BMW X3: The All-Rounder with New Cosmetics
The white coats in Bavaria could not resist taking GLC, Q5 & Macan on with a fresher X3. We test it.
Munich has rung the changes for its X3 for 2022. Clearly, with the likes of a new Mercedes-Benz GLC and facelifted Audi Q5 and Porsche Macan on the horizon, the white coats in Bavaria could not resist. Changes are subtle. Or as BMW calls them, ‘meaningful enhancements.’
Bolder, Sharper X3 Looks Better in the Flesh
Taking a first look, the first thing you notice is that the Bavarians have failed to resist their fetish of making those kidney grilles ever bigger than before. Albeit this one’s growth is subtle. And it certainly looks far better in the flesh. Better than both its predecessor and the press pictures. Blame BMW customers for that — they allegedly complained about the insignificance of the previous kidney. Not sure who those owners are, but anyway!
That bolder, sharper grille comes in tandem with narrower, more slanted headlamps. They tell us that the bumper vents now conform to a “pincer claw contour.” The taillights have not escaped the München scalpel either. They say that they’re now “more aggressive,” while grander exhaust tips ‘to convey more presence’. Are the styling tricks a step forward? Or just sideways? That’s for you to decide!
Step inside and settle into sports seats. A high-resolution 12.3-inch instrument cluster keeps you posted, three-zone automatic climate control, cool. X3 now adopts the 4 Series’ center console and a diagonal 12.3-inch central infotainment screen. It also now gets remote software upgradable Touch Control iDrive with CarPlay and Auto mirroring and new generation navigation maps.
Driving Assistant Professional includes Active Cruise Control Parking Assistant Plus and there’s an Intelligent Personal Assistant for an even more intensive bond between driver and car.
Handles Well On the Road; Good Off It, Too
Anyway, this fine BMW X3 xDrive 30i now enters its second phase. Powered by BMW’s lusty 2-liter turbo diesel, it churns out a meaty 248 horses between 5,200 and 6,500rpm and 4,250 foot-pounds of twist all the way from 1,450 to 4,800 rpm. Mated to BMW’s regular ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic and fine-tuned to perfectly match that broad output to your immediate driving situation, it transfers torque to BMW’s constantly variable xDrive all-wheel drive. We tested it to 60 mph in under six seconds, which is GTI territory. See below for all the crucial data
That xDrive shares said output ideally out between all four wheels for both ideal road holding and handling and when required, off-road prowess. Talking of which, this mild off-road Sports Activity machine comes with 8.1-inch road clearance, a 19.7-inch fording ability and respective 25.0 and 22.6-degree approach and departure angles.
Being a BMW, it’s no surprise that its tarmac roadholding and handling are high points. Positive steering feel and firm, but pleasant ride conspire to deliver the expected sheer driving pleasure. Driver Assist and lane control make X3 safe as houses too if you want it. It’s all simple to override, should you find that the nannies interfere too much. Our X3 came stacked with all the latest gizmos from an auto tailgate, cool alloy wheels and improved and updated materials. Some of it standard, other you can tick those boxes and pay extra for.
X3 An Ideal Buy-Down from a Pricey Full-Size SUV
We’re not really sure about the looks, although thank goodness, this one lacks the chromium grid they used to barbecue their last moose, that somehow found its way onto big brother X7’s unfortunate nose. But X3 does quite look the part. It’s a fine all-round package that’s also reasonably priced. Which makes it an ideal as a buy-down, should those latest full-sized SUV prices scare you.
Photos: Giordano Lupini
ROAD TEST: BMW X3 xDrive30i Engine: 280 HP 258 lb.-ft 2-litre turbo gasoline I4 Drive: 8-speed auto AWD TESTED: 0-40 mph: 2.99 sec 0-60 mph: 5.91 sec 0-100 mph 13.13 sec ¼-mile: 14.1 sec @ 104 mph 50-75 mph: 3.52 sec 75-100 mph: 5.29 sec CLAIMED: VMax: 130 mph Fuel: 24 mpg MSRP LIST PRICE: $52,775 RATED 8