The BMW brand is revered by owners and respected by rivals because of its reputation for making driver-focused vehicles. Even the most jaded motorist with loads of “typical BMW driver” stories to share will not hesitate to admit that it’s a Bimmer’s engineering that makes it a sought-after driver’s car.
So it’s no surprise that even the SUVs (or SAVs – Sports Activity Vehicles – as BMW likes to call them) produced by the Munich-based manufacturer are imbued with the same traits evident in the rest of the model range.
The BMW X3 and its uncluttered dashboard minimises distractions to keep the driver alert.
BMW has somehow made short work of the challenges posed by the substantial mass and higher centre of gravity inherent in these four-wheel drive machines – problems not every automaker has succeeded in overcoming.
Circumventing the laws of physics, however, was only half of the equation, for the new BMW X3 still had to contend with a less-than-stellar reputation for build quality.
The BMW X3’s instruments include an indicator for EfficientDynamics, which few will pay heed to.
The original BMW X3 greeted passengers with hard plastics in its cabin and showed off its “rugged” nature with its unpainted fender and bumper trimmings. And although it sold well, the overall package did not justify its premium price tag.
All that has changed with the brand-new BMW X3. Gone is the predecessor’s questionable design – in its place is an SAV with looks derived from its larger, more handsome X5 sibling.
Better materials are used in the construction of the BMW X3’s cabin, which delivers the upmarket feel befitting this model. There is plenty of room in the back seat for passengers, and even the taller ones will find this interior to be nothing short of cavernous.
The BMW X3’s roominess keeps occupants relaxed and leaves the driver free to concentrate on the action taking place in front of him on the 8.8-inch Control Display to the left of the instrument cluster.
BMW X3 and its iDrive system enables easy access, via Bluetooth, to music stored on your mobile phone.
The generous screen area allows information from different categories in the iDrive system to be displayed simultaneously. For instance, a driver could browse through his music without having to hide the navigation map.
When not searching for directions, the driver can utilise the BMW X3’s DDC (Dynamic Damping Control), which allows the suspension and drivetrain to be adjusted on the fly via a switch beside the gearshift lever. Going from Normal to Sport mode not only stiffens the suspension, it also sharpens engine response and quickens gear changes.
BMW X3’s high-tech gearshift lever looks more like a joystick from an F16 cockpit.
Drivers who want greater control over the 8-speed automatic can do so via the paddles located behind the wheel. If you’re used to six ratios, though, you’ll need to keep reminding yourself that there’s still two more for you to play with in the BMW X3.
If it’s mischief you want to get into, there’s more than you’ll need in the BMW X3’s turbocharged straight-six powerplant. While its tone is not particularly pleasing, there’s a strange satisfaction in hearing the engine’s raspy vocals.
BMW X3 interior offers plenty of space for children and tall passengers alike.
With 306bhp on tap and 400Nm from just 1200rpm (that’s a mere twitch of your right foot), the 1.8-tonne BMW X3 can accomplish the century sprint in 5.7 seconds. You’d best take your foot off the accelerator whenever you feel a sneeze coming.
Speed is always welcome, but what makes the BMW X3 really stand out is its communicative chassis. You can feel the moment you’re about to lose traction and, right on cue, the tyres chirp and begin to slide. It’s this sort of feedback that keen drivers crave.
BMW X3’s boot offers 550 litres with the rear seats up and 1600 litres with the rear seats folded.
The only downside to such performance is fuel consumption. BMW claims a combined figure of 11.4 kilometres per litre for the BMW X3, but the demands of city driving will almost certainly knock those numbers down. Luckily, the vehicle comes with an Auto Start-Stop function to mitigate this.
Under the bonnet of the BMW X3 is a powerful, turbocharged 3-litre inline-6.
When you come to a halt, the engine cuts out (but leaves on-board systems like the air-con running) to save fuel. When you lift your foot off the brake pedal and depress the accelerator, the engine fires up again. It’s not perfect in practice, but the shudder associated with every motor restart is kept to a minimum.
Also doing its part to lessen the motor’s thirst for petrol is the Brake Energy Regeneration system, which stores kinetic energy otherwise lost through braking and stores it in the battery. Once the battery is charged, the alternator is disengaged, thus reducing the load on the engine.
Despite these eco-features, make no mistake – the BMW X3 is still very much a performance-oriented vehicle. This new model is exactly what its predecessor should have been. Refined, spacious and more competent than before, the X3 truly puts the “sports” in mid-sized sports-utility.
Adjustable suspension and drivetrain give the BMW X3 extra versatility.
BMW X3 xDrive35i 3.0 (A)
ENGINE 2979cc, 24-valves, inline-6, turbocharged
MAX POWER 306bhp at 5800rpm
MAX TORQUE 400Nm at 1200-5000rpm
GEARBOX 8-speed automatic with manual select
0-100KM/H 5.7 seconds
TOP SPEED 245km/h
CONSUMPTION 11.4km/L (combined)
PRICE INCL. COE $264,800 (as of May 2011)
Check out the latest BMW X3
