Review: BMW X3
BMW X3 brings driver appeal to SUV class, says Tom Sharpe
The success of BMW’s X3 might not be the significant sales success it is likely to achieve, but that it is comfortably the best-driving vehicle in its class.
Even in with the supposed entry-level drivetrain, the X3 20 xDrive M Sport tested here serves up genuine driver appeal.
Relaunched for a fourth generation, prices for the Audi Q3, Mercedes GLC and the Volvo XC60 rival start at £53,305.
M Sport trim takes that to £55,105, with optional paint, 21-inch M Sport light alloys and BMW’s Technology Pack taking our test car to £58,605.
The latest X3 might standout like the new all-electric iX3 – its all-electric sibling featuring a bold Neue Klasse design language – but its rising shoulder line, minimal shut lines and LED headlights that look like hi-tech exhibits in a glass display case, are striking.
The pin stripe of white LED lighting that frames the prominent kidney grille may not be to everyone’s taste, however.
Inside, a dramatically descending dashboard adds to a sense of light and space.
The new X3 is 34mm longer and 29mm wider than before, at 4.76m and 1.92m, feeling more accommodating than the Audi Q3 I recently tested. The boot is a useful 570 litres.
BMW’s infotainment and instrument displays are combined into curved dashtop screen controlled by touch or an iDrive rotary dial which is accompanied by some useful shortcuts within the centre console. However, these shortcuts are haptic pads, rather than physical buttons, making them a little tricky to locate on-the-go.
Light panels located around the cabin change in co-ordination with the X3’s drive mode settings or provide visual cues for the various driver assistance features.
It is the main driving touchpoints that BMW gets so right, though.
The steering column and supportive front seats are easily adjusted into the perfect position. A chunky, flat-bottomed steering wheel accesses a communicative helm. And that’s where the good stuff starts.
Our test car’s 211bhp and 330Nm less than the equivalent Audi Q3 S line, its 7.8 second acceleration to 62mph and 134mph top speed slower, but its turbocharged two-litre petrol engine at its core is smooth and free-revving.
Furthermore, X3’s eight-speed gearbox exhibits far better low-speed manners than its dual-clutched rival.
Mild hybrid technology also helps the X3 achieve 40.9mpg fuel economy and 172-156g/km CO2 emissions; sensible figures for a petrol-powered SUV.
But the X3 is more fun than its performance statistics suggest.
It is nimbler than its rivals and rides with impressive pliability. In an era of heavyweight electric SUVs, it feels like a fleet-footed featherweight.
Driver enjoyment might not be at the top of most family-SUV buyers’ priorities, but the BMW X3 delivers it, with little in the way of compromise to dampen its effect.
Specications
BMW X3 20 xDrive M Sport
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol
£58,605 (as tested)
Power: 211bhp
Torque: 330Nm
Transmission: eight-speed Steptronic
Top Speed: 134mph
0-62mph: 7.8 seconds
Economy: 40.9mpg
CO2 emissions: 172-156g/km