![]() ![]() On M Sport trim and above you also get a digital instrument cluster in lieu of the more traditional analogue speedometer and rev counter. The layout of the dashboard, meanwhile, is clear and the combination of the large central touchscreen media system and an 'iDrive' rotary controller makes it easy to access all of the car's information and entertainment functions on the move. The fit and finish of materials is excellent, and the front seats are comfortable and supportive, even if you have to sit in them for long periods. The interior of the X3 is genuinely impressive. There is an electric version of the X3, too, badged as the iX3, although BMW markets this as a separate model.Īll X3s are four-wheel-drive and all are fitted with an eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard. There’s also a plug-in hybrid model, introduced early in 2020, which combines a total power output of 292hp, up to 30 miles of electric range per charge and an overall potential fuel economy figure of 134.5mpg. It is a significant £25,000 more expensive than the next model down, the M40i, though, making it a costly choice. This can get from 0-62mph in a scarcely believable 3.8 seconds, which is seriously rapid for this type of car. The ultimate high-performance X3, though, is the X3 M Competition, with a substantial 510hp from its twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre engine. ![]() Higher-performance diesels are available in the form of the 265hp xDrive30d and the 326hp M40d, both of which use a smooth 3.0-litre six-cylinder motor, which suits the car well.įor more petrol power, you can look to the 360hp M40i, which can sprint from 0-62mph in just 4.9 seconds. What’s more, it can manage claimed fuel economy of 47.9mpg - which is impressive for this size and weight of car - whereas the xDrive20i petrol model only provides 36.7mpg. With 190hp, it’s not significantly more powerful, but it develops its punch at lower engine speeds and is generally more muscular in nature. The entry-level xDrive20d 2.0-litre diesel is a better bet. The only slight caveat is that the entry-level petrol model - the 184hp xDrive20i petrol - feels a little underpowered as it attempts to haul along the X3’s substantial 1,875kg weight. There’s a choice of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid power and, as is often the case with BMWs, the available engines are generally excellent. The sportier variants with bigger wheels and firmer suspension give the X3 a less comfortable ride than is the case with some rivals - notably the super-comfortable Volvo XC60 - but it’s still perfectly acceptable, and genuinely very comfortable indeed if you find one that’s been specified with the optional adaptive suspension. Of all those, though, the BMW is the most sporty of the lot, so if you enjoy driving on empty country roads but still want the comforts of a luxury SUV and space for the family, this car will tick a lot of boxes for you. There’s the Audi Q5, too, and the Land Rover Discovery Sport if you need a relatively compact SUV with seven seats. There is plenty of competition for your cash if you’re thinking of one, though, with the glitzy Mercedes GLC, elegant Volvo XC60 and the sporty Jaguar F-Pace all being appealing alternatives. Although it’s not the largest SUV offered by BMW (there’s the X5 and the plush but expensive X7 for that) it is comfortably large enough for a growing family, yet it’s still compact enough not to feel like a bus in the city. It’s easy to understand the appeal of the BMW X3. ![]()
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