The BMW X3 has demonstrated significant advancements within the mid-sized premium SUV segment over recent years. It has evolved into one of the segment’s most well-rounded options, excelling in drivability, technological integration, and ergonomic design.
Having experienced the fourth generation X3 30e xDrive PHEV variant just recently, and having come rather impressed all around, it was time to compare apples for apples and have ago with the base X3 20 xDrive. As the entry point into modern X3 ownership, are the essentials all you could need in an X3?
Well for starters, it hits the ground running with a sub $100k price tag, or $97,900 to be exact. For that you still get all the sharp angles, edges and square-jawed stance as the rest of the range. This being the fourth instalment of the X3 legacy, its longer, wider and taller than the previous generation.
Those scowling new look LED Matrix headlights are also here and plenty of black accents along with the blacked out 20-inch M-Sport alloys with metal-esque details to contrast the Brooklyn Grey paint scheme. All of it comes together to create a svelte and modern looking SUV. Quite like those wrap-around LED taillights too.
Power for the X3 20 xDrive comes from a 2.0L twin-power turbo four-cylinder petrol engine coupled with a 48v mild hybrid battery pack. This means 140kW and 310Nm while returning 7.6L/100km of combined fuel consumption. An eight-speed auto transmission and BMW’s proven xDrive AWD system also comes as standard.
Inside the ambience of the X3 20 xDrive’s cabin is one of premium feel and polished modernity. Some of the parts I love include the ambient lighting which spans the width of the cabin and rises around the driver and front passenger door handle, something which is housed in a funky looking angled design feature with X3 emblems and touch buttons for the air vent and electric seat memory.
Throughout, it is a mixture of physical buttons and touch buttons to operate a variety of interior functions, the former are easy enough to use while the latter are far more intuitive than you might think. You have ample storage space, and your phone can fit snuggly on the interior charging pad next to the C-port charger port. The seats are also relatively comfortable and hold you nicely in place. The Veganza Espresso Brown upholstery, in my view anyway, looks rather swish too.
Base spec doesn’t always mean “no frills” and this is evident with the current X3. Standard equipment includes electric seats, power tailgate, 3-zone climate control, BMW Live Cockpit Professional with 12.3-inch digital instrument display, sat nav, wireless phone charging, rear view camera with parking assist and the full list of BMW ConnectedDrive services and apps which can be explored and operated through the infotainment system and a range of active driving and safety features including adaptive cruise control.
While it is a touchscreen system, I much preferred to use the circular dial for just about everything except the climate control, which responds much better to a press from your index finger. All in all, thanks to sharp graphics and intuitive tech, it’s a great system whichever way you look at it. Optional equipment fitted to my test car included the $6,000 enhancement package which allowed for niceties like a slick sounding Harman/Kardon sound system.
For rears seat passengers I found the rear seats to be angled slightly to allow for a snug feeling of comfort. Rear head and legroom are moderate but taller folk may find it a tad tight. That said, the doors open wide enough to allow for easy enough entrance and exit from the vehicle. With 570L of boot space on tap, the X3 20 xDrive can swallow up plenty and if you drop the second row, you have a hefty 1700L to play with.
The 2.0L turbo engine offers decent acceleration and a raspy tone, though it can feel slightly underpowered even with the mild hybrid system. The PHEV 30e delivers livelier performance. The petrol X3 20i xDrive, however, provides a smooth, refined ride and settles into an efficient cruise once underway.
The underpinnings for the current X3 are very well sorted and thanks to reworked front and rear struts, not to mention the incorporation of BMW’s adaptive suspension and even in base spec, the X3 is a fine and compliant handler. Steering might be somewhat lacking in feel, but it is still direct and responsive to every right or left flick. The ride is also decent too with only the most severe of bumps being noticeable. With 216mm of ground clearance, you have ample space for those gravel roads or muddy tracks, providing its not too much of an arduous off-road journey.
While it isn’t primarily aimed at large families, I believe most X3 buyers will use it as a capable urban runabout or as a premium, comfortable vehicle for handling daily errands with style.
If it were me, I would spend the extra and get the PHEV just for the gains in performance and extra fuel frugality alone, but after a week in its company and despite a few niggles, the base X3 20 xDrive M Sport is still a well-rounded entry point into the most accomplished BMW X3 range yet.
RATING 7.5/10
