BMW X3 4X4 REVIEW 22 Feb 2011
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Performance
5 out of 5 stars
To start with, the only model available is the xDrive20d, which uses a four-cylinder 2.0-litre diesel engine. Fortunately, with 280lb ft of torque, this is gutsy enough to sweep a fully loaded X3 along at a decent rate. The standard gearbox is a six-speed manual, while an eight-speed automatic is offered as an option.
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Ride & Handling
4 out of 5 stars
So far, we’ve only tried the X3 with Dynamic Damper Control, and it’s an appealing option because it monitors your speed, driving style and the conditions of the road, and then adjusts the firmness of the suspension to suit. You get agile and composed handling, too, and the steering is nicely weighted, although more feel would be welcome.
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Buying & Owning
5 out of 5 stars
While it’s no bargain, the X3 is competitively priced, and resale values should be similar to those of rivals such as the Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60. The 2.0-litre diesel averages over 50mpg, which not only trumps most other 4x4s, but also some front-wheel drive crossovers. The auto model is the cleaner of the two, emitting 147g/km to the manual’s 149g/km.
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Behind The Wheel
4 out of 5 stars
The X3 comes with the latest version of BMW’s iDrive controller, so you can flip through an encyclopedia of entertainment and set-up menus quickly and easily. The driving position is excellent, too, although it may take you a while to get the seat exactly where you want it because the standard manual controls are fiddly.
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Space & Practicality
4 out of 5 stars
There’s plenty of space for four six-foot-something adults in the X3, but its wide transmission tunnel means life isn’t so comfortable for a central rear passenger. The boot is large and well shaped, though, and cargo space grows to a mountain bike-swallowing 1600 litres when the rear seats are folded. The backrests are split 40/20/40 for added versatility.
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Equipment
3 out of 5 stars
At launch, all cars come in SE spec, but this isn’t a bad thing because it gives you lots of luxuries, including leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors, automatic lights and wipers and cruise control. BMW also lets you add everything from satellite-navigation to a head-up display that projects your speed on to the windscreen. A sportier M Sport trim will go on sale in the spring.
Quality & Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
The X3’s cabin is built from high-quality materials and the attention to fit and finish is exemplary, so it’s a match for anything in the class. BMW also has a good reliability record, and it finished a creditable seventh out of 27 manufacturers in the 2010 JD Power customer satisfaction survey.
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Safety & Security
5 out of 5 stars
Every X3 comes with front, side and curtain airbags, and a host of electronic aids that are designed to keep you out of trouble. What’s more, the bonnet features energy-absorbing deformation zones to improve pedestrian protection. On the security front, deadlocks, marked parts, an alarm and locking wheelnuts are all included.
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Refinement
5 out of 5 stars
The engine isn’t quite as quiet as it is in some BMW saloons, but it’s still smooth by 4x4 standards, and wind- and road noise are kept to a respectable level. The manual gearbox is far less impressive because its shift is rather stiff and springy. If your budget will stretch, it’s worth upgrading to the automatic.
