BMWs X3 proves that the German manufacturer continues to set the bar for appealing and performance oriented sports utility vehicles with the right touch of luxury. Since its production debut in 2004, the X3 has gradually evolved into an impressive package that, while slightly pricey, delivers consistently on its promise to bring a true “urban off-roader” experience.
By now, just about everyone knows that the terms SUV no longer refers to an actual off-roader type of a vehicle, but instead points to a new generation of cross-overs that are partly utility-oriented but mostly comfort or luxury focused. These urban off-roaders or cross-overs are really SUVs built on a car platform with just enough off-road capability to satisfy the average urban adventurer. Thanks to the evolution of this segment, the days of the SUV dinosaurs are but a passing memory – which means that these days good fuel economy, great handling and good looks in a more modestly sized package are the standard people look for. Big and bulky is not just passé, its prehistoric – today, compact luxury is de rigueur.
The high-end SUV culture has also evolved – especially in the upper luxury segment - where consumers are eager to drive a sports utility vehicle that are both “ready for anything” and highly refined and sophisticated.
Enter the 2013 BMW X3: a compact luxury cross-over that is positioned midway between the smaller X1 and the larger X5. BMW has been a strong player in this segment for quite a while, even going as far as re-naming its SUVs to SAVs, which stand for Sports Activity Vehicles. The entire range now includes everything from the small but high performing X1 to the top-range X6, with X4 arriving in the near future.
The X3 offers an attractive package, with a pleasing blend of premium feel, performance and just the right amount of practicality – including all-wheel-drive as standard. The most notable change to this latest model year is the new turbocharged 4 cylinder 2.0 liter engine for the entry level 28i model, our test car. The engine delivers surprisingly level of performance for a small displacement engine, while still providing excellent fuel economy. And, if you want more power, the 3.0 liter six-cylinder is still available in the form of 35i – but for my money the 28i offers plenty of fun-to-drive factor for most people.
Exterior Design
The goal of the external design of the X3 was something called “dramatic vibrancy” of “light and shade”, which is supposed to deliver something else called the “bold X-ness” – whatever that is. Regardless of the terminology used, the exterior is quite appealing and modern, especially when dressed in the sportier M Sport version.
There is nothing radical about the design but the overall feel is clean and subtle, with enough luxury touches to make the vehicle look BMW-ish from all anges.
Interior Design
The interior is pleasing to the eye and maintains BMW’s penchant for solid and mature design. The material quality was befitting a luxury compact SUV and felt comfortable and familiar in a good way. Most controls and visual displays were pleasing to the eye and easy enough to understand – even the often-criticized i-Drive control system seemed to be up to the task after a few tries.
Seats were comfortable and there is a plenty of space front and back. I took the X3 on a fishing trip and the trunk had ample space for various fishing gear and the X3’s power tailgate, which comes standard, is a welcome feature.
Performance
The 28i’s four-cylinder turbocharged engine provides plenty of power, even when going uphill or passing other cars. AWD comes standard on the X3 as does the eight-speed automatic transmission. This translates into plenty of performance in both summer and winter weather. The only downside is that the 2.0-litre turbo is a bit noisy at idle, to the point where some passengers thought that the engine was a diesel.
The X3 steering feel and handling, while somewhat light, was easy and responsive to changing conditions. Because of the electric steering design (vs the hydraulic design types found on the current X1 and X5/X6s), there isn’t as much road feel coming through the steering wheel to the driver’s hands but most North American drivers would not mind the lighter feel.
Suspension on the 2013 X3 extremely comfortable without being downright soft – and BMW has managed to successfully move away from its more deliberately-designed rigid suspension set-ups of past models. In fact, over highway roads, the X3 felt as smooth as a high-end luxury sedans costing twice it price.
Features
The X3 comes with six air bags as standard, traction control and anti-lock brakes. Lane Departure and collision warning systems are available as options.
The starting price for the BMW X3 is $42,600.
Some of the many standard equipment items include 4-wheel ABS, electronic brake force distribution, side-impact protection door reinforcements, hill descent control, Bluetooth wireless with USB integration, heated front seats, dynamic cruise control, alarm system and automatic air conditioning.
Fuel economy numbers are 9.7/100km city, 7.0L/100km highway, and 8.5L/100km combined.
The new X3 28i is an outstanding mid-sized luxury SAV (or SUV). Sophisticated to drive, the new base turbocharged 4-cylinder engine provides an enviable mix of power and efficiency while achieving decent fuel economy. The only downside was that it occasionally sounded noisy but otherwise performs extremely well for a small engine. The upscale X3 interior carefully adheres to BMW’s standard design cues, still managing somehow to be fresh and familiar. Roomy and with plenty of cargo space, the X3 sports a refreshed exterior design that keeps its ‘X-ness’ but also turns heads.
Thumbs Up
The 2013 X3 is roomy and ride extremely smooth. The base engine provides plenty of power and torque without sacrificing fuel efficiency. Smart looking vehicle that has all the bells and whistles expected in a luxury car.
Thumbs Down
The X3 interior design is tried and true – but may be beginning to feel a bit dated. The Xdrive35i is quite pricey. The 28i engine can be noisy.
The Bottom Line
BMW has got it right with the best blend of luxury and utility to confidently deliver sports activity sophistication to a discerning audience.
Competitors
Volvo XC60: Volvo offers a strong blend of utility and reassurance to their XC60 compact SUV, including a generous and family-friendly spacious package for both passenger and for cargo. Safety is a strong component of the Volvo brand and the XC60 has a wealth of safety options.
Mercedes GLK: The Mercedes GLK will bring you similar caché as a German-engineered automobile, and is priced lower than the BMW X3. The GLK has a boxy looking exterior that may take some getting used to and the size is somewhat more compact when compared with the X3. Equipped with a V6 engine as standard, the GLK loses to the X3 in the battle over best fuel economy.
Audi Q5: Audi joined the fray in 2009 model year with the Q5 and has been a popular addition to the compact luxury SUV segment ever since. The recently freshened exterior design for 2013 give it a bit more character over the previous generation. The Q5 has a different character from the X3, with the top-range SQ5 being the sports version of the Q5 lineup.
