Insurance Group: 40
MPG: 46.3
CO2: 162
0-62 Mph: 5.8 secs
BHP: 313 BHP
Range: 682 miles
PROS: Powerful yet economical diesel engine, sharp handling, good looks
CONS: Pricey
The X3 offers a controlled and stable driving experience, with great support and grip thanks to the four-wheel-drive system. The engine is strong and smooth with responsive, sharp handling and supple suspension. There is the option to have Variable Damper Control fitted too, which makes driving a breeze as it monitors your speed, driving style and the conditions of the road and adjusts the firmness of the suspension accordingly.
The eight-speed automatic gearbox is smooth and the cabin is quiet with little wind or road noise, but the engine can be quite loud.
The XDrive 35d's 3.0-litre stright-six diesel develops 313bhp and 464lb-ft of torque, reaching 62mph in 5.8 seconds with a top speed of 149mph.
The X3 is much better looking than its predecessor and the cabin is made with high-quality materials and is tasteful and superbly finished.
The iDrive system is much easier to get to grips with than before and also features electronic controls for seat adjustment.
The SE trim comes with leather seats, power steering, metallic paint, cruise control, rear parking sensors, stability control, climate control, alloy wheels, stereo and MP3 connectivity as standard, with optional extras including Bluetooth for £265 and satellite navigation for £1775.
BMW have an exemplary reputation for reliability and the X3 should prove to be a very reliable car. It also comes with BMW's standard three year unlimited mileage warranty.
The X3 is also packed with safety kit and received the full five stars from Euro NCAP for occupant safety.
There is plenty of space in the X3 and the rear seats will comfortably sit three adults, although the middle seat passenger will feel a bit cramped due to the central transmission tunnel. The boot is spacious too with 550 litres to offer and 1600 litres when the rear seats are folded down.
The X3 XDrive 35d SE model costs £40,205 which is very expensive for an X3. The cheaper 20d makes much more financial sense, offering decent performance and slightly better fuel economy for nearly ten grand less.
On the plus side, the 35d does offer excellent fuel economy, returning 46.3mpg on the combined cycle and emitting 162g/km of CO2 which means it falls under VED band G.
The angles and edges of the X3 xDrive have been contoured and cut for a more proportioned look. The version no longer looks unwieldy but elegant and polished. The suspension of this 2nd generati...
The X3 is a appealing option in the crossover market, and provides the space and comfort that would be expected from such a vehicle. A flexible car that performs well as a family car as well as be...
The 35d offers impressive performance, low running costs, good looks and plenty of interior space. However, most drivers will be perfectly satisfied with the cheaper 20d, making the 35d seem overpr...
You might want to read reviews for other Small 4x4 cars that you can then compare to the BMW X3. Here are some popular BMW X3 alternatives:
