at a relatively modest 1765 kg.
Many X5 features are carried over to the X3, including xDrive, which uses an electronic clutch to apportion power between axles, the front suspension layout, the full complement of traction, stability, and hill descent electronic aids and ten airbags.
Safety
The X3 has not yet been tested, but expect it to score at least four stars out of five.
Security
Remote central locking and an immobiliser are provided.
Comfort
The driver's seat is more generously padded and bolstered than usual from BMW, and is exceptionally comfortable and supportive on a long drive.
Space and practicality
Front seat passengers, as in the X5, will have to push their seat back to avoid their knees being wedged up against the dash.
The back seat has reasonable leg room for tall occupants, however it is underpadded, positioned too close to the floor, and completely lacking in support.
The load area is accessed via a single piece roof hinged tailgate. If you're more than 180 cm tall, you will sooner or later bash your head on the protruding lock.
The floor is actually longer than the X5's, though much narrower, and the steeply angled rear window restricts capacity. It is easily extended to an almost flat 1.8 metres by folding the 60/40 split rear seat backs; a load cover is provided, plus longitundal floor rails/adjustable anchors for securing a load.
Three rear seat child restraint anchors are located in the middle of the floor, under holes cut out of the floor itself - a rather cheap touch which is also impractical.
The X3 also gets a space saver spare, which is inadequate for Australian driving conditions and distances. A low pressure tyre indicator on the dash is of little use if you find yourself a long way from home with a flat.
Build and finish quality
Not up to BMW's usual standards. The quality of materials, fit and finish in the cabin was ordinary, and the test car had a few squeaks and rattles.
On the road
Fuel efficiency
The test car used 10-12 litres/100 km on the highway, and 15-17 litres/100 km in town, which reasonable. Larger, heavier 4WDs use more fuel. Regular is fine, but premium is recommended for peak performance.
Performance
The X3 accelerates very quickly off the line, as xDrive keeps the electronic clutch locked for maximum traction.
BMW's 3.0 litre six is still one of the best in the business, particularly in its smoothness, responsiveness and top end performance.
Against some rivals' larger capacity engines, and compared with the superb 3.0 turbo diesel six in the X5, it is starting to feel somewhat lacking in bottom end torque. The five speed shifts early and often to maintain momentum on hills, though you can overcome this by using the manual shift feature.
The five-speed Steptronic works effectively and unobtrusively most of the time. It has a couple of annoying habits. It unnecessarily kicks down when you touch the brakes, and, when you're using cruise control, can occasionally hold a lower gear for too long after a climb.
Ride
The X3's ride, especially around town, is a bit too firm and fussy.
Overall the X3's suspension/tyre package lacks the low speed finesse and absorbency of its larger X5 stablemate; however compliance and comfort improve at highway speeds.
Handling and steering
The X3 runs on more aggressive tyres than the X5 - 235/55 Pirellis on 17 inch alloy wheels (235/65 17s on the 3.0 X5.)
The X3's light weight is evident in great agility and turn in responsiveness, although in tighter corners it does feel slightly more top heavy than the X5, perhaps due to its narrower tracks.
The suspension is relatively firm; allied with the sticky, low profile (by 4WD standards) tyres, it provides excellent roadholding and control at highway speeds.
While crossover wagons are sometimes derided as B grade four-wheel drives, the X3/X5, Ford's Territory and others with the latest Bosch traction and stability control systems will leave a LandCruiser or Patrol behind on a dirt road, simply because they can be driven with greater controllability and safety margins.
The fast, seamless, precise manner in which the X3's stability and xDrive systems work together to detect slippage on a wet or unsealed surface, correct it, and maintain vehicle speed while doing so is remarkable.
In the X3's case, its relatively light weight further enhances its poise and manoeuvrability on dirt.
On more difficult bush tracks, the same technology gives the X3 the traction to tackle quite steep climbs, descents and slippery conditions. It also has a generous 200 mm of ground clearance.
The X3's steering is quite strange at suburban speeds, where the wheel feels dead, indirect and vague. However it comes good on the open road, where accuracy and weighting are fine.
Braking
The ABS equipped brakes have plenty of power, and the pedal sensitivity required for precise braking control on loose surfaces.
Smoothness and quietness
The 3.0 litre six is very smooth, but under hard acceleration it does sound a bit breathless. While the X3 is reasonably refined overall, it is less so than the X5 and other rivals such as the Lexus RX330.
Summary
BMW's X3 3.0 is a spirited performer with excellent dynamics, as you would expect from BMW. However in some other areas, notably quality, comfort and specification, it doesn't live up to its price tag, or the badge. The larger X5 costs $9,400 more; the Lexus RX300 is $3,210 less. Both are better value for money.
The writer of this report does not necessarily represent the views of the NRMA and this report is provided for you as an alternative to our own NRMA car reviews.
The writer of this report does not necessarily represent the views of the NRMA and this report is provided for you as an alternative to our own NRMA car reviews.
