BMW has virtually plugged all the deficiencies of the first-gen X3 to make the all-new replacement a proper SUV it should have been in the first place
BMW's second-generation X3 is quite an easy car to predict, for the previous model had several shortcomings needing to be fixed.
One of them was the packaging. The stodgy appearance of the first-gen model has been replaced with a more macho appearance to make the X3 a proper SUV. Although some design cues looked to have been evolved, the lights, grille and profile are now more accentuated. In fact, you wouldn't be wrong in calling the X3 the rightful brother of today's X5.
The same goes for the interior, which now sees a very similar driving environment to BMW's other latest models. The good thing about it is the level of upmarket feel and tidy ergonomics, while the bad side could be the lack of distinction _ just like what you could experience in many Audis today.
The X3 gets the proven 184hp diesel engine.
More important, though, is the increase in metal. The X3 is now larger in every dimension _ yet 15kg lighter overall, thanks to more use of lightweight materials _ and fills the gaps left by its predecessor. Rear space has significantly improved, it isn't a critical issue anymore and stands out against most of its competition.
There's also more boot space. The rear seats can fold but not completely flat _ just like before. Bar this minor quibble, though, the X3 is still highly practical, thanks to large door cubbie holes useful for families on weekend exodus.
In simpler terms, the X3 can now properly be labelled as a practical SUV in its class, once led by the Audi Q5. Oh, the X3 has finally got air-conditioning ventilation for rear passengers to make overall cabin comfortamong the best in-class.
The ride is now more comfortable.
The bigger body size, particularly the substantially wider tracks, has allowed BMW to inject dynamic improvements. Whereas the old X3's chassis set-up compromised with a stiff ride but great handling, the new model strikes a more acceptable balance.
Gone is the choppy ride, replaced with a more relaxed variation. Although the run-flat tyres can be felt on rough road surfaces, the ride can in no way be described as coarse.
True, the X3's handling isn't as sharp as before, with the steering now more on the relaxed side and body roll slightly pronounced, if rarely irritating. This is the right approach, though, because we're talking about an SUV in the first place.
Head for some unfamiliar dirt roads and all is revealed. Although the steering doesn't feel racy as before, the ride is still slightly on the stiff side.
The X3’s price is between 3.3-3.8 million baht.
And to make off-roading easy for the average Joe, there's hill-descent control and an improved four-wheel-drive system that not only splits torque between the front and rear axles but also among the rear wheels _ a feature first seen in the X6.
But, of course, BMW knows many potential buyers won't go off the sealed tarmac and has thus ensured that the roadholding is good, which indeed it is. The new X3 inherits the so-called Dynamic Driving Control where the dampers and steering effort can be beefed up for a sportier feel.
However, this is most likely to be available (along with other luxuries like sat-nav) in the higher version of the Thai-assembled X3 due in 2 months. We'll touch on pricing later, something BMW hasn't confirmed yet. The X3 you see here is a completely built-up import, although BMW says it is basically the same as the one to hit Thai showrooms.
The X3’s driving environment is similar with BMW’s other latest models.
To put it in another way, the X3's driving manners are now more mature, refined and comfortable _ if not as great to drive as before. Owners of the previous X3 who loved the car-like handling and had no problem with the firm ride and small package can always settle for the X1, which is practically the same size.
The X3 was at its best with a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel, not the 2.5-litre inline-six petrol head. This means that the new X3 will solely burn on oil. But to comply with other new BMWs, the X3 gets the latest 184hp unit and 8-speed automatic (the old one has 177hp and 6-speed combo).
And for the first time in any BMW officially sold in Thailand, there's an automatic stop/start system to help reduce fuel consumption and emissions. However, it works only occasionally, as the air-con uses lots of energy at standstill.
With such a turbo-diesel engine, there's undeniably never a shortage of power.
In fact, we're talking about BMW's most crucial diesel engine in the entry-level front that combines an exceptional combination of performance and fuel economy.
But despite plenty of power reserves, it can sometimes not feel as sparkling as before. This could probably be due to the closer ratios of the new 8-speed 'box, meaning that you need to go into manual mode (but without paddle-shifters) to really make the engine perform to your desires in an instant manner.
Rear space has improved vastly.
Even so, the X3's performance is still remarkable when you consider the Q5 has yet to go diesel in Thailand and the Land Rover Freelander 2 and Volvo XC60 coming with weaker engines.
The new X3, along with other aforementioned improvements, help put it on the top of the class. Actually, this is the X3 it should have been in the first place: properly practical, refined, comfortable and still assuring to drive. The X3 can now be regarded as a junior X5.
Boot is more generous, although seats don’t fold completely flat—just like before.
And now for the prices. BMW has only said the new X3 should cost between 3.3-3.8 million baht depending on spec. That makes it similar to the previous X3 which would sound as good value given the improvements seen in the new model.
AT A GLANCE
Styling ................................. 7/10
Gone is the stodgy image in favour of more masculine appearance. Interior looks like in other BMWs, which could either be a good or bad thing.
Performance ........................ 9/10
The X3 rightly gets the diesel engine it needs to comply with the SUV concept. It has decent off-road ability, if buyers really need it.
Handling/ride ....................... 8/10
The chassis has now been tuned for greater ride and driving comfort. It's not as sharp to steer as before, but SUVs aren't supposed to.
Practicality .......................... 8/10
The X3 has proper space for all occupants and their luggage, although cargo versatility isn't brilliant yet.
Safety kit ............................. 9/10
This is a premium car we're talking about, so safety features are aplenty, if not making any noise in its class.
VERDICT .............................. 8/10
The X3 is now a proper SUV to stand out in its class, thanks to effective improvements made to its predecessor's shortcomings. If all you need is a five-seat BMW SUV, there's no need to scale up to the X5 anymore. The X3 is it.
The X3’s driving manners are now more mature, refined and comfortable.
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Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
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