Search Car Reviews



See all makes

BMW X3

The X5 finally has a baby brother to be proud of as junior SUV arrives in Britain

BMW X3 REAR

By Richard Yarrow

November 2010

Bigger, lighter, better equipped – and cheaper, too! On paper, the all-new BMW X3 seems to tick every important box, certainly compared to its predecessor. 

We’ve already sampled a left-hand-drive model on the smooth highways of South Carolina, US – where the X3 is built – and we were very impressed. Now, it’s time to try the right-hand-drive version destined for the UK.

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the BMW X3

 

The original X3, launched in 2004, wasn’t a handsome car. More jacked-up estate than true SUV, it was a clumsy fit in the range – and customers looking for a baby brother to the ultra-successful X5 were disappointed by the firm ride and high price compared with rivals.

The new model is far more mainstream, replacing edgy lines with the sculpted finish seen on the smaller X1 and latest X5. It’s longer than its predecessor by 83mm – and is wider and taller, too – and is only 19mm shorter than the original X5.

There are few surprises in the cabin; it’s BMW’s standard palette of conservative interior shades, with black trim and brushed aluminium detailing. The only bright point is the leather trim, now standard fit and available in a variety of contrasting colours. Build quality is excellent and there’s little to fault. New to the X3 is the iDrive control knob, fitted on the centre console.

Behind the wheel, the car is comfortable and roomy, while there’s plenty of practical storage spaces and the rear seats fold flat in a 60/40 ratio. A 40/20/40 set-up is optional. Overall, there is more leg and elbow room in the back than in the outgoing model.

Boot volume has also been improved, to a class-leading 550 litres with the seats up and 1,600 with them folded down. The X3’s Audi Q5 rival provides 540 and 1,560 litres respectively. 

Initially, buyers will only be able to get a 184bhp 2.0-litre diesel with permanent 4WD, in SE trim. Other units will follow next year, but there’s no petrol car as so few were sold in the past. With the standard six-speed manual, the X3 returns 50.4mpg and emits 149g/km of CO2. The Q5 offers 45.6mpg and 160g/km-plus. 

Dynamically, the newcomer is typical BMW, with solid and refined handling. It soaks up the bumps in the road, even without the new optional Variable Damper Control system. The steering is accurate and well weighted, and even in the tightest corners, there’s little evidence of body roll. Our only criticism is that the pedals are slightly offset to the right on manual versions.

Prices start at £30,490 – that’s £115 cheaper than the outgoing X3, despite the improved spec. There are no plans to offer a 2WD version at the moment, although this hasn’t been ruled out.

For an alternative review of the latest BMW X3 visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

What Next

For more breaking car news and reviews, subscribe to Auto Express magazine. We'll give you 6 issues for £1 and a free gift!

< Previous   Next >

Sponsored Results

4 Comments

Dull

What a dull design & interior. BMW need to move on from this staid image or Audi will fly away from them in terms of desirability. Look at the interior of the new A6, the design, the materials look so good. BMW-the odd half decent concept car but production models don't seem to have moved on in any way for maybe 5 years.

By slipperman1 on 2 December, 2010, 9:34am

hmmmm.........

looks nice enough but certainly not in any way exciting. I have to agree with slipperman, the A6's interior is much nicer and looks better quality as well. If I was choosing between this and the Q5 it would be the Q5 that would win it for me, despite the slightly smaller boot. The X3 still looks a little awkward to me, although granted this is less so than the outgoing model which I never liked anyway. I think Audi are already winning in the quality stakes despite many other correspondent's saying it's dull and old hat etc. So is BMW in terms of the interior. When I was working for a franchise (not BMW specifically), years ago delivering/collecting vehicles, many of them were low rent Beemers, usually 316 Compacts or Coupes with the occasional 520 and the interior hasn't changed very much in more than 10 years. Audi on the other hand have changed it albeit in a subtle way and I do know what I'm talking about because I used to own one, a 1994 Audi 100 Avant and I loved it. I wish I still had it now.

By nick7 on 2 December, 2010, 7:24pm

Better in the metal

I've seen a new x3 in the showroom at Derby BMW and that one is a lot nicer inside that these pictures suggest. The wood is horrible in these pictures and the one I saw was a dark finish which looked a lot better. I drove the auto one they had and it's superb, very impressive and smooth but still really lively. Only criticism from me was the small looking alloys which apparently were standard at 17" bit just (to me) looked small although the ride was smooth and handling impressive.

By WillBad on 2 December, 2010, 8:14pm

Hits 'Snooze' button...

I can't think of anything positive to say, so i'll stop right here...

By sgtgrash on 3 December, 2010, 1:32am

You need to register to post comments. Existing members can log in below to comment, otherwise click here to join.



Sponsored Results

More BMW X3 articles


Related Index Pages

- Advertisement -

Pictures

BMW X3 REAR
BMW X3
BMW X3
BMW X3
BMW X3

Sponsored Results

Find New Cars

Find your new BMW X3 with our new car search:

Find New Cars
Find Used Cars

Find your BMW X3 with our used car search.

Find Used Cars

FIRST OPINION

    The X3 has matured from a somewhat flawed product into a genuine contender in the premium compact SUV market – and it now feels like the baby brother the X5 always deserved. With the X1 sitting below it, the model is an integrated part of BMW’s three-strong X-badged range of off-road models. It oozes class, and performed impressively both on and off the tarmac during our time behind the wheel. Come next summer, and Auto Express’s New Car Awards 2011, we fully expect the latest X3 to be challenging for honours in this competitive sector.
 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: £30,490
    Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbodiesel
    Power: 184bhp
    Torque: 380Nm
    Transmission: Six-speed manual, four-wheel drive
    Top speed: 130mph
    0-62mph: 8.5 seconds
    Economy: 50.4mpg
    CO2: 149g/km
    Equipment: Leather upholstery, air-con, iDrive control system, cruise control, stop-start
    On sale: Now
     
    - Advertisement -