READY FOR MORE.

The new BMW X3. Live with spirit.

Introduction

​

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. ​

Safety

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.​

Technology

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 )