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.
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.
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.
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 |
Company Information, Terms of Business & Forms
Company Information, Terms of Business & Forms
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