BMW X3 Review

Performance4.5/5

It’s Hobson’s choice with the BMW X3 engines – diesel or diesel. There are four of them available though: two 2.0 litre and two 3.0 litre giving a range of BMW X3 performance options. The less powerful 2.0 litre version has 143 bhp, a top speed of 121 mph, does the 0-62 mph sprint in 9.9 seconds, has a fuel consumption of 55.4 mpg and falls in road tax band E. Next up, the other 2.0 litre model has 184 bhp, a top speed of 130 mpg, moves from 0-62 mph in 8.5 seconds and has a fuel consumption of 50.4 mpg; and it falls into road tax band F.

Moving up the range the less powerful of the 3.0 litre engines has 258 bhp, a top speed of 130 mpg, can reach 62 mph in 6.2 seconds and has a fuel consumption of 47.1 mpg. Finally, the beast of the bunch giving the ultimate BMW X3 performance is the 3.0 litre, 313 bhp model. This has a top speed of 149 mph, can zoom from 0-62 mph in 5.8 seconds and has a greedy fuel consumption of 46.3 mpg. Both three litre versions fall into tax band G. All the X3 engines are pretty impressive and even the least powerful of the group should satisfy all but the most demanding driver.

Handling4.5/5

The BMW X3’s handling is many a driver’s dream drive – cruising on a motorway, negotiating rough or twisty roads, ascending and descending the steepest of hills in the worst of weather – the X3 can do it all with aplomb. There’s little body roll, corners are handled with agility, noise is minimal and driver and passengers are comfortably supported at all speeds on all surfaces. The optional Variable Damper Control is worth adding when you are drawing up your ‘must have’ list – it really adds to the ease of the drive. The BMW X3 is a fun car, which will tick all your 4x4 boxes.

Exterior4/5

The BMW X3 looks as though it means business, with a solid, square body. Entry level models come with 17 inch alloys as standard; and these, together with the big kidney shaped grille, fat bumpers and wide wheel arches combine to make an impressive looking vehicle.

Interior4.5/5

BMW have excelled themselves with the X3’s interior – the fit and finish inside the X3 shout quality. The driver will be happy with a good range of driving positions thanks to the rake and reach steering wheel and a seat which can be adjusted to suit. The X3’s controls can be a bit finicky, but fine once you get used to them. Visibility is great all round and BMW’s iDrive controller allows you to move through the range of controls and entertainment menus with ease.

With all seats in place, the BMW X3 offers 550 litres of stowage, with an additional 1050 litres freed up with the back row folded. BMW have cleverly built in two options for the back seat – they can be split either 60/40 or, unusually, 40/20/40. This latter arrangement allows space in the back for two adults and some pretty hefty cargo. This is probably the ideal arrangement as the third, central, passenger is made less than comfortable by the wide transmission tunnel. However, the BMW X3 has ample head and legroom for two six-footers to travel in the back, behind another two in the front. The car can tow up to 2,400 kg with ease.

Equipment5/5

The BMW X3 comes with just two trims, both of which are generously equipped. The entry level SE includes, amongst other things, 17 inch alloys, automatic dual zone air conditioning, ambient interior lighting, hands free Bluetooth, cruise control with brake function, Drive Performance Control, electric power steering, leather upholstery, rain sensor, roof rails – the list goes on. Within the SE trim there are other variants depending on engine size. The M Sport adds even more options including front sports seats, sports suspension, M aerodynamic body styling and 18 inch alloys. There is also a wide range of optional extras and accessories – they will of course bump the price up considerably, but you will certainly get a nice car at the end of it!

Safety4.5/5

The BMW X3 was Euro NCAP tested in 2011, when it received the full five stars you would expect for such a car. It comes with a plethora of safety features, including front side and curtain airbags and head airbags for the second row of seats; crash sensors, anti-lock brakes, a tyre defect indicator, traction control, cornering brake control, deformation zones in the bodywork and a range of brake and stability control systems. The X3 is a solidly built vehicle; BMW’s reliability record is good and there is a five- year servicing package. What’s more, if anyone has the temerity to try and steal your BMW X3, they will have to deal with deadlocks, marked parts, an alarm and locking wheel nuts.

Buying & Owning4/5

The running costs of the BMW X3 are not as exorbitant as might be expected thanks to fuel saving technology resulting in efficient engines. Emissions are modest for such a powerful car, all of which will come as a pleasant surprise to the potential X3 owner. High servicing costs can be reduced a little by purchasing the Service Inclusive package, which covers you for five years /60,000 miles of servicing. Insurance and parts will set you back a bit, but hey – you’re worth it.

Reviewed by cars2buy