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10 February 2012

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BMW X3 road test report

BMW X3

It’s telling that BMW’s new X3 is only marginally smaller than the first generation X5 SUV. BMW’s small off-roader is now a much bigger and a more accomplished machine, doing away with its predecessor’s reputation for a less than supple ride comfort and iffy build quality. In their places comes a splendidly rounded and able four-wheel drive family car that makes a very convincing case for itself as an alternative to a 3- or 5 Series Touring estate. Given the poor weather the UK has endured in recent winters, the X3 could well become the smart choice for BMW customers looking for the ultimate driving all-rounder.

Performance

BMW has simplified its engine range for the X3 to the point of minimalism. The only motor available is a 2.0-litre turbodiesel, which is no hardship as this unit accounted for the vast majority of sales of the previous X3. It’s also no hardship because the 2.0-litre turbodiesel produces a very satisfying 184bhp to deliver 0-62mph in 8.5 seconds regardless of whether you choose the standard six-speed manual gearbox or BMW’s eight-speed automatic transmission. With 280lb ft of shove spread from 1750- to 2750rpm, which is a broader band of torque than most rivals can muster, the X3 is never short of answer when its driver asks for more acceleration. It pulls clean and strong through the gears and the manual ’box has BMW’s typically light and accurate shift action. However, it’s the eight-speed auto that is the better bet for most buyers as it’s slickly smooth, enjoyable to use in its manual mode and just seems to make the most of every iota of the engine’s power. Refinement could be a little better as some distant diesel grumble is noticeable, but overall the X3 is the class benchmark now. There is also now Auto Start-Stop as standard with all new X3s regardless of whether you want a manual or auto. It’s unobtrusive, easy to use and has practical gains in economy and emissions.

Ride & Handling

One of the over-riding factors with the previous generation X3 was its firm ride, where the firmness often strayed into being plain uncomfortable. Not with the new X3. It’s superbly supple, balanced and comfortable over all terrains and eases away the pox of potholes and ruts. This new-found compliance does not undermine the X3’s handling – this is still a BMW – and it easily has the measure of the Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60 when it comes to dealing with corners. Alert steering, minimal body lean and copious levels of grip, aided by full-time four-wheel drive, come together to make the X3 the best car in its class for entertainment on twisty roads. A little wind noise from around the windscreen and door mirrors is the only intrusion at higher speeds, so the X3 also scores as a long distance family car. As for off-road use, the X3 is one of the most able in this class thanks to permanent four-wheel drive and electronic aids to send power where grip is most readily available.

Build Quality & Reliability

The niggling quality issues that plagued the original X3 when it was launched have been laid to rest with the second generation model. The cabin has the same solidly hewn feel as the latest 5 Series and the exterior shows the same attention to detail we’ve come to expect of BMW. As for the engine and other mechanical parts, much of this package is shared with other BMW models to be a known quantity that is durable and reliable.

Safety & Security

This is an area where BMW has been a consistent leader of the pack and the new X3 is no different. There are twin front, side and curtain airbags, along with ESP traction and stability control, as well as BMW’s other electronic driver aids, to keep the X3’s occupants safe and well. There’s also four-wheel drive for traction on slippery surfaces and a pedestrian-friendly deformable bonnet to reduce injuries. To keep the X3 parked where you left it, all models come with an alarm, immobiliser, deadlocks and marked parts, while the wheels also have locking nuts as standard.

Space & Practicality

The latest X3 is only fractionally smaller overall than the first generation of BMW’s X5, which is telling as it shows the increase in size of SUVs as time has worn on. This up-scaling of size helps the X3 be a more able load lugger than before thanks to a 550-litre boot that can be extended, via 40-20-40 split and tip rear seats, to a whacking great 1600-litres of cargo space. The boot is also well shaped to make it a long, broad rectangle for added practicality. Put the rear seats in the upright position and they can accommodate two adults with ease or three kids, with plenty of headroom for all. In the front seats, space is generous and the driver is faced by an uncluttered dash. Finding the ideal driving position is a cinch thanks to height and angle adjustment in the steering wheel and driver’s seat.

Ownership & Value

BMW has discovered the joy of specifying its cars to a very generous level as standard and the X3 is no exception. Whereas before, most buyers would have to consider paying extra for luxuries such as leather upholstery, climate control and rear parking sensors, this is now all included in the price. Admittedly, that price is above some rivals’, but BMW also gives all buyers cruise control, automatic headlights and wipers, alloy wheels and an excellent CD stereo as standard. In short, the X3 is good value and the long term future for its used values also look very rosy, so this is a sound bet for those paying for an X3 out of their own pocket. More good news come from the combined fuel economy of 50.4mpg for both the manual and automatic gearbox models. The manual gearbox-equipped X3 manages 149g/km of carbon dioxide emissions, while the auto comes in at 147g/km, putting both in the same bracket for road tax and Benefit in Kind payments. Acceptable group 28 insurance and variable service intervals that are likely to stretch to around 15,000 miles further the case for the X3 as the best in its class.

Submitted: 09/02/2011 10:46:46

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