Sports styling, interior improvements
No electric powertrain, poor gesture control
BMW's first X3 back in 2003 was not universally loved, but still the ever-increasing popularity of crossover SUVs has seen the brand reach the point where now one in three cars bought from the marque has an 'X' on it. Since then, BMW has been steadily improving the formula with each iteration and has shifted more than 1.6 million to date. And now we come to the third-generation model, complete with much of the tech and refinements seen in the X5.
As it's going up against the Volvo XC60, Mercedes GLC, Audi Q5, Jaguar F-Pace, Porsche Macan and the Range Rover Velar (if you pile on the optional extras) – which in anyone's book is stiff competition – BMW knows it has to make this new version come up to scratch. To ensure it does, the design has been dialed down to a more serious, sporting tone, with dual power bulges on the bonnet making a subtle impression without appearing too garish. There is a bigger kidney grille, more shaping on the doors and wheel arches, while touches like split tailpipes as standard all complete the stylish upgrade.
The size has increased, too. In fact, the new X3 is now bigger than the first version of the X5, yet is comes in 55kg lighter than the old X3. As a sign of the times, as well as the diesels, there will be a mainstream petrol engine option from which to choose, the 20i, as well as a first performance M40i turbo petrol model with 360bhp. This will see the X3 launch from 0-60mph in 4.8 seconds and go on to a top speed of 155mph.
What's that? Where are the electric versions? Good question, especially considering this is a brand that has produced the superlative i3 and i8 vehicles. Apparently, a fully electric X3 is coming in 2019 followed by a plug-in hybrid in 2020. This seems completely the wrong approach for a company that has been so progressive with electrification, but there you have it. At least they are coming.
Price: £37,980- £51,280
Engines: Petrol – 2.0, 3.0-litre; Turbo-diesel – 2.0, 3.0-litre
Power: 0 to 60mph in 4.8 seconds
Top speed: 155mph (3.0 petrol)
On the road, the new X3 feels far more refined than its predecessor, and the cabin is well insulated from road and wind noise thanks to double glazing on the acoustic glass. Engine noise is kept to a minimum as well. Power on the beefier models is clearly not an issue, but I certainly realised things had changed when stepping into the smaller engine versions.
The high driving position is commanding, and visibility is superb. As you would expect from an X drive BMW, there is plenty of grip, both on road and a surprising amount off, too. I tested the new X3 on the outskirts of the Sahara, no less, and while the huge rolling dunes tantalisingly remained in the distance, the deep soft sand and rutted tracks under the car posed no problems and were (on the whole) dispatched with ease.
The electronic traction and hill-descent control systems also coped with all I threw at them – though this is certainly an SUV you cannot take absolutely anywhere. Had the dunes got any larger, I had the distinct impression we'd be in serious trouble (but considering few X3s will see nothing more tricky than a muddy country track, this is hardly a concern).
While the M40i comes with specially tuned suspension, I tested cars that had the optional adaptive dampers, which are an additional spec worth investing in. Regardless, the ride is much improved from the previous version. To test this to its limits, I drove the X3 at speeds in excess of 100mph on a rutted dry river bed with complete confidence and managed to emerge from the stretch with spine intact. Most impressive.
Inside, however, is where the overhaul of the X3 really shines. You can instantly feel the trickle-down quality of the X5 spec with materials now being top quality, instruments clear and switches and dials solid.
The standard sat-nav system is traffic aware, while optional extras include gesture control – though this is still pointless as far as I'm concerned. When you can reach over and adjust volume faster than twirling a finger in the air in exactly the right spot for the sensors to register, it means the tech guys are missing the point that these things should make life easier, faster and not merely be an alternative control option.
The optional head-up display is among the best on the market, then there is the digital cockpit, touchscreen and iDrive control – and that touchscreen is 10.3in, a full two inches larger than before, and thankfully noticeably quicker and more responsive – a reverse camera and auto parking that now includes accelerating and braking as well as steering.
If you haven't finished playing with all that, there are the LED interior lights which can, of course, be set to any number of hues. Perhaps most important for an SUV is the boot: at 550 litres with the rear seats up and 1,600 litres with them down, the X3 is cavernous.
BMW has tried to reinvigorate the X3 with a new design, new tech and a better ride experience – and it has succeeded. There is a touch of class to this new version, and it is clear some care and attention has been lavished on it.
While this may not be the SUV for those looking to tackle hard-core 4x4 environments, the new X3 is ideal for the market it is really aimed at – and the upgraded interior is a perfect indicator of this.
My only grumbles are these: the lack of the electric powertrains stands out like a sore thumb, and we would be sorely tempted to wait for their arrival before committing to a new X3; and to get the most out of the car you will be forced to load up on the optional extras. Just make sure you don’t tick that gesture control box.
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
