There is no shortage of choice when it comes to the mid tier level of premium SUV. German manufacturers have been strong contenders in this scene for the last 20 years and one such offering came courtesy of BMW, the X3. The X3 has been strong seller for the brand and now into its fourth generation, it has been significantly revamped with a new look and new power units. Let’s see if this fourth album is worth a punt.
Well beginning with the outside, it’s pretty darn obvious the new X3 is very different to the generations before it. Whereas previous generations were a bit more restrained in appearance, BMW have given the X3 a smattering of edgy flamboyance to reflect its new design language. The familiar BMW kidney grill is more pronounced and incorporates something called “Iconic Glow” which thanks to contour lighting, will light up not just your driveway, but probably your neighbours too.
The revised LED headlights are now more angular in appearance and come with the matrix high beam function. As a result its new face does have a sinister scowl to it. At the rear you have new T-shaped LED taillights and a more angles and sharp edges. Either side you have new flushed door handles and more pronounced wheel arches which can house either the standard 19-inch alloys or optional 20-inch M Sport alloys as was the case of my test car.
If you think the new X3 looks bigger than before, you would be right, for it is. At 4,755mm in length and 1,920mm wide , it is 34mm longer and 29mm wider than the previous generation. It also sports a much wider track by 16mm at the front and 45mm rear.
The X3 comes in a choice of three guises, the base 20d xDrive which I had, the recently released plug in xDrive30e PHEV and the all out performance flagship M50 xDrive. Focusing on the 20d here, it will set you back $109,990. Power comes from a revised TwinPower four cylinder turbo diesel engine coupled with a 48v battery system making the new X3 a mild hybrid. Said power is rated at 145kW and a decent 400Nm of torque. In case you are interested, you will be able to hit the New Zealand national open road speed limit from a standstill in 7.7 seconds.
The X3 also sports a new cockpit, one which is just as modernist and clean cut as the exterior. I loved certain details like the ambient interior lighting which spans much of the cabin and encompasses the door handles and haptic touch controls for the electric seat memory among others. Said ambient lighting also changes colours when you activate Sport mode.
Space is good for front and rear passengers. I love the generosity of storage compartments fore and aft and having 570L of boot space to play with. This can swell to 1,700L with the second row stowed away.
The cabin of the fourth-generation BMW X3 blends functionality with ample space and premium ambience. Highlight elements include the high-definition BMW Curved Display, BMW Interaction Bar, a flat-bottomed steering wheel and a new-look gear selector lever.
The seats of the heated sports variety and are clad in something called “Veganza” which apparently requires 85 per cent less C02 emissions to produced over traditional leather. Either way, seats are very comfortable and have decent lateral support.
Navigating your way around the infotainment system can be done via the latest generation of BMW’s iDrive system and there is a good level of standard gear including front collision warning, steering and lane control assistant, lane departure warning, driving assistant professional, a 360-degree rear view camera, head up display, wireless phone charging, USB-C ports, BMW Live Cockpit Professional with a 12.3-inch display, and BMW connected drive to name a few.
My test car also had a few option boxes ticked including BMW’s Enhancement Package with additional features like a panoramic sunroof, metallic paint and a very nice sounding Harmon/Kardon sound system. The Comfort Package also on hand gives you ventilation for your front seats, heated capability for the rear, a heated steering wheel and roller blinds for the rear seat passengers. These packages cost an additional $6000 and $4000 respectively.
There is something quite nice about the refined chug of a modern diesel engine. I know some regard diesel power as old hat but to me it’s immensely satisfying hearing something that sound mechanical. The extra low down torque which comes with it combined with the addition of that 48v mild hybrid battery pack means the X3 20d feels quite meaty when you apply the go-pedal.
Motorway jaunts are also rather enjoyable especially when the time comes to overtake. Hold down the left paddle for a brief moment and you suddenly have 10-seconds of extra boost to ensure that dawdling lane hogger is dealt with in relatively quick succession. That said, while lively and supple, it won’t rearrange your fillings with acceleration prowess. Naturally you would want the M50 xDrive for that privilege.
On the handling front, it’s very well sorted indeed. Improvements to the underpinnings of the struts front and rear and the addition of adaptive suspension as standard means you can carry a good pace through corners and it feels more stable and planted than before. Turn-in, while lacking in feel, is direct and while things feel sharper, ride comfort hasn’t suffered as a result. Dial back the exuberance and the X3 works as a frugal and uber refined commuter.
All in all, it was difficult to find fault with the new BMW X3. I must admit I have never really been a fan of previous editions but the latest X3, even in base 20d spec, has shown itself to be a mighty fine all-rounder and one which should certainly be on your premium mid-sized SUV shopping shortlist.
RATING: 8.5/10
