Introduction
The BMW X3 wasn’t the first luxury mid-size SUV, but its combination of versatile space and BMW dynamics has made it one of the most popular. The all-new BMW X3 aims to renew a winning formula with an all-new platform, new styling and the latest in-car technology.
Design
BMW design is evolutionary so even without sight of the famous blue and white propeller badge you’ll always know you’re looking at a Bavarian-bred premium SUV. But look closely and you’ll see it’s quite a step forward from the last model. The grille is larger, there’s a long, sharply-styled bonnet and the sides taper outwards around the rear wheels, with a more curvaceous rear-end treatment than the model it replaces. Inside it’s roomier and both the design and the quality of materials used are a major step forward.
Performance
If you like to give
sports-car owners a surprise, the model to opt for is the seriously fast X3
M40i. It’s powered by a 335bhp 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six petrol
engine and is capable of 0-62mph in just 4.8 seconds. Almost as fast and just
as relaxed at a canter is the 335bhp 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six diesel
engine in the 30d. There’s also a respectably quick and fuel-efficient petrol
2.0i as well as the model that most owners will probably choose, the refined
and torquey 2.0d diesel. This delivers 0-62mph in a brisk 8.0 seconds while
achieving 54.3 combined mpg with 138g/km CO2. All models put their power to the
tarmac via an eight-speed auto and all-wheel drive xDrive system.
The X3 comes with an impressive suite of safety features,
including front, side and even overhead airbags to protect you should the worst
happen. To prevent that happening Dynamic Safety warns the driver if it detects
signs of tiredness. Choose Driving Assistant Plus, and the Steering and Lane
Control assistant keeps the X3 in the centre of its lane. If an accident is
about to happen, front safety belts are pre-tensioned, electric seats (if fitted)
are returned to upright positions and sliding roof closed. After an accident
occurs, the brakes are automatically applied until the car reaches a
standstill.
There are three trim levels, SE, xLine and M Sport, but all benefit from a lavish specification. This includes LED headlights, leather seats, heated front seats, 18-inch alloys, three-zone air conditioning and ambient lighting with six colours. A 6.5-inch 6.5in touchscreen that can also be controlled via a rotary dial between the front seats comes as standard, while the optional Professional iDrive system features a wider 10.25in screen. The X3 is also inching closer to autonomous driving capability; the optional Driving Assistant Plus allows for up to 30 seconds of automated driving in certain situations, such as traffic jams, slow-moving traffic or on long journeys.Text here ...
Verdict: You’re
spoiled for choice if you’re looking for a mid-sized premium SUV nowadays, but
you’d be well advised to book a test drive of the X3 at your nearest Lancaster
BMW showroom. It looks good, carries family and/or loads of kit with ease, and
delivers all-wheel drive security with the handling that’s a hallmark of every
BMW. A new benchmark.
Technical data (X3 xDrive20d M Sport )
Dimensions | |
Vehicle length | 4,657-4,716 mm |
Vehicle width | 1,881-1,897 mm |
Vehicle height | 1,676-1,678 mm |
Wheelbase | 2810 mm / 110.67 in |
Weight | |
Unladen weight (DIN) | 1825 kg |
Engine | |
Engine Cylinders | 4 |
Engine Capacity | 1995 cc |
Max Torque | 400 nm @ 1750-2500 rpm |
Max Power | 140 kW @4000 rpm |
Performance | |
Top Speed | 132 mph |
Acceleration | 0-62 mph / 8.0 sec |
Efficiency | |
Combined cycle | 56.4 mpg |
Urban Cycle | 52.3 mpg |
CO2 | 132g/km |
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Company Information, Terms of Business & Forms
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