BMW X3 xDrive35i with 306 CV, road test (Part III)

After getting to know the redesigned BMW X3 in depth, we now reach the end of the test, where we analyse the standard equipment, the prices and our verdict on the model. We tested the X3 with the 306 CV petrol engine, with all-wheel drive and paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

To find out how the BMW X3 handles or how its powerful engine performs, you can read the first part of the test, which highlights the sporty handling of the X3, the car’s good composure and the performance of its powerful petrol engine. For more on the design, interior or build quality, we covered all of that in the second part of the test, which highlights a new exterior presence that brings it closer to the X5, as well as a comfortable interior for five occupants, with quality as its flagship.

When we talk about equipment, we have to bear in mind that we are dealing with a premium vehicle, which means that, apart from the safety equipment, there is a long list of options with which to make the BMW X3 completely to your taste. Before looking at some of the details fitted to our unit, we will first look at the standard safety equipment, from the base model.

Among the safety equipment are front, side and curtain airbags for both front and rear seats, stability control, cornering brake control and traction control, as well as front fog lights. With this equipment it is clear that we are talking about a safe model, but we do not have EuroNCAP crash test results because the vehicle has not yet been tested (the previous 2008 model scored four stars).

The rest of the equipment varies depending on what you want. As standard there are elements such as air conditioning, a CD-MP3 radio, power steering, electric windows, among others. But by far the most interesting part is the list of options that our X3 can be fitted with. Of all of them, we must highlight the model’s technological load.

The Head-Up Display projects the speedometer information onto the windscreen, but we can also see navigation or cruise control information. Without doubt it is one of the most advanced systems of this type I have seen in a car, since in addition to using several shades in the information it projects, it also offers plenty of practical information (such as navigation directions).

In the centre console there is an 8.8-inch screen, which in our case displayed information from the navigation system, rear-view camera, radio or sound system. Starting with the cameras, our X3 was fitted with a rear-view camera (very useful for parking) and two cameras under the wing mirrors that gave us a complete view of the surroundings when manoeuvring.

The professional navigation system (an option) offers a complete entertainment system: we have a CD and DVD player and USB ports for our music. In addition, via Bluetooth we can connect our phone and the car will read out emails, texts or the calendar, among other functions. Completing this system are speakers that offer very high audio quality, in terms of clarity and power.

Nor can we overlook the comprehensive voice control system, which nowadays is nothing new in a vehicle, but in the X3 we could control everything from the radio station (with a simple command such as “select station: 93.7”) to dictating an address to the navigation system so it takes us there, meaning we never have to touch the system’s controls at all.

Prices

The price list is as follows:

• X3 xDrive20d €43,150
• X3 xDrive30d €54,500
• X3 xDrive28i €52,500
• X3 xDrive35i €59,200

Price of the tested unit (X3 xDrive35i): €78,660

Overall Verdict

The first thing to assess is the new generation, since it represents a giant leap over the previous one, with an evolved design, a refreshed specification to keep up to date, and above all it once again has enough going for it to take on the fierce competition in the premium SUV segment. And the redesigned X3 achieves all this without difficulty, because the design is a real success, giving it more personality, the equipment includes elements that other models in the segment do not offer, and, as always, a high level of quality.

The version that will sell the most will be the two-litre diesel with 184 CV, which is only natural: it is a good engine, performs well and is more than adequate for the X3. So where does this powerful 306 CV petrol engine fit in? Well, when it comes to driving enjoyment. It is not a logical engine, it is not one that consumes little, and it probably won’t be the best seller, but I can guarantee you it is the engine in the whole X3 range that will give you the most enjoyment behind the wheel, and above all, among its rivals there is no premium SUV in the segment this powerful.

If fuel consumption is not a concern, and you want a vehicle that is spacious but not as large as the X5, this engine is highly recommended, because its refined operation, the delivery of performance and its behaviour will undoubtedly make driving a pleasure.

But beyond the engine and the design, we must also consider the finish and the equipment. We have as a reference the Mercedes GLK 220 CDI that we tested a little over a year ago. The interior of the X3 is more sober, for example, but it gains in spaciousness.

On the other hand, the Head-Up Display system is not available on the Mercedes, and other elements of the X3’s equipment are also class-leading compared with its segment rivals. That said, in standard equipment the GLK comes out on top with a more complete specification from the base versions compared with the X3 and the Audi Q5.

Therefore, in addition to believing that this has been a good evolution of the model, we also see that it comes well prepared, that it delivers on its promise (offering sportiness behind the wheel) and that its footprint and ride are more typical of a saloon than of a 4×4, something to consider if you are looking for sportiness.

We’ll leave it there, but we can tell you in advance that we will try to bring in the third contender in the premium segment, the Audi Q5, a model that is also making strong inroads in sales.

Photos | David Taboada and the test team