BMW X3

The presence of an extremely talented and well received big brother always piles on the pressure when a new model is launched. But 
the original BMW X3 didn’t live up 
to its billing as a miniature X5. Can 
the latest car make a better fist of it?

The new X3 gets off to a good start, 
as it has a far more imposing shape 
and sharper detailing than before. It’s wider, taller and longer; in fact, it’s only 19mm shorter than the original X5. 

Our test car was fitted with the firm’s £480 xLine package, which brings classy satin aluminium window surrounds and titanium-effect bumper inserts. However, the X3 still isn’t as neatly proportioned as its competitors in this test, particularly from the rear. Inside, you’re treated 
to a high driving position and a wide range of wheel and seat adjustment. 
The straightforward dashboard and 
clear dials sit neatly alongside BMW’s latest iDrive cabin control system. 

Plus, the firm has addressed the criticisms levelled against the MkI 
X3’s quality. Fit and finish are excellent, and the materials used are first-class. Our car’s attractive wood veneer trim is a £340 optional extra, but leather seats, two-zone climate control and a multifunction steering wheel come as standard.

Space isn’t an issue, either. Not 
only does the car have the longest wheelbase in the test, it also provides 
the most comfortable back seats, with passengers getting lots of legroom and under-thigh support. Boot capacity has also increased to a class-leading 550 litres. The rear seats are split 60/40, and while they don’t fold completely flat, they help liberate a 1,600-litre maximum load space – beaten here only by the Land Rover.

From launch, there’s a single engine choice, and the 181bhp 2.0-litre diesel 
is unique as it incorporates stop-start technology whether customers specify manual or automatic transmissions 
– a first in this sector of the market. 

Our model featured the eight-speed self-shifter, and its smooth gearchanges combine with positive throttle response to complement the trusty common-rail oil-burner’s linear power delivery. It emits a turbine-like hum under load, 
but overall refinement is good. And 
while the icy conditions of our test prevented us from recording fully representative performance figures 
from a standing start, the new X3 
provided plenty of in-gear punch. 

The selector on the centre console allows you to shift gears manually, and 
the speed with which the auto changes ratios can be tuned using the optional Drive Dynamic Control system. In Sport mode, you also get remapped steering responses and crisper throttle reactions.

But while the sharper driving dynamics this set-up provides are welcome, the BMW feels just as capable in Normal mode. The steering is accurate and well weighted, there is plenty of grip and body control is superb. As a result, you can turn into corners with confidence. It displays 
none of the extreme weight transfer 
or vagueness associated with 4x4s.

There’s loads of feel through the steering, and you get the kind of driving involvement you’d expect from a BMW saloon. Traction is impressive, too. The xDrive permanent four-wheel drive transfers power between the axles and 
– thanks to the stability control set-up – between individual wheels. This made 
the X3 simply unstoppable in the snow, although its winter tyres also played their part.

Comfort will be of more concern in 
fair weather, and the BMW continues 
to impress here. While the suspension 
is slightly firm around town, when you 
up the pace, excellent damping ensures the X3 soaks up bumps with ease, and it’s impressively composed on motorways. 

It’s worth noting that our car was 
fitted with the £910 optional Variable Damper Control system, which can be programmed using the Drive Dynamic Control switch. Yet despite all the extra 
kit, it’s still the cheapest model here.

The BMW strikes an excellent balance between car-like responses and comfort. Add low emissions, test fuel economy of 34.5mpg and fixed-price servicing, and 
it’s a sensible bet. The X3 has come of age.