The new X3 is a more harmonious piece of design than its predecessor. It has a lower muscular stance, although ground clearance is almost identical. From head-on, it bears a strong family resemblance to the X5 with a very similar radiator grille and headlamp treatment.
The X3 is 83mm longer and 28mm wider than its predecessor. The quest for aerodynamic efficiency means that its height is reduced by 13mm and it sits on a slightly longer wheelbase. In fact the footprint is nearly the same size as the original X5, even though it's 82mm shorter. The X3 doesn't have an extra row of seats like its bigger sibling.
The X3 is also 90 kg lighter and comes standard with BMW's xDrive four-wheel-drive system which uses an electronically-controlled multi-plate clutch to distribute torque between the front and rear axles that under normal conditions is a 40:60, front-rear split. For the first time, an xDrive model features Dynamic Drive Control which allows you to set up the suspension to your liking.
The new X3's interiors are fitting for a car in this segment and of this price. The quality of materials is top-notch and it comes loaded with features. The tall dashboard is strewn with attractive swoops and curves with a high-resolution LCD screen for the iDrive taking centre-stage. However, the 6.5-inch display looks small in the large binnacle; obviously it has been designed to take a much larger screen which we expect to be offered in future variants.
Like in other new BMWs, the turn-and-click iDrive controller is supplemented by a cluster of buttons to simplify navigation of the menu system. Bluetooth connectivity and a USB slot are standard and it's possible to access SMSes. Blackberry users can even access their e-mails. A sensor-based Park Assist system is offered as standard while a reversing camera can be ordered as an option.
The softly cushioned front seats will cosset the driver and passenger and still offer good support when cornering hard. There is decent space with enough adjustments in the front seats and steering column to ensure that even the tallest driver can get comfortable. Using all of the generous front legroom dramatically diminishes the space left for the rear passengers but a decent compromise will allow four adults to sit in reasonable comfort.
Boot space has been improved significantly to 550 litres. Loading luggage is made easier as the flat, wide floor can easily be accessed by the lower boot lip. The unique 40:20:40 split rear seats can be flipped down to expand storage space as required.
Safety features
On the safety front, six airbags are standard and the front seats also get active headrests for whiplash protection.
The 2.0-litre diesel engine gets a new variable geometry turbo and develops 184bhp, which is around 7bhp up from the previous X3. Torque too has been increased by 2.7kgm to 38.7kgm. Torque is spread over a wide range though progress is particularly impressive in the 2500rpm-4000rpm range.
The X3's strong real-world pace is highlighted best by its in-gear performance; 20-80kph comes up in 5.6sec while 40-100kph takes 7.0sec. Flat-out performance is also impressive with 100kph from standstill coming up in under 10sec. In Sport or Sport+ mode the gearbox is more aggressive, holding onto a gear or shifting down promptly as required.
The throttle is also more responsive while the engine feels more aggressive. The X3 feels immediate in the way it responds to the driver's inputs. The only sore point here is the light drone from the engine. Though it won't jar the occupants, in the long haul it will add to the fatigue.
Of the Dynamic Drive modes, it's best to stay away from Sport or Sport+ in traffic as the gearbox logic, throttle response and engine performance combined will give it even more of a ragged feel in stop-go traffic. We liked the automatic stop-start feature which worked seamlessly in the city, the engine firing up quickly to get going from the traffic light.
The X3 now also offers a Dynamic Damper Control system that lets you tailor the suspension setting as per your preference. Since the X3 uses run-flat tyres, it is only the occasional sharp edge that filters through to the cabin. However, the softer suspension means the X3 will roll around corners more than before and you do feel the rear wallowing over undulations. Body control improves when you use the Sport modes. In Sport+, there is some of the choppiness over expansion joints, but it doesn't feel harsh.
The X3 is capable of some mild off-roading too. Hill Descent Control promises simpler off-road forays; however, with only 212mm of ground clearance and lack of low ratios proper, serious off-road stints are best avoided in this machine.
The X3 has a range of efficiency features. The electric steering, automatic start stop, on-demand ancillary units, regenerative braking and efficient warm-up phase for the axles are all bits that add to make the X3 quite efficient.
The X3 returned a healthy 9.1kpl in the city an impressive 12.7kpl on the highway.
The X3 may not be a revolutionary car but its multi-faceted talents mean that it is an extremely clever piece of engineering.
That it costs nearly the same as the old car and is better equipped makes it all the more attractive.
The 2.0-litre diesel (our test car) costs Rs. 41.2 lakh (ex-showroom, all-India) and the 3.0-litre diesel costs Rs. 47.90 lakh. The car will be available in October.
