Overview
THE new BMW X3 is larger and higher than earlier than – and we should always actually hope so.
With every new mannequin technology, the family-friendly X3 grows bigger and higher outfitted, whereas on this event additionally providing a selection of drivelines nicely suited to the altering calls for of contemporary patrons.
By way of measurement, the X3 is now bigger than the unique X5 (measurements in brackets), measuring 4755mm in size (4666mm), 1920mm in width (1872mm), and 1660mm in top (1707mm), whereas driving upon a 2865mm wheelbase (2819mm).
Towards its predecessor, the fourth technology X3 is 34mm longer, 29mm wider, and 25mm decrease. Monitor width on the entrance has elevated by 16mm to 1636mm on the entrance and by 45mm on the rear to 1681mm.
Cargo area on petrol fashions ranges from 570-1700 litres whereas the PHEV ranges from 460-1600 litres.
The most recent X3 is out there from $86,100 – $128,900 plus on-road prices. Given the obtainable area, unimaginable know-how, and top-notch security gear it gives by comparability, the most recent X3 is one thing of a discount… although maybe not when considered towards its predecessor.
The outgoing X3 was priced from $56,870 and topped out at $114,620.
Even when you think about the enhancements on provide, there is no such thing as a denying the X3 is an expensive little quantity.
Additionally it is dearer than its nearest rivals.
The Audi Q5 is out there from $73,400, Genesis GV70 from $78,500, Lexus NX from $63,400, and Volvo XC60 from $73,990. Solely the Mercedes-Benz GLC and Porsche Macan are dearer, beginning at $97,500 and $94,000 respectively.
So simply what do you get to your cash?
For starters, there’s a selection of two petrol (with 48-volt mild-hybrid help) and one plug-in hybrid drivelines, all with normal all-wheel drive.
The vary begins with the X3 20 xDrive (from $86,100) which is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit producing 140kW of energy and 310Nm of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automated transmission, it could acceleration from relaxation to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
Mixed cycle gasoline consumption is listed at 7.5 litres per 100km and CO2 emissions 171 grams per kilometre.
In the midst of the pack, the X3 30e xDrive PHEV (from $104,100) combines a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electrical motor and high-voltage battery to ship 220kW of energy and 450Nm of torque.
The mannequin contains a 19.7kWh battery which might allow an all-electric driving vary of as much as 91km – greater than 50 per cent larger than the earlier mannequin. Charging is through an 11kW AC port with a full recharge obtained in two hours and quarter-hour.
Mixed cycle gasoline use is listed at 1.6 litres per 100km, CO2 emissions at 38 grams per kilometre, and the 0-100km/h time at 6.2 seconds.
Lastly, and in the intervening time, the X3 M50 xDrive (from $128,900) tops the vary with essentially the most highly effective six-cylinder in-line petrol engine ever fitted to an M Efficiency mannequin, in line with BMW Australia.
The three.0-litre turbocharged ‘six’ produces 293kW of energy and 580Nm of torque, accelerating the mannequin from standstill to 100km/h in simply 4.6 seconds – in enchancment of 0.2 seconds on the X3 M40i.
Gasoline consumption is listed at 8.2 litres per 100km and CO2 emissions 187 grams per kilometre.
The brand new design language of the BMW X3 sees Australian fashions characteristic a big break up kidney grille with BMW Iconic Glow contour lighting as normal gear. BMW’s signature twin headlights with new L-shaped gentle components flank the grille, the models incorporating adaptive LED know-how with matrix excessive beam and blue design detailing.
BMW says the “distinctive silhouette” of the brand new BMW X3 consists of brief overhangs, a roofline extending deep into the rear finish and flush door handles. It enhances this with “outstanding” entrance and rear wheel arches.
The LED tail-lights comprise a T-shaped graphic and three-dimensional sculpted glass lenses. These mix with a brand new apron to offer a powerful and distinctive look on the rear.
A number of exterior paints allow prospects to personalise their new BMW X3, with the vary that includes newly launched Dune Gray (which reminds us loads of Holden’s 1978 Mojave Beige). BMW Particular person paints, together with Frozen choices, are additionally obtainable.
Nineteen-inch alloy wheels are normal on the X3 20 xDrive, whereas the BMW X3 30e xDrive is fitted with 20-inch M gentle alloy wheels. The X3 M50 xDrive comes with 21-inch M gentle alloy wheels.
The X3 M50 xDrive is delivered as normal with M Sport Bundle Professional, which incorporates M lights Shadowline, M seat belts and M Sport brakes completed in high-gloss crimson. The opposite X3 variants will also be optioned with M Sport Bundle Professional.
The lighter, stiffer, and wider physique is suspended by a double-joint spring strut entrance axle and five-link rear with adaptive damping throughout the board. Steering is electrically assisted and braking all disc.
Inside, the cabin is dominated by the high-definition BMW Curved Show, BMW Interplay Bar, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and new-look gear selector. It additionally has model-specific gentle components in a contrasting color within the centre console and door trims.
The seating is electrically adjustable and heated up entrance, with upholstery in synthetic Veganza ‘leather-based’ (real leather-based obtainable optionally).
The BMW X3 options the newest model of BMW iDrive, underpinned by Working System 9. It incorporates QuickSelect, which permits features to be activated instantly with out requirement to enter a sub-menu. We discovered it slightly tough, however would little question modify to it with time.
Superior driver help techniques come as normal on Australian-delivered BMW X3 variants. Headline components embody entrance collision warning, Steering and Lane Management Assistant, Lane Departure Warning, Driving Assistant Skilled and Parking Assistant Plus with encompass view digicam.
It additionally has Stay Cockpit Skilled, which options BMW Head-Up Show and the Augmented View perform within the management show.
Throughout the grade stroll, we discover the X3 20 xDrive as normal with 19-inch alloy wheels, tri-zone local weather management, six-speaker sound, acoustic glazing, a powered tailgate, Consolation Entry, DAB+ digital radio reception, anti-dazzle mirrors, M headlining, M Sport steering wheel, Parking Assistant Plus, tyre strain monitoring, wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a wi-fi machine charging pad.
The X3 30e xDrive provides 20-inch alloys, M Sport brakes, Mode 2 and three charging cables, Drive Recorder, rear window privateness glass, a hard and fast panoramic glass roof, outboard rear seat heating, steering wheel heating, entrance seat air flow, a baggage compartment web, and curler sunblinds for the rear facet home windows.
For the flagship X3 M50 xDrive, we observe normal metallic paint, 21-inch alloy wheels, a 15-speaker/750-watt harman/kardon audio system, quad exhaust shops, M particular kidney, mirror caps and aerodynamic components, privateness glass, and M Sport Professional bundle.
Optionally, the vary consists of an Enhancement Pack ($6000 on 20 xDrive and $4000 on 30e xDrive) together with metallic paint, alarm system, panoramic glass roof (20 xDrive solely), and harman/kardon sound; M Sport Professional Pack ($3000 on 20 xDrive and $2000 on 30e xDrive) together with M Excessive Gloss Shadow Line prolonged contents and lights, M Sport brakes, and M seatbelts; and Consolation Bundle ($2000 on 20 xDrive solely) together with second-row seat heating, rear window curler blinds, entrance seat air flow, a heated steering wheel, privateness glass, and baggage compartment web.
All grades can be found with a 2200kg towing pack for $2200.
Metallic paint finishes appeal to a $2000 surcharge. Colors embody Arctic Race Blue, Black Sapphire, Dune Gray, Hearth Purple, M Brooklyn Gray, and Sophisto Gray. Alpine White is the one no-cost paint choice.
BMW Particular person colors appeal to a $4000 premium (Tanzanite Blue), whereas Frozen hues (Pure Gray) add $6000 to the invoice.
Particular person Merino leather-based upholstery, in Black over Atlas Gray or Amber over Atlas Gray, is a $4000 choice on all variants, whereas a knitted textile dashboard higher is a $1200 choice.
Australian-delivered BMW X3 M50 variants are manufactured in the USA, whereas the X3 20 xDrive and 30e xDrive are produced in South Africa.
Driving Impressions
BMW’s best-selling mannequin has offered greater than 3.5 million models since its preliminary debut, and 60,000 copies in Australia. Sure, the X3 is a well-liked automobile – and one that’s now greater, higher, and blistering with tech.
Examined right here in base format, the X3 20 xDrive contains a 48-volt assisted delicate hybrid 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with an eight-speed automated transmission and all-wheel drive. It gives a theoretical driving vary of 866km, which primarily based on our brief drive appears completely attainable.
Weighing shut to 2 tonnes (earlier than including individuals and gasoline) means the X3 is a podgy entrant, however one which feels enthusiastic sufficient when utilizing its MHEV help. The electrical ‘enhance’ aids in holding acceleration progressive till the turbocharger comes on music, and the eight-speed auto is a deal with.
With two passengers on board, we discovered overtaking acceptable … although with a full complement of passengers some patrons might ask for slightly extra.
Throttle correlation is sweetly matched to the engine response, giving the whole system a pure really feel. If progressive efficiency issues to you, the X3 will impress. Even when it isn’t the gutsiest providing within the brochure.
After all, the various drive modes alter this development to offer extra (Sport) or much less (Eco) response, the regenerative power of the 48-volt motor/generator providing a braking impact like shifting down a gear. Once more, it’s a really pure sensation and one we predict will swimsuit nicely these patrons stepping up from a non-hybridised mannequin.
Like a lot of BMW’s four-cylinder choices, the 20 xDrive is quite uninteresting to take heed to – and is slightly vocal when pushed to carry out. Positive, it’s not meant to be a sports activities automotive, however there’s one thing missing to these of us sufficiently old to recall that sweet-sounding naturally aspirated BMW ‘six’.
As anticipated from run-flat tyres and a bigger diameter wheel/tyre mixture the experience of the X3 is a contact agency, however not overtly so. The physique stays nicely managed when challenged, including confidence to a drive that’s enhanced by correct and well-assisted steering.
Driver ergonomics are very arduous to fault, as has lengthy been the case with BMW automobiles. We discovered the relation to the pedals and steering wonderful, and the view out unobscured. Seating is snug and splendidly supportive, with sufficient area up entrance for driver and passenger to sit down with out touching elbows.
Additional again, the rear is spacious sufficient, although lanky teenagers might want for additional legroom. There may be loads of amenity right here, nonetheless, with a great deal of storage and charging choices, adjustable air flow and even sunshades and seat heating (when optioned accordingly).
Whereas we’ll have to await an extended stint behind the ‘wheel to ship our ultimate verdict, the primary impressions of the BMW X3 are extremely beneficial. Given the gasoline economic system, progressive energy supply, quiet cab, and beneficiant degree of normal gear on provide right here, we doubt an extended stint with this automotive will see us change our thoughts.
Sure, the X3 is a winner – and one we reckon will proceed to promote within the sort of numbers that may solely additional its success.
