Road Tested By Hugh Maguire.
This is the fourth generation of the model and boasts a completely new design. The model I am road testing this week is the BMW X3 30e which is the plug in hybrid in the range. Prices start at €73,157 for the xLine, the M Sport costs from €75,417 and the version on test here the M Sport Pro costs from €78,933. My test car then had a few optional packs which pushed the price on this weeks test car to over €83,000! So how was it?
So has it any street cred?
The new X3 is a very imposing looking SUV particularly in M Sport Pro trim. There were some ‘spectators’ who were not overly keen on the very squared off design of the front end, lack of a nice BMW chrome grille and the deep side profile. I felt the same initially but after some time with the car finished in “Dune Grey” (read Beige) I grew to like it. I will say though I think the previous model had more character.
What’s it like inside?
The interior features the now familiar BMW curved digital dash display. Honestly I am not a fan preferring the beautiful dials and instruments of the earlier BMW’s, something they were very well known for. The latest now looks like any other digital dash. There are no longer any physical buttons sadly but you can use voice control or the console mounted rotary controller to navigate the system. There is a pretty good level of standard kit and a selection of add on optional packs allowing one to personalise the car to your liking. Unfortunately gone is the standard leather interior of the previous range which has been replaced by a “Leatherette” upholstery. You can order real leather at extra cost of course. While on the subject of the interior it has to be said there are quite a few areas that don’t feel up to the standard I would expect of BMW. It feels like they have cut back on the quality of some of the plastics with rather hard touch trim on the doors some of the dash and other areas. That’s a pity and as an owner of the previous model the difference is really apparent when compared side by side.
All that said the actual build quality feels good, the driving position is perfect and the accommodation is excellent with ample leg and headroom both front and rear.
The boot of the hybrid is slightly smaller than non hybrid models in the range at 460 litres.
What is under the bonnet?
The X3 30e PHEV is powered by a 2.0 litre petrol turbo, a 19.7 kWh battery and electric motor delivering 299bhp while all mated to a silky smooth 8-speed “Steptronic” gearbox with paddle shifts driving all four wheels through BMW’s intelligent AWD. There are selectable drive modes including Sport which is really excellent and delivers a rewarding driving experience.
BMW claim an electric range of about 90km on a full charge but in reality I achieved 66 km.
Performance and power delivery is very good with acceleration accompanied by a lovely sporty snarl (generated through the speakers) but it sounds great! When that battery is exhausted though you are lugging around all that weight of the battery and electric motor and that shows in the fuel economy so the rule is charge regularly. However overall it was very good burning on average 6.2 litres per 100km.
Will I enjoy driving it?
BMW’s sales pitch is that their cars are better to drive than rivals. The X3 is up against the Mercedes GLC, Audi Q5 and Volvo XC-60 and I can tell you it is certainly more rewarding to drive than rivals. The nicely weighted steering, a lovely suspension set-up and tenacious grip even on wet greasy roads make this SUV stand out for its driving dynamics. I truly enjoyed hustling it along a twisty road. It is a drivers SUV and lives up to what you would expect of BMW in that sense. Its refined too, with a quiet serene cabin.
So what is the Verdict?
The new X3 is a car you would desire, it has pace and panache in abundance. It will fulfil all the SUV type family needs while also pleasing the more demanding driver.
I liked it very much and a few aforementioned vices aside it gets my highest recommendation.