Insurance Group: 28
MPG: 50.4
CO2: 149
0-62 Mph: 8.5 secs
BHP: 184 BHP
Range: 743 miles
PROS: BMW went over the top with the X3 xDrive 20d SE’s interior. The cabin is very posh and radiates class and luxury on par with Audis. The diesel engine is clean and economical which is impressive for a car this size. The xDrive is spacious with its plush interior geared for practical use.
CONS: As with all rear-wheel and 4WDs of BMW, the transmission tunnel brings discomfort to its rear passengers, more so to the rear centre seat passenger. The manual gearbox is not too refined and is actually slightly supple. The xDrive 20d SE is expensive to start with, and the addition of cost options can rapidly increase the price.
The X3 xDrive is not only “fun” to drive but has remarkable on-road handling. It is a 4WD and its grip, even on corners, is commendable. Body roll is kept to a minimum. The xDrive can handle light off-road driving too. Opting for a Variable Damper Control or VDC System is assurance that potholes and other road imperfections will be easily absorbed by the xDrive. Steering is weighted and the handling is agile and sharp enough.
This is a 6-speed manual transmission, 4-cylinder, 16 valve 4x4. The 1995cc engine is impressive as it pulls from 0-62 mph in 8.5s. With the engine capable of revving up at 184 bhp at 4000 rpm and producing a 280 lb-ft torque at 1750 to 2750 rpm, the X3 xDrive hits a top speed of 130 mph. With a combined mpg of 50.4, this car is quite frugal. Road and wind noise is well-managed and visibility is not a problem.
The lines of the X3 xDrive have improved. The awkward edges and angles are contoured for a better profile and aerodynamics. The front seats provide excellent support and are very comfortable. The rear seats are adequate except for the centre seat where legroom is cramped due to the transmission channel. The interior is luxurious. The dash is well-laid out and could be fitted with an iDrive controller, which takes some time to master. But once you do, flipping through menus and functions is a breeze.
X1 xDrive SE standard specifications include plush items such as dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, automatic lights and wipers, cruise control and front and rear parking sensors. Options are pricey but really useful. For £1,775 the xDrive 20d will be fitted with a sat nav. For another £1,180, an electric panoramic sunroof is added.
The X3 xDrive is a 5-seater, however a rear centre full-grown passenger would have to seat with their legs folded because of the large transmission in the car’s centre. The boot is large and well-shaped with a capacity of 550 litres. With the seats folded and down, the boot capacity increases to 1600 litres. The seats could be split 40/20/40. You could have space for a rear passenger plus a bike and a long board or two. The glovebox, central cubbies and door bins are useful for storing small items.
The xDrive is fitted with security kits such as air bags, crash-active headrest, a high-tech crash sensor, anti-lock brakes, cornering brakes, traction control, dynamic brake control, tire-defect indicator, hill descent control and hill-start assistant as standards. Your only regret is that the car can’t drive itself! As for thwarting thieves, standard security kits are fitted.
Overall Euro NCAP rating is 5/5. CO2 emission rating is 149g/km. Its warranty is unlimited mileage in 3 years.
At £31,440, the X3 xDrive is not exactly cheap. However, the Range Rover Evoque is more expensive but on the other hand the Audi Q5 is less expensive. Options will definitely jack up the price which in the will be justified by the high resale values that the car will deliver.
The range of X3s are generally fuel efficient. This version has an mpg of 50.4 which is good enough considering the size of the xDrive and its performance on the road. The xDrive 20d falls under the insurance group of 28 and a Road Tax Band of F. Amongst the range of X3s, this version is probably the best because it is the most cost-efficient and the most eco-friendly.
The X3 xDrive’s high grade materials, improved handling, ride and comfort all highlights what is sure to be a good investment.
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