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Melissa McCormick24 Mar 2011
REVIEW

BMW X3 20d & 28i

Improvements for larger, more luxurious BMW X3 make a big difference in the comfort and driving stakes

BMW X3 20d & 28i
Local Launch

What we liked
>> Good steering, better handling
>> Quick eight-speed trans

Not so much
>> Tyre noise from 19s

OVERVIEW
-- Upsized midsizer
BMW's midsize softroader, the X3 has never set local sales charts on fire. But the Bavarian brand is out to change that -- with an all-new and, according to the marketing people, much-improved model.

Though it flies in the face of hard numbers, BMW claims it's been happy with X3's sales performance thus far. The first-gen model earned 7400 sales in Australia and over 600K worldwide. Suffice to say these figures are far from the most impressive of (most of!) the brand's other offerings.

The arrival of the all-new version of the X3 this month is therefore well due. Perhaps in anticipation of the new model's arrival, the outgoing model sold less than 20 units in February, compared to almost 150 for the same time last year.

The second-gen X3 is larger than the outgoing model -- helping to make a distinction between BMW's new compact SUV introduction, the X1, and the well-earning (now upsized) X5. In fact, it's now very close to the original X5 in dimensions. It's also more luxurious than any X3 to date which is hoped will help lagging sales.


PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
-- Same start-up; lots more kit
New X3's best argument is its extra equipment for no extra cost. Pricing starts at $62,200 for the xDrive20d model -- now standard with nameplate and segment firsts (see 'PACKAGING').

The xDrive28i starts at $71,900 -- undercutting the previous 'mid-range' offering by over $3000. Over the entry model, the 28i gets extras like leather trim and electrically adjustable front seating.

The range-topping 30d, expected mid-year, will start at $74,900. Wait for the local launch for more details on equipment.

The X3's options list has been extended including high-tech goodies like a side-view camera system, a la Range Rover Sport, for $500. A lack of high-end features expected in the segment, and of the brand, was a criticism of the previous model so BMW has made several attractive options available, such as the very neat panoramic sunroof.

BMW's Dynamic Damper Control is optional across the range, adding selective ride characteristics via adjustable suspension. The option isn't cheap, however, at $1900 (for the X3 20d).

In terms of standards, all models come with keyless entry and start, hill start assist and hill descent control while the 28i and 30d come with electric tailgate. The 30d boasts BMW's X Line interior trim package including door sill plates and bumper inserts as atandard.


MECHANICAL

-- Wait, there's more...
Improvements to the on-road experience go a long(er) way -- literally... All F25 (second-gen) models are more efficient: in the case of the as-tested 20d and 28i models, the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine uses 5.6L/100km in a combined cycle, down from 6.7L, while the 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol-engine version is slightly better than the outgoing 25i's 9.5L/100km rating, at 9.0L.

The upcoming 30d model's 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel engine claims best-in-class results, with 6.0L/100km combined consumption rating and 190kW/560Nm output.

All engines in the X3 range meet Euro 5 emissions standards; not expected to be mandated here until 2015. BMW's Efficient Dynamics package (incorporating energy-saving features such as 'smart' battery charging and 'on-demand' control of components like the standard-fit electric power steering) contributes to the X3 range's competitive environmental and performance results.

The X3 now comes standard with a new eight-speed automatic transmission, as used by its big brother X5 (non-M model). Unlike the X1, however, no two-wheel drive X3 models are available.

For the first time in an X model and "unique within the competitive environment", the auto is combined with start-stop system, providing extra efficiency for the diesel 20d and upcoming 30d models.

The entry 20d model's engine is now rated at 135kW/380Nm, compared to 130kW/350Nm. The extra torque is available from 1750rpm; same as the outgoing version.

X3 20d models ordered with (standard-fit) 17-inch wheels get lower-rolling resistance rubber.

Previously all X3 models came standard with 17-inch alloys. The E83 update brings 18-inch alloys for the X3 28i and 30d models and the brand's M Sport package, including 19-inch wheels, is available for all X3s. Tyres are run-flats.

The larger wheels complement the new model's redesign. Only 18 or 19-inch shod X3 variants were available at the launch and while the 19s go a long way to 'fill' the wheelarches of the bigger X3, we noticed a lot of road noise from the PZero tyres. Drive time in the 18-inch shod 20d we drove, however, was quiet.

Braked towing capacity has increased to 2000kg (from 1700) and 750kg unbraked (from 720). All X3s come with an electro-mechanical handbrake.


PACKAGING
-- Bigger, bolder, better
The X3 now looks good; appearing more serious than the narrow, top heavy 3 Series-based E83 version. Its wider track (by 92mm); longer overall length, at 4648mm (up 83) and increased overall width(by 28mm to 1881) bulks up the X3's presence and gives the car a more prominent stance on the road.

Now rolling on a 2810mm wheelbase (15mm over the old X3) the new X3's wheelbase is only 10mm less than the first generation X5's. Its added size helps the X3 "grow to fit the space between the X1 and X5," says BMW logically.

Apart from cloth for leather in the starter model (some buyers actually prefer non-hide trim), the new X3 is a better package all around.

Model updates these days rarely come without efforts in increased performance and efficiency, so abovementioned figures aside, the previous X3's main faults were identified as poor interior treatment and equipment. BMW execs admitted during the launch that the E83 version was criticised for lack of cabin functionality and latest-tech inclusions expected of the brand.

We'll add quality issues, with some less-than-BMW elements (rattles, odd-size gaps...) showing up in the E83 version.

"There has been a huge redevelopment of the interior... It's a completely different world to the outgoing model," BMW Australia's Product and Pricing Manager, Alexander Brockhoff said during the launch.

It had to be...

To that end the latest X3 boasts loftier-model features like the 5 Series' head-up-display -- a first in its segment, says BMW. The standard iDrive system features high-resolution 6.5-inch monitor and rear-view camera standard. Sat-nav is optional on the entry-level model.

The rear camera is also a segment first -- that segment being mid-size luxury SUV. For another $500 the camera set-up includes a top-view feature, enabling vision over the sides, like the Range Rover Sport/Vogue models.

Cabin quality and quietude has been sorted, and space has been increased; in some places more than others. Nonetheless, BMW makes more best-in-class claims, such as rear passenger kneeroom -- increased by 22mm...

"It doesn't sound much but we have the most kneeroom in the segment," said Brockhoff .

Luggage capacity is up 70 litres to 550 litres which is close to best in segment. With the 40:20:40 rear seats folded there's 1600 litres cargo space. In this case Land Rover's Freelander is best in class, with 1670 litres.


SAFETY
-- Room to improve
Standard-fit active headrests; front, head (front and rear) and side airbags (front passengers) contribute to the new X3's safety cred along with the usual suite of electronic aids including stability control, traction control, and brake assist.

The outgoing X3 scored four out of five stars in the last round of crash testing; with only one earned for pedestrian safety. BMW Australia anticipates a full five-star result next time around.


COMPETITORS
-- Back with a vengeance
It's our belief the larger more luxurious X3 is about shake up its competitive set -- more so than the model has done in the past. The likes of Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60 have found favour among luxury mid-size SUV customers but the X3 beats them in all the most important buyer factors: passenger space, cargo space and efficiency.

The Lexus RX350 is of similar ilk and while initial price comparisons place the Japanese SUV higher, the RX350 wants for nothing in terms of equipment -- all as standard.

We'd also count in the Range Rover Evoque and new Touareg in the future, and then there's the fact BMW should be concerned the new X3 will take sales away from its bigger brother.


ON THE ROAD
-- xCellent drive
The local launch included a good blend of highway stints and rural roads. We didn't get a chance to try the standard-fit hill descent control again, as during the international launch, but the hilly terrain around the Gold Coast hinterland is twisty and revealed the X3's direct and comfortable steering.

Combined with good body control, the X3's steering is a standout, turning the wagon into a wieldy, dare we say it sporty, spacious runabout.

We used as much as 9.3L/100 in the 20d but managed to get it down to 8.3. Note the launch route featured more rural hills than highway runs, so our driving was mostly spirited. The 28i's best figure was 12.1L/100km.

As mentioned the 20d's sweet spot starts from just under 2000rpm and we found keeping revs around this level was the best way to keep the most efficient X3 on song; at the same time exploiting its willing acceleration which was impressive even while in top gear -- one of eight by way of the new standard-fit eight-speed auto.

The new auto is excellent in manual mode. In fact, we spent most of our drive time using the auto's responsiveness in manual to expose the base model's performance. The 28i is energetic enough without having to interact with the auto but it's fun if you bother.

The extra size is noticeable inside and out, with decent passenger space front and rear, and better appearance now that it looks more substantial.

No one could say this looks like the old X3 -- attention to styling (six, count 'em, 'character lines'!) -- has turned what was once a rather un-BMW looking, unloved midsize softroader into a worthy member of the brand's X lineup.

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Written byMelissa McCormick
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