If you didn’t already know, we’re fans of the BMW X3. Personally, I think it’s a superb car and one that’s far better than the car it replaces. Also, having driven much of its competition, I think it could be the best car in its class, not something I say lightly, as its competitors are all excellent. I also think that the new X3 has chassis dynamics, balance and steering reminiscent of BMWs of the past. Don’t take my word for it, though. Car and Driver recently tested the new X3 and came away with similar conclusions.
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C&D tested both the BMW X3 xDrive30i and the X3 M40i, the only two models currently offered in America. The former uses a 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. It makes 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque and can get from 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds, which is pretty good. It’s also a smooth engine and has good throttle response. It pales in comparison to the X3 M40i’s engine though. That car uses a 3.0 liter turbocharged I6 engine that makes 355 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, all of which is delivered in a turbine-smooth manner. It can also get from 0-60 mph in about 4.5 seconds, which is damn good in an SUV.
While the X3 xDrive30i is a good car and one that will make all of its customers very happy, it’s the X3 M40i that you want. It’s engine is brilliant and makes great power. “MW’s turbo six is an engine from the gods, and the M40i feels as quick as a Porsche Macan GTS.” said Car and Driver.
Though, we already know about how good BMW’s engines are. What most fans want to know is how the X3 has improved its driving dynamics. According to C&D, this new car is quite good. “More encouragingly, the X3 chassis suffers none of the float or sloppiness that plagues much of the recent BMW lineup.” That’s with the Dynamic Handling Package on the standard X3, something the X3 M40i already has, so it seems like that’s a must-have option. In C&D’s “Highs and Lows” section, one of its highs was “Chassis tuning like BMWs of old”. So we’re not crazy when we say it feels like an old-school Bimmer.
The BMW X3 isn’t perfect, obviously. Its variable-ratio steering isn’t brilliant, so just don’t option it, and Car and Driver isn’t a fan of its funky shifter. However, its driving dynamics, comfort and technology are good enough to outweigh its negatives.
Since I’ve driven the new X3 M40i, I’ve been raving about it. Some people have doubted me, claiming my claims to just be the sputtering of a fanboy. However, I’m not crazy (at least about that, I’m probably properly nuts otherwise), as another American journalistic publication seems to agree with me.
[Source: Car and Driver]
Validated
The front kidneys look so massive, so “In Your Face”… Ugh.
You’ll never see them. Just taillights.
One more evidence that C&D guys and other auto journals are to the point and assess the car on its merit.
I guess its time that we start accepting that G11/12/30 just aren’t that good enough. Probably good cars but not good (let alone, great) BMWs.
Honestly I think the problem lies in expectation. If you don’t want to be disappointed, don’t have an expectation. Unrealistic as that may be in the world of critical reporting, I find that all the BMWs that I have been very unhappy with at the onset, whether it be design or initial driving dynamics, the more time I spent in these vehicles the more the car and I became one.
Case in point was a 2013 X3 zDrive35 non sport. It felt vague and uninspiring the first few days of driving. It was a loaner car. By the time I had to return it 1 week later, I did not want to let it go. I could not stop myself from triple digit speeds on unimpeded highways with zero traffic either.
One other experience is the G11/2. Could not stand the looks especially in non-M sport guise. Then I drove one. Light, athletic and stupid fast (750). Though I prefer the ‘normal’ heaviness and tourqe-y surge of the F01/E65/E38, this new iteration is quite interesting, almost Jaguaresque in its light feel. Now I want an M sport 750.
My point is this: most folks who complain about BMWs want EVERY BMW to drive EXACTLY the same. That is simply not possible. What EVERY BMW promises however is a an undeniably pleasurable driving experience, if you open yourself up to the car. No other brand consistently delivers that at the price point BMW does (though too expensive when new), which is why I will always drive BMWs.
Spot on. People want BMW to be what they were, while population ages & road conditions & traffic worsen. I’ve known Lexus’ owners who switch to 5 Series because Toyota are not providing the luxury ride they want. Volume brands going for more sport are not really selling. M are still popular where I live, so are volume BMW. People claim to be enthusiast drivers, but I see very few “enthusiast” cars on the road. Luxury or sport, BMW still have the market covered as well as anyone. If not better.
Fortunately, of the 2 million plus new BMW owners this year, there is not 1 uniform standard for good. Or they’d be 1 of the 10 million plus new Toyota owners.
Other than tbe 2 series and X5, its probably the only other BMW i’d buy at the moment they really hit a home run with this third generation imo.