The first major update of BMW's compact luxury SUV brings worthwhile improvements in performance, quality and equipment.
Value for money
Pricing
The X3 2.5si manual is $65,900; the six speed automatic costs $68,500. The X3 3.0si automatic is $73,900. The X3 3.0d is $75,900.
Warranty
Two years/unlimited kilometres, which is below average.
Standard features
The X3 includes leather upholstery, six airbags, cruise control, leather wrapped wheel, 17 inch alloy wheels, roof rails, rain sensing automatic wipers, fog lights, Data Dot security, front and rear parking sensors, Bluetooth compatibility, automatic air, trip computer and a CD player.
Options: Sunroof $3300; comfort front seats $2750; sport front seats $1340; metallic paint $1,700; M Sport package $3500… and many more.
Retained value
A three year old X3 3.0 currently retains 63 per cent of its new price, which is excellent.
Design and Function
Ergonomics
The X3's interior has been given a big upgrade in style, practicality and quality for 2007.
The driver faces a twin cockpit style dash, modelled on the E46 3 Series.
A height/reach adjustable leather wrapped wheel, height adjustable seat and long seat travel allow the driving position to be tailored to most physiques, though a bit more seat travel would be useful.
The driver's seat is exceptionally comfortable and supportive on a long drive.
Improved oddment storage includes bigger door bins and a more practical centre console. All that's really missing is a six stack CD in the dash.
Innovation
The 2007 X3 runs BMW's 2.5/3.0 litre magnesium/aluminium alloy block straight six petrol engines.
The 2.5si produces 160kW of power at 6500 rpm and 250Nm of torque from 2750 rpm.
The 3.0si produces 200kW at 6600 rpm and 315Nm at 2750rpm.
The 3.0 straight six turbo diesel, carried over, produces 160kW at 4000rpm and 480Nm from 1750rpm.
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 (40 percent front/60 percent rear in normal driving, but up to 100 percent to either end if required), the front suspension layout, the full complement of traction, stability, and hill descent electronic aids and the latest Bosch ABS system, with disc wiping, pad readiness in emergency stops and fade compensation.
The X3 runs on more aggressive tyres than its large stable-mate - 235/55s on 17 inch alloy wheels.
Safety
The X3 has not yet been tested to ANCAP protocols.
Security
The previous model was the top scorer in its class, achieving 95 out of a possible 120 in NRMA Insurance car theft ratings.
Comfort
The optional sport and comfort driver's seats are exceptionally comfortable and supportive on a long drive. The sports seat is heavily bolstered and holds you securely when cornering. This is one SUV where a sports seat is actually useful.
The standard driver's seat is also quite comfortable, though without the supportive contouring of the others.
Space and practicality
The back seat has reasonable leg room for tall occupants. The new seat offers much better padding and comfort than previously, though it is still quite flat and unsupportive, as is the backrest.
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.
When all seats are in use, floor space is comparable with a mid size hatchback or small wagon. The floor 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 longitudinal floor rails/adjustable anchors for securing a load and a restraining net.
Three rear seat child restraint anchors are located in the middle of the floor, which is hopelessly impractical.
Speaking of which, the X3 gets a space saver spare.
Build and finish quality
An area of major improvement. BMW subcontracts the assembly of the X3 to an Austrian factory, and its lack of attention to detail, plus some distinctly un-BMW quality materials, were all too evident in the 2004 original. BMW has obviously told the subcontractor to lift its game.
On the road
Fuel efficiency
BMW's six cylinder petrol engines are among the most fuel efficient in their class. We haven't yet done the fuel numbers on the new X3, but BMW claims improved economy, which on past form should be the case.
European standard test figures, which are generally an accurate guide, are as follows: 2.5si auto: 14.1 litres/100 km city/7.8 highway (premium); 3.0si: 14.3/8.0; 3.0d: 11.2/7.1.
Performance
The X3's new drivetrains are also a significant improvement over their predecessors in performance and refinement.
The 2.5si auto goes nicely, but is not over-endowed with bottom end grunt compared with the 3.0 litre engines, especially the diesel. It needs more than 3000 revs on board to really perform, but the X3's modest weight, and the new six speed auto, help its cause.
The 3.0 petrol variant is the quickest of the X3 line-up. It jumps off the line and delivers a seamless, impeccably smooth surge of power right across the rev range.
The pick of the engines though is the 3.0 turbo diesel. It is only fractionally slower than the petrol (8.5 seconds to 100km/h, as against 8.1 seconds), returns great economy, and offers exceptionally useful torque at low revs. Unless you listen to it from outside the car, you're unaware it's a diesel.
The six speed's shifts are smooth and timely, though when matched with the petrol engines a slightly more sporty calibration would be appropriate.
Ride
The ride is still firm, but more compliant and comfortable than on the first model.
Handling and steering
The X3 is the best handling SUV or 4WD on the road. Its light weight is evident in great agility and turn in responsiveness. The suspension is relatively firm; allied with the sticky, low profile (by 4WD standards) tyres, it provides excellent roadholding and control at highway speeds.
The steering is much improved at low speeds compared with the original X3. In tight corners it is accurate and, by SUV standards, very communicative.
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 has to be experienced to be believed.
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.
Braking
The ABS equipped brakes have ample power, and the pedal sensitivity required for precise braking control on loose surfaces.
Smoothness and quietness
The petrol end diesel engines offer outstanding refinement. Wind and road noise are also minimal.
Summary
The 2004 X3 didn't quite win us over for two reasons. Its quality was not up to scratch, and price/size wise it was too close to the larger X5, so you may as well have bought one of those.
With the new X5 now an even bigger seven seater, wearing higher pricetags, and the aforementioned improvements to the X3, we're happy to recommend it if you want an SUV that's comfortable, compact and easy to drive in town and enjoyable to drive on the open road, where it really handles.
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.
