BMW X3 2011
Can BMW’s New X3 address the critisisms of its predecessor? Geraldine Herbert finds out.
With the release of the 2011 BMW X3, it’s clear that significant efforts have been made to address the criticism of the first model. The originally x3 was criticised for having the least BMW-like driving characteristics and questionable interior build quality, It was too ugly, too soft to be a real offroader and too similarly priced to the X5 to become a formidable name in the ever-growing compact luxury crossover segment. So is the new model still BMW’s weakest link? well not any more. The body design of the new BMW X3 conveys urban elegance, durability and agility. The combination of a flat front end and a high rear end produces a dynamically formed wedge shape, hinting at the vehicle’s sporting characteristics. Convex and concave surfaces are accentuated, giving the car body the appearance of a meticulously modelled sculpture
On the road the new X3 looks more mature, more imposing and its muscular stance gives it noticeably more road presence than the previous model. That’s partly down to its size, and partly to a move to model it on the original X5. The shape is more X5-ish but also fits well into the current BMW family, with a body that uses a lot of aluminium to achieve a 25kg advantage over the previous model.
Inside, the story is the same – the interior is a big step up from its predecessor, with more quality materials and better ergonomics. The cabin is far roomier and classier than before, the back seat has proper adult space, and there is reasonable luggage capacity. That’s helped by the absence of a spare as the X3 uses runflats. Rear passengers will like the additional head and legroom that easily accommodates a 1.9-metre passenger, while boot space increased to 550 litres, in part because a wider rear track means the wheel arches don’t intrude. The loading capacity can be increased from to 1600 litres and 40:20:40 split-folding rear seat backrests means the new BMW X3 offers the largest amount of space and at the same time the highest level of variability in its segment.
There’s a much bigger, strongly sculpted body, 830mm longer and 280mm wider than before, with a similar height but ground clearance now 212mm, up from 201.
Under the bonnet of our test model sits BMW’s excellent 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine with aluminium crankcase and common rail direct injection, it delivers a maximum power output of 184hp at 4,000 rpm and peak torque of 380 Nm between 1,750 and 2,750 rpm. Other engines, all diesel, will be launched at a later date, but in Ireland the BMW X3 xDrive20d will account for approximately 80 per cent of all sales when all other engines have been introduced.
X3 is agile and confident on road, the suspension tune now better offsetting the runflat tyres’ uncompromising ride. Direct alternatives to the X3 aren’t too thick on the ground but its archrival is undoubtedly the Audi Q5.and Land Rover’s Freelander
Price wise the new BMW X3 xDrive20d SE is even better value than its predecessor. At ¤46,660 OTR, it is actually ¤4,170 less than the outgoing model, yet is equipped with a higher level of standard specification including Nevada leather upholstery, two-zone air conditioning, iDrive controller and colour display.
BMW is the master of car-like SUVs but the first X3 always lived in the shadow of the bigger, better X5. Now this greatly improved all-new version deserves a share of the limelight as well. BMW’s second-generation X3, bridges the gap from X1 to X5 with a more spacious and better-designed format aimed squarely at the well-heeled family.
Filed Under: Road Tests
