This facelifted X3 is the launch vehicle for BMW’s latest 2.0-litre diesel engine in India. This motor (code: B47), part of BMW’s new modular engine family, is of particular importance because it will replace the base diesel units in the 3- and 5-series over the coming year. Identical 1995cc displacement and basic details (four-cylinders, common-rail, variable geometry turbocharger) apart, BMW says few parts are common between the old (code: N47) and new engines. This one’s got a new roller-bearing mounted turbo, higher pressure solenoid injectors with max pressure raised to 2000 bar and a more efficient combustion process.
Thanks to all of the above, BMW says the new engine is cleaner and more efficient than the one it replaces; and it’s slightly more powerful too. Power is up by 3bhp to 187bhp at 4000rpm while torque is up 2kgm to 40.7kgm between 1750rpm and 2500rpm. This translates to a 0.4 second quicker 0-100kph claimed time of 8.1 seconds.
Though this gain in performance is barely noticeable, it is very evident that the new engine is a whole lot quieter than the one it replaces. BMW has made a concerted effort to improve the X3’s formerly mediocre refinement, and it shows. Idle is all but free from the coarse clatter of the old motor and even on the move, the engine is significantly less noisy. It’s still not the most refined of engines, though, with an ever-present diesel note, even when cruising. But in average driving, the eight-speed automatic gearbox does well to keep revs under 2000rpm where the engine functions at its quietest (and most efficient) best. As for the gearbox, it responds quickly to most throttle inputs but in full-auto mode, there’s an occasional lag to downshift when you need a sudden rush of power. Performance, on the whole, is impressive. There’s strong punch right from low in the rev band and this builds into a meaty mid-range that is particularly nice to exploit. With manual mode engaged, the engine also revs to a solid 4800rpm before the electronics automatically upshift. Interestingly, BMW has also tweaked the extreme Sport + mode (only on the xLine) to further minimise body roll. As a result, turn-in is sharper, the steering feels nicely weighted and the advantages of that 50:50 weight distribution can be felt at just about every corner. As SUVs go, this is easily one of the best and most engaging to drive. It’s also one that’s quite adept at dealing with the rough stuff on Indian roads. Off the road, the X3 doesn’t do too bad either. It’s got hill descent control and BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system that splits torque between the front and rear axles (50:50 on one extreme to 0:100 on the other), as conditions demand. Just wish BMW offered some sort of a spare tyre. The run-flats are still not quite India-proof.
Those familiar with the X3 will notice changes to the interior are limited to a tidied up centre console, more glossy black plastics, and more metal highlights. Small as these changes are, they help uplift the ambience inside an already well-finished cabin. As for the exteriors, there are few visual cues to tell you this is the new-for-2014 X3. The most prominent change is in the attractive new headlights that are larger than before and now fuse with the kidney grille, ala the 3-series and new X5. Look closely and you’ll notice both bumpers have been restyled too.
BMW has launched the new X3 in two variants. The X3 Expedition that costs Rs 44.9 lakh (ex-showroom, India) gets a fair amount of kit including driving modes, bi-xenon headlamps, powered front seats, parking sensors, BMW’s iDrive system and Bluetooth connectivity. However, if you don’t mind spending more, we’d recommend you go for the X3 xLine we’ve featured here. It does cost a fair bit more at Rs 49.9 lakh but does get you features such as a panoramic sunroof, dynamic damper control, leather upholstery and larger 18-inch wheels.
Irrespective of which version you go for, your money will buy you an X3 that’s marginally better to look at, even nicer on the inside and generally more refined than before. And true to BMW tradition, it remains great to drive as well. The updated X3 just got more tempting.
