BMW X3

Overview:

Launched back in 2003, BMW X3 as such was the second vehicle in the German elite BMW's stead of crossover SUVs by the name of “X” models after the launch of BMW X5 which made its debut in 1999. BMW X3 is the older, bigger and sportier brother of entry-level BMW X1. Currently BMW X3 is in its second generation following a facelift in 2010. The design of BMW X3 is based on the F 25 platform launched in 2010.

The X3 is available only as a 4 wheel drive compact luxury crossover SUV. It comes in both petrol and diesel engine options, namely the xDrive 20i and the xDrive 20d, respectively. The xDrive 20i is a 2.0-litre petrol TwinPower Turbo engine which churns out a maximum power output measuring 184 bhp between 5000 to 6250 rpm, whereas the 20d variant sports a 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo 4 cylinder diesel engine offering 190 horses at 4000 rpm. The 20d offers a mileage of an efficient 19.2 kmpl, whereas the 20i has an economy of slightly low 13.8 kmpl, understandably because of the huge size and petrol fuel injection. The extra horses in the diesel engine makes it achieve the 100kmph mark in 8.1 seconds, 0.1 second faster than the petrol variant. The top speed of both the variants measures 210 kmph which is more than enough for a dedicated city sports tourer.

Talking about the outside appearance of X3, it looks very elegant and seems like a no-nonsense SUV with its kidney shaped chrome grills and front and rear bumpers highlighting its sporty soul. It is BMW X3's interior however where elegance meets sportiness. There's a lot of space in the X3, but the rear seats are bench style and don't offer much comfort. The rim size measures 18 inch alloy for both the variants. Being a vehicle from BMW arsenal, X3 also comes with a driving experience control which lets you switch between the ECO PRO and sports mode according to the driving conditions. The ECO PRO mode saves fuel and maintains overall efficiency. Overall the X3 is a vehicle for people who like to stay sporty and elegant at the same time.

Mileage and Fuel Economy:

BMW Xdrive 20d for a car of this size and huge kerb weight offers an excellent fuel economy of 19.2 kmpl and is also greener than ever clocking just 138 g/km CO2 emissions. When it comes to the petrol variant, 20i however turns slightly thirstier at 13.8 kmpl alongside a decent CO2 emission count measuring 168 g/km. Overall performance of BMW X3 as such is incremented by Brake energy regeneration and Star/Stop functionalities embedded inside the chassis, which are responsible for considerable increase in fuel economy numbers.

Power:

Both the engines of BMW X3 are embedded with Twin Turbocharged technologies as a result of which the xDrive 20i (2.0-litre petrol) churns out 184 horsepower at 5000-6250 rpm alongside a maximum torque measuring 270Nm between 1250 to 4500 rpm. The 20d diesel however knucks out 190 hp at 4000 rpm alongwith a max torque of an amazing 400 Nm at just 1750-2500 rpm. With the 20d power is the least of the worries on any off road trip.

Acceleration and Pick Up:

Being a heavy car, BMW X3 diesel touches the 100kmph mark in a very remarkable 8.1 seconds leaving the 20i petrol behind by just 0.1 of a second. The top speed of both the variants has been limited to 210 kmph.

Exterior:

BMW X3 maintains a dominant sporty appearance, despite being a very elegant drive. The front kidney grilles are larger and highlighted by the chrome outlining. The head lights have two rounded lamps brimmed with chrome which is typical of the X series. The standard headlights are LED but are also available in Xenon. The side sills and the roof rails underlines its sporty appearance and the Hofmeister kink has also been rendered a new interpretation giving it a unique side look. The front and the rear bumper are very broad and dominant imparting a commanding street presence to the vehicle. The hood has bed sheet like creases and the single side body line ends just above the fender making the X3 look on the move. The rear is wedge shaped that shows the extra boot space and also looks dynamic in its appearance. It also comes with 18 inch alloys as standard enabling it to cruise easily in off roading conditions. The X3 has an aluminum underbody which is visible on the side and the bumpers that gives it the trademark X series look. The indicators are mounted on the outside rear view mirrors.

Exterior Measurements:

The X3 is longer, taller and broader than its younger brother, BMW X1. The overhangs however, are kept short in X3 too, just like in BMW X1. The star attraction however has to be the elongated wheelbase measuring 2810mm, which makes the cabin space amazingly comfortable. As such, the overall L x W x H dimensions measure 4657mm x 1881 mm x 1678 mm, without the side mirrors open. The front track measures 1616mm whereas the rear track is a broader 1632 mm.

Interiors:

The BMW is famous for its driver oriented cabins and this comes true in X3 as well. The console is placed ergonomically for the driver and the steering also have mounted controls to keep everything within the reach of the driver. There is nothing fancy in the interiors and high functionality is maintained which is one of BMW's traditional characters. The seats are of Navada Mocha leather with red stitching that give a very classy appearance to the interiors. Chrome has also been used to impart luxury to its looks. Plenty of LED lights have also been used to uplift the ambiance. BMW X3 comes packing with front and rear reading lights, vanity mirror lights, footwell illumination, storage compartment lights etc, to ensure optimum lightings even at night. It also has an outside sound insulation that prevents the outside noises from entering the car and ensure a peaceful journey. The dash is dominantly of black color along with wooden panels to impart elegance to the interiors. The panorama glass roof is optional and offers a great view of the outside world. Every installation has been carried out with finesse and quality that would always make you feel in the lap of luxury.

Interior Comfort:

BMW X3 has increased seat heights in order to increase the visibility of the driver. The front seats are comfortable and supportive but the rear seats actually sport straight bench arrangement which does not really seem very comfortable on bumpy roads. It also has wide storage compartments on the door that aids storage a great deal. The lightings in the cabin makes it easy and comfortable to stay in the vehicle for longer durations. The air conditioner is also high end keeping the car always at the right temperatures. The 40:20:40 rear seat split ratio enables multiple storage configurations which comes in handy when the rear passengers require some extra storage areas. The contact less opening of the tail gate feature is a very attractive feature as it facilitates the opening of the tail gate by the gesture of your feet below the trunk. The cupholders are situated just ahead of the gear lever and come with a cover. With all these features, the functionality and overall utility of BMW X3 is pretty high.

Interior Measurements:

BMW X3 as such offers a humongous boot space of 550 litres that is enough to suffice all storage requirements and if that is not enough then after folding the rear seats you get the storage space of 1600 litres, pretty impressive figures for a luxury tourer.

Engine and Performance:

The X3 xDrive 20i gets a 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo petrol four cylinder engine that puts off 184 bhp between 5000 to 6250 rpm alongside a maximum torque of 270 Nm between 1250 to 4500 rpm. The xDrive 20d gets a 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo four cylinder diesel engine that knocks out a juicy 190 bhp at 4000 rpm alongside a maximum torque measuring a staggering 400 Nm at pretty low 1750-2500 rpm levels. Both the variants get 8 speed automatic steptronic transmission that smoothen the gear shifting and also increases the fuel efficiency of the vehicle.

Stereo and Accessories:

BMW X3 is equipped with a Hi-Fi stereo system with 14 speakers placed strategically to maximize the audio experience. The sound system comes with a CD player and connectivity with Bluetooth, USB, AUX as well as radio. The BMW driver assistance system has a Navigator Professional that guides the driver through routes. Bluetooth office, BMW apps and internet facilities are also available in the X3. There's a huge 8.8-inch LED display to suggest these features operated by the minimum buttons offering maximum functions.

Wheels:

To complete the amalgamation of elegance and sportiness for this SUV, huge 18 inch Y-spoke style, alloy wheels are appointed in both the variants of BMW X3 with the tyre dimensions measuring 245/50 R18.

Braking and Handling:

BMW X3 sports Ventilated disc brakes on both rear and front wheels along with all 4 wheel ABS along with drive line traction control to keep the grip on the road intact. The suspension on the front wheels is a McPherson Strut and on the rear is a Multi link suspension. The X3 also has regenerative braking that utilizes the kinetic energy released during the braking and this is utilized in the electronic power steering.

Safety and Security:

Along with a strong structure of the frame, the X3 comes equipped with many safety features like Dynamic Stability Control and Electronic Stability Control, roll stability, ABS and Driveline traction Control, dual stage driver and passenger seat mounted side airbags, front to rear curtain airbags, tyre specific low pressure warning, child safety lock and BMW assist E-call emergency S.O.S. With all these features, the safety of the passengers is not a worry of the driver.

Pros:

Great dimensions and styling of both exterior and interior
Amazing handling even at high speeds
All wheel drive diesel extracts the maximum out of the engine

Cons:

Rear seat comfort
Price will prove a hindrance for the petrol variant