It seems I missed the memo on the BMW X3. When I clicked the key fob in order to find the X3 test car in the crowded BMW dealership car park, I was surprised when the front of this Fire Red SUV lit up. It looked like some kind of new energy i model. But then I remembered; the X3 had entered a new generation, the model adopting a more radical looking front end. Like others in the range, the grille has exploded, the kidneys lit up with ‘Iconic Glow’ contour lighting to really press the point. You won’t miss the X3 at night. In profile this new SUV is more restrained, yet still dynamic, as is the treatment of the rear.
It’s the fourth gen of the X3 and, as per the playbook, it’s a little bigger than the old one (4755mm in length), better equipped and more efficient. The X3 20d xDrive is the entry point of the range, with a plug-in hybrid now available too. There is also the M50 xDrive and we can probably expect a full-blown X3M at some point.
While diesel is no longer part of the passenger car line-up, oilers are still an option in the larger BMW SUVs. This one is the latest in a line of excellent four-cylinder diesels from the brand, the 2.0-litre unit making 145kW and 400Nm. As the xDrive badging suggests, it sends that out to all four wheels via the usual eight-speed auto. New is 48v electrification, which in the diesel means an 8kW/25Nm starter generator integrated into the belt drive helping both restart the engine without hesitation and giving a slight power boost from the off. That helps trim the lag from the getaway and its quickly into its plentiful reserves of torque. This is well managed by the auto, settling the revs into an easy gait while it’s quick to kick down when extra is needed.
For efficiency it’s okay too. While consumption is rated at 6.5L/100km, a figure in the high eights is what a mix of urban and motorway use will return.
Adaptive suspension makes the standard item list, so the ride quality is as easy as the torque delivery here. Couple that with lightweight steering and a manageable turning radius, and this is fuss-free premium motoring.
There’s the usual onslaught of BMW connected services (which don’t really connect with us) but the more useful digital assistants are the ones that help the driver. BMW’s ‘assisted driving’ cruise control you’ll appreciate on the motorways. This expertly tracks the lane, and takes care of lane changes too. The safety beeps are all but non-existent and there are no constant reminders to keep your hands on the wheel if you are casually driving along with just one of your paws on the rim. It’s quick to pick up speed limit changes and suggests adopting the new limit, which is easily done with a tap of the ‘Set’ button. Oddly however, it’s not easy to adjust your following distance to the car in front. You can by delving into the iDrive screen but that’s hardly user friendly, and even when you set the gap to ‘close’ it still leaves too much room, inviting others to push in ahead of you. Potentially it is BMW’s way of preventing its drivers from tailgating, which the Internet will tell you is a well-known trait of Beemer owners. The cruise is also great at sorting traffic flows when they jam up thanks to auto stop start function. You can also revert to regular adaptive cruise to help you keep speed in check, which we found preferable on highway-type roads. And the X3 is a good cruiser, quiet enough and riding well too.
This might not be the sports model, but the 20d sure knows how to round up those bends with typical BMW control and composure. BMW continues with its My Modes button. Most of these are more about setting the mood in the cabin. But in the scheme of the drive, you switch between Personal (normal) or Sport (maybe Efficiency if you’re after max range). Sport ramps up the enthusiasm and tightens the body control for maximum cornering effect. If that’s a bit much, but you’re after a little more action, the auto can be amped up simply by clicking into its S mode.
The xDrive AWD system is a variable set-up, with a rear-wheel bias for added agility. Well balanced, and with generous rubber patches, this X3 steers keenly through the curves. It maintains a nicely judged neutrality in the bends. The balance and controlled movements minimise the tendency to push into understeer. Even when you try to provoke it, BMW’s stability controls are top shelf, maintaining the X3’s dignity from such a heavy-handed approach. The torque is divided up front to rear via the electronically-controlled multi-plate clutch in the transfer case, ensuring there’s always enough traction. Its wheel weighting is nicely judged, not too hefty with just enough sensation too.
Even the diesel performs admirably. It can rev to 5000rpm, but really it’s done about 500rpm earlier. It has an interesting little rasp to it as well. Rounding out a pleasurable drive, the brakes get the solid pass mark too.
Well balanced and with generous rubber patches, this X3 steers keenly through the curves.
The 20d kicks off at $111,990 and is well specified as you’d hope for such an ask. There’s no real need to spend up on options, though they charge extra for any colour other than white. Still, the test car had $10k of extras. The $4k Comfort pack adds seat heaters to the rear and ventilation for those up front, along with privacy glass, blinds in the rear and a wheel warmer. A further $6k Enhancement pack adds metallic paint, a glass roof, HK sounds and an alarm.
The interior gives a flashy vibe on first encounter. They may have overdone the ambient lighting (thick strips of it on the doors, the console, the dash) while there’s a mix of materials used about the cabin. Some are good, though there are too many plastic surfaces, while the door pockets are unlined. Storage is adequate. There’s a spot for your devices that is given prominence at the front of the console. We are not sure why BMW persists with the iDrive controller on the console, taking up valuable real estate. It’s easier to use the touchscreen. This is quick enough, and well ordered considering the masses of stuff included. Who knows how useful it all is but the kids liked the interior camera which takes selfies of passengers.
There’s a good range of adjustment at the wheel (manual) and seat (powered) while forward vision is decent too. It’s a tad compromised to the rear but a competent surround view camera is standard. Find it hard to park and manoeuvre in tight spaces? The X3 has you covered with its parking assistant, including the reversing genie to get you out of tricky situations.
The seats are covered with a plausible fake leather, and while cooling ventilation is nice in warmer months, the fans are too noisy. As are the main vents when you have them up past level two on the fan.
The X3 is a good size, particularly if you’re a family of four. It’ll be big enough without it being cumbersome; it’s easy to park and manoeuvre around town.
The rear seat will welcome two adults in comfort, while further back the tailgate opens to an appropriately sized boot for the class. There’s a space saver spare under the floor, while the rear seat is split 40/20/40 for added load carrying versatility. When all sections are folded, you have a flat load space too. The factory fit tow bar ($2600 option) is rated to 2200kg braked (100kg down load) and appears magically from behind the bumper when required.
The X3 is the newest member of the premium set where you might be tempted by the GLC, NX or Q5, which are all around the $100k mark, give or take. The GLC has a classy conservativeness about it, and is well refined, while the X3 leads the pack dynamically, and looks more edgy than the Mercedes or Audi (which has an update coming imminently). Guess it will all depend on your thoughts about that front-end styling.
BMW X3 20d xDrive
$111,900 / 6.0L/100km / 157g/km
0-100 km/h 7.85s
80-120 km/h 5.95s (168m)
100-0 km/h 35.40m
Speedo error 98 at an indicated 100km/h
Ambient cabin noise 72.7dB@100km/h
Engine 1985cc / IL4 / TDI
Max power 145kW@4000rpm
Max torque 400Nm@1500-2750rpm
Drivetrain 8-speed auto / AWD
Front suspension Mac strut / swaybar
Rear suspension Multilink / swaybar
Turning circle 12.2m (2.5 turns)
Front brakes Ventilated discs
Rear brakes Discs
Stability systems ABS, ESP, TV
Safety AEB, ACC, BSM, LDW, RCTA, ALK, AHB
Tyre size f-255/45R20 r-285/40R20
Wheelbase 2865mm
L/W/H 4755 / 1920 / 1660mm
Trackf-1636mm r-1681mm
Fuel capacity 60L
Luggage capacity 570-1700kg
Tow rating 750kg (2500kg braked)
Service intervals Variable
Scheduled servicing 3yrs / unlimited km
Warranty 5yrs / 100,000km
ANCAP rating Not yet rated
Weight (claimed) 1890kg
