The BMW X3 is a staple in the luxury midsize SUV world, and it shows no signs of slowing down.
So far in 2023, it is one of the three best sellers in the segment (top two if you exclude the electrical product, cheaper Tesla Model Y), and it became BMW’s best-selling vehicle in Australia.
A lot has changed since the current X3 came out. Now six years old, it was updated last year with new looks and interior technology, along with a higher price tag. It is also about to face new competition in the form of Mercedes GLC300.
Our spy photographers captured the next-generation X3 test images in the snow but it’s not expected to launch until next year at the earliest, so the car you see here is still there. lots of life left.
Does the X3 still have what it takes to stand out from the crowd?
How much is the BMW X3 xDrive30i?
Prices have skyrocketed in the X3 range for 2023. The xDrive30i tested here is $4600 more than the identical car in 2022.
Despite the price increase, it still undercuts the new one Mercedes GLC300 ($104,900) based on list price. It is significantly more expensive than the equivalent Audi Q5 45 TFSI quattro ($82,800).
You can also get a Volvo XC60 Ultimate B6 Dark for $86,990 before hitting the road or Genesis GV70 3.5T AWD Sport for $84,600 before hitting the road.
Price of BMW X3 2023:
- BMW X3 sDrive20i: $81,700
- BMW X3 xDrive20d: $84,700
- BMW X3 xDrive30i M Sport: $96,500
- BMW X3 xDrive30d M Sport: $102,900
- BMW X3 xDrive30e M Sport: $110,400
- BMW X3 M40i: $125,400
- BMW X3 M Competition: $175,300
Price does not include road costs
What’s inside the BMW X3 xDrive30i?
The current BMW X3 has one of the largest, most practical cabins in the mid-size SUV segment.
With large windows, high roofline and plenty of space between the front seats, it might at first glance be mistaken for a larger vehicle. That’s no coincidence, since the X3 is very similar in size to the first generation X5.
The driving position offers a panoramic view of the road ahead, but the sport seats drop low enough and provide enough force to keep you in place.
Tall or short drivers will have no trouble sitting comfortably and the M Sport steering wheel is a quality product.
However, it may be a bit too greasy for people with small hands. BMW loves chubby steering wheels and the X3 is no exception.
All-round visibility is excellent thanks to those oversized windows, and the cameras, sensors, and 3D surround view built into the latest iDrive system make the X3 sturdy to place indoors. parking or narrow parking spots.
Sure, a raised ring line and coupe roofline look sharp, but the more conventional wagon body on this SUV is much more realistic.
The technology in the updated X3 is amazing. iDrive 7.0 has been dethroned in BMW’s latest electric cars, but the system is still the best in the business – although at this price it should really be a competitive advantage.
It responds to touch, voice and input from the classic BMW controls on the transmission, and the large on-screen tiles are easy to spot on the go. BMW was the first to offer wireless Apple CarPlay, and its system remains one of the most reliable.
BMW has some work to do on its digital dashboard, however, which can’t match Audi’s latest Virtual Cockpit in terms of customizability or clarity. Our tester also had some trim around the skewed air conditioning system, which isn’t good enough for a luxury SUV.
There’s plenty of storage at the front, from the wireless phone charger below the dashboard to the deep space below the center armrest.
The X3’s rear seats are great. Headroom is outstanding, even with the panoramic sunroof fitted to our testers and enough leg room for tall teenagers to sit comfortably.
You’ll seat three people comfortably thanks to the wide bench and the door opening wide enough to load a child seat easily.
There’s rear vents, independent climate control, dual USB-C ports, and a center armrest that folds down with cup holders.
You get ISOFIX points in the outer rear seats, along with three top tether points. The rear bench folds 40/20/40 and is almost completely flat.
The trunk opening itself is wide and has mesh pockets tucked into the sides. The requested space is 550 liters with the rear seats in place, extended 1600 liters with them folded.
What’s under the bonnet?
The power in xDrive30i comes from a 2.0 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine do 185kW power and 350Nm torque, combined with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission.
The 100 km/h sprint has been declared 6.3 secondsand the claimed fuel economy is 7.9 liters/100km. We saw 8.3 liters per 100 km in a week of mixed driving.
Fuel tank holds 65 litersand 95 RON premium unleaded fuel is required.
How does the BMW X3 xDrive30i drive?
In theory, the X3 could fit into the mid-size SUV segment, but it behaves like a larger vehicle.
It feels rock-solid, and the 2.0-liter engine far outweighs its weight. We’ve raved about the diesel in the 30d, but the turbocharged petrol engine in the 30i also has a lot to offer.
BMW has throttled the revs to boom when you turn it on, but for the most part it flies under the radar with smooth, effortless handling. It’s silent when idling, there’s no vibration in the cabin, and the eight-speed transmission just shifts from one gear to another in the city to keep the engine under around 2500rpm.
Put your foot down and it spins smoothly, with plenty of punch in the midrange and a fun sound in the background. It lacks the ultimate level of easy shoving you get in the 30d, but the X3 doesn’t feel like a big car with a small heart.
Most X3 models sold in Australia are M Sport, like our tester. That means you’ll get big wheels, sporty styling, and plenty of M.
However, unlike the proper X3 M, you also get a comfortable suspension tone in the city. It’s still wrong on the sporting side, but still does a good job of keeping the city streets uncomfortable on the outside. It’s busier than some rivals; The trade-off is excellent body control and rock-solid feel on the highway.
With smooth steering, great visibility and some of the best cameras in the business, there’s no excuse for bumpers or scuffed wheels.
Speed up and the X3 is uniquely stable. It is very efficient on the road, with direct fuel economy figures of around 6.0 l/100 km with the engine running at 100 km/h in 8th gear and with very little wind or wind noise. road.
It settles quickly on highway peaks and dents, while still having enough power reserve to overtake at national highway speeds.
Adaptive cruise control is one of the smoothest and smartest in the business, and lane-keeping assist strikes the right balance between engaging as you drift and letting you use it. use your own device when you are not.
With a high window line, an elevated driving position, and a reasonably comfortable ride, the X3 doesn’t have the same agility as a hot hatchback. porsche macannor the laser focus of the big brother X3 M Competition.
It’s fastened well enough to handle the power on offer, and the steering wheel has enough weight to give it reasonable confidence in bends.
You get what?
Highlights of X3 sDrive20i + xDrive20d:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Run-flat tires
- Aluminum roof rails
- Adaptive LED headlights
- LED tail lights
- Rain sensor wiper
- Power folding rearview mirrors
- Boil
- Anti-glare (driver side only)
- Auto-embedding (passenger side only)
- Electric tailgate
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Apple CarPlay Wireless, Android Auto
- Satellite positioning
- DAB + digital radio
- Sound system 6 speakers
- Wireless phone charger
- 3 years subscription to ConnectedDrive Service
- Three-zone climate control
- Ambient light
- Electric handbrake
- Keyless start and push button start
- Sports leather steering wheel
- Black ‘Sensatec’ faux leather upholstery
- Power-adjustable front sport seats with driver position memory
X3 xDrive30i M Sport + xDrive30d M Sport add:
- 20 inch alloy wheels
- USA Aerodynamics Package
- Highlighted glossy black windows BMW USA
- Glossy black roof rails BMW USA
- US sport brake
- 12-speaker sound system
- M leather steering wheel
- anthracite coal title
- home decoration USA
- US door step
- Leather ‘Vernasca’
- Driver seat cushion adjustment
Option
Display Package: $5400 (20i, 20d, 30i, 30d)
- Metallic Paint
- Panoramic glass sunroof
- BMW Laserlight Headlight
Comfort Package: $1200 (20i, 20d, 30i, 30d)
- Front heated seats
- Driving belt support
- heated steering wheel
Is the BMW X3 xDrive30i safe?
BMW X3 before a management renewal Five-star safety rating ANCAP based on tests conducted by Euro NCAP in 2017.
It received a score of 93% for adult passenger protection, 84% for child passenger protection, 70% for vulnerable pedestrian protection and 58% for safety assistance.
This five-star ANCAP rating applies to all variants except the xDrive30e plug-in hybrid.
Standard safety features include:
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Lane departure warning
- Lane change warning
- Cruise control
- Rearview camera
- Parking sensor
- reverse assistant
Upgrading to xDrive30i or later will get you safety features including intersection assist, blind-spot monitoring, forward and rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and cruise control. Adaptive cruise with stop/go and surround view camera.
How much does the BMW X3 xDrive30i cost to run?
The BMW X3 is powered by a 5 year unlimited km . warranty like BMW’s wider range.
BMW Australia offers prepaid Service Included packages covering the first 5 years or 80,000 km – whichever comes first.
Basic package cost includes standard service $2400 for the X3 core range.
CarExpert reviews BMW X3 xDrive30i
It’s more expensive than ever, but the X3 still has a lot to offer in 2023.
The interior is starting to show its age, something that will only become more apparent as the new Mercedes-Benz GLC arrives, but it’s still the most practical luxury midsize SUV out there, and there’s nothing wrong with it. all time. the way it drives.
While the powerful diesel that sits above it in the range is very appealing and the rear-wheel drive sDrive20i is considerably cheaper, the 30i is still an attractive point for most buyers.
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THAN: Everything BMW X3
