If size matters, BMW’s third-generation X3 certainly makes the cut with a footprint that is even bigger than the original X5.
Designed with the stance of a hunky rugby player, the compact SUV boasts a chunkier kidney grille flanked by the marque’s latest hexagonal LED headlamps and matching foglamps.
If the rump resembles that of an enlarged X1, with its 3D LED tail-lamps and sloping roof spoiler, it is because both cars share the same designer.
More akin to the outgoing X3 is a side profile refreshed with straighter crease lines and BMW’s new signature front fender vents. The latter are dummies for aesthetic effect in the new car.
Looks can be deceiving. Although appearing bulkier than the preceding X3, the car manages a class-leading drag coefficient of 0.29. The more slippery shape contributes to a higher top speed of 240km/h (plus 10km/h) for the two-litre turbo xDrive30i.
Otherwise, the 30i’s power rise to 248hp (plus 7hp) and unchanged torque value of 350Nm do not improve real-world acceleration much. Not even with 55kg trimmed off the car’s weight. A 0-100km/h sprint time of 6.3 seconds (0.2 seconds quicker) reaffirms this.
More noticeable is the improved stability and composure from its 5 Series and 7 Series-derived platform and a longer 2864mm (plus 54mm) wheelbase.
It is still tractable for a fairly large crossover. On winding mountain and coastal stretches, all-wheel-drive provides plenty of grip while a nicely weighted steering makes for confident turn-ins. Paddle-shifting through BMW’s slick 8-speed automatic is also good fun and pretty fluid when the road gets twisty. It still feels very much like a BMW.
The test route includes some gravel and dirt track stretches for a slip-sliding off-road experience. Here, the X3 is still in its element.
Back on smooth tarmac, all is calm and hushed. The X3 now gets an acoustic-glazed windscreen for better noise insulation. Despite that, wind noise around the wing mirrors above 100km/h is detectable.
Cabin design elements from the latest 5 Series and 7 Series have carried over to the new car, allowing it to exude a more premium feel. There is more aluminium trim, better materials and improved ambient lighting.
Wireless smartphone charging is now a standard feature. Other tech upgrades are a digital analogue-style instrumentation display and a closer to eye-level dash-mounted 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen. But I am not a fan of BMW’s gimmicky gesture controls. And navigation through the layers of menus on the iDrive still requires familiarisation.
A bigger exterior equates to a correspondingly roomier interior. Luggage capacity, however, remains unchanged at 550 litres – already best in class. The boot cover can now be tucked underneath the floorboard when not in use.
BMW’s X3 distinguishes itself from the other premium SUVs by remaining true to its cause as a versatile crossover. In the upsizing process, agility may have been blunted slightly. But the upside is a more planted ride.
The car is all grown up, with a refreshed look and classier finishing. It is a top contender in its segment. For the first time, a sportier M40i will join the xDrive30i during the X3’s Singapore debut early next year.
The variant is BMW’s answer to the Audi SQ5 and Mercedes-AMG GLC. An entry-level sDrive20i will follow later in the year.
BMW X3 xDrive30i 2.0 (A)
ENGINE 1998cc, 16-valves, inline-4, turbocharged
MAX POWER 248hp at 5200rpm
MAX TORQUE 350Nm at 1450-4800rpm
GEARBOX 8-speed automatic with manual select
0-100KM/H 6.3 seconds
TOP SPEED 240km/h
CONSUMPTION 13.5km/L (combined)
PRICE INCL. COE To be announced
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