MOTORING Leaner and keener… but still an X3
Now into its third generation, the BMW X3 is a familiar sight on our roads today – getting on for two million have found homes after the first and second iterations. We sent motoring journalist Nick Jones to try it out for us.
The first things to note about the BMW X3 is that it is now lighter, packed full of gadgets and more fuel efficient, without the loss or decrease in power output. It’s also now up against some new kids on the block – the likes of the trusty Audi Q5 and the much-changed Land Rover Discovery. Engine-wise, the 30d is a straight six diesel, which
has bags of torque and conjures up 260 horsepower with enough gusto to see off many a car on the roads in the real world. There is, however, two 2-litre units available - one
a petrol, the other a diesel. The petrol is badged the 20i, but it’s the diesel (which is probably going to be the best seller) that I’m talking about. With nearly 190 horsepower, it too can cope with all that is thrown at it, with good economy to boot. Whichever version you choose, the 8-speed automatic gearbox is slippery-smooth and a joy to use. The ride is comfortable on any surface, the M-Sport
suspension more so if set up in comfort mode, with adjustable dampers that iron out any lumps and
bumps in the road surface that try to upset its rhythm. Being a SUV fan myself, the lofty driving position
is retained, and the super-comfy seats from the M- Sport package are among the best around; swathed as they are in soft, cossetting leather trim. Front and rear parking sensors are included as standard on the X3 and you can pick and choose your way through the raft of options to suit. Comfort and space is standard, the X3 can ferry
three adults around with ease, and with the rear seats splitting 40/20/40 you can carry awkward loads from the boot – which has hooks and nets to hold things firmly in place. There is no doubt that BMW has raised the bar
with the third generation X3, it’s still the same great car to drive but it just feels better honed – like it’s had a month in the gym and come out more than fighting fit. Residuals, as always, will be good, so the X3 looks
a solid bet for more sales - and more driveways - this coming year.
FACTFILE
MODEL BMW X3 20d
PRICE OTR from £39,120
PERFORMANCE Top speed: 132 miles per hour 0-60 mph: eight seconds Power: 190 horsepower
CO2 EMISSIONS 140-144g/km
COMBINED MPG 53.3 mpg
68 business network February 2019
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