The BMW X3 is a luxurious compact SUV that the BMW company is marketing as a Sports Activity Vehicle. The X3 is a traditional crossover, but it is still a BMW, and so you still get that sporty feel this brand is known for. It handles like a BMW, and has the performance you expect. It also has plenty of room inside and there is a feeling of luxury throughout. The only downside to this vehicle is its price, which is about normal for any BMW. There are all the usual options that make it even better, but many of them are not standard features. The BMW X3 is a vehicle that is powerful, fun to drive, and that has the room you expect in this type of vehicle. Read on to learn more about this exciting offering on the SUV market.
There are four trims, and they mostly refer to whether it has rear wheel or all wheel drive, and to the type of engine. The SDrive28i, the XDrive 28i, and the XDrive28d, come with the same options other than the power train. The XDrive35i has a more powerful engine, keyless entry and starting, a fancy sound system, larger infotainment screen, as part of the package. These extras are optional at lower trim levels.
A larger and higher resolution screen comes with the navigation system. The touchpad allows you to write letters or numbers on the screen. The menu has become more structured and more intuitive, making it easier to use.
This generation of the X3 has been around a few years, but it does not seem dated. For 2017 the IDrive Interface, and the navigation system, have been updated to the latest standards, and both are optional. The higher end X3 comes with keyless entry and starting, more seat adjustments and satellite radio. A WiFi hotspot option has also been added.
All X3 cars use an 8-speed automatic transmission. The lower trim levels get a 2.0 turbo charged four cylinder that cranks out 240 horsepower. The XDrive28d is powered by a 2.0 four cylinder diesel that will deliver 180 horsepower. The XDrive35i is the high performer, with a 3.0 turbo charged inline six cylinder that offers 300 horsepower.
The largest engine will go to 60 miles per hour in 5.8 seconds and gets a combined 21 miles per gallon. The diesel gets to 60 in 7.8 seconds and should get around 30 miles per gallon. The smaller engine will power the vehicle to 60 in 6.4 seconds and will get a combined 24 miles per gallon. At the other end. the vehicle goes from 60 to a dead stop in between 123 and 127 feet.
Dynamic stability control moderates engine power to compensate for over or under steering in wet conditions. It regulates engine power and can apply brakes individually. Damper controls adjust the vehicle to road quality for a more stable ride. Variable Sports Steering adjusts the suspension continuously, which helps on winding roads and gives even more stability.
There are five special packages that may be added to any trim level. The packages are: Driver Assistance Plus; X Line; Lighting; Cold Weather; and Technology.
This package includes a lot of electronic helps, such as blind spot detection and warning on both sides of the vehicle, lane departure warning, and front collision warning. A 360 degree camera helps in tight spots and warns you of dangers.
This package is for people who live in colder areas, and it includes heated front seats, heated steering wheel and other things to keep you warm regardless of the conditions outside,
There is an adaptive cruise control that adjusts for traffic, lane departure warning and pedestrian warning. It also has a feature that turns the engine off when the car stops, and starts it again. This saves fuel, but some find it distracting.