The BMW X3 is not the typical SUV one is used to. It is powered by petrol, not diesel, is not too spacious and you can forget about a third row of seats. In fact, it is even a size smaller than many luxury saloons. This SUV was not made to be big or practical. What makes this SUV special is its sporty character and the pure focus on the driver; a typical BMW trait.
The 2.5-litre straight six that powers the 325i saloon will also power the X3. And, like the 325i, this too has the same linear power delivery and the same eagerness to rev. However, the X3 is different in the fact that it weighs 370 kilos more than the 325i and so performance isn’t as brilliant. In addition, the thick slug of mid-range torque that a typical modern common-rail diesel belts out was also missing, but that does not mean that this car is slow; certainly not. The fact is that this precious motor is best when worked close to its redline and one really needs to get the revs up to really bring out its best.
Responsive transmission
The transmission is incredibly responsive and kicks down in a flash to a lower cog, to make most of the power-band. The result is a seamless surge of power which whisks the X3 to some serious speeds. The strong top-end and unflappable poise make the X3 a fantastic highway muncher and, not surprisingly, the Expressway got over in a flash.
The four-wheel drive system developed by Magna Steyr, which works through a centrally-mounted, multi-plate clutch, gives the X3 some amount of off-road capability, but it’s clear that the setup of the car is clearly directed more at performance on the road than off it.
On an uneven road, there is too much vertical movement and an unsettling rebound motion from the rear. The aggressively-tuned suspension sacrifices ride comfort to a large extent, in the interest of pin-sharp handling. Another point which undermines the X3’s refinement is a distinct drone, which sounds like it’s coming from the tyres, but is actually from the final drive. This is accentuated by the hushed performance of the silky-smooth and super-refined engine which we have already begun to take for granted.
TECHNICAL DATA
Length 4569mm
Width 1853mm
Height 1674mm
Wheelbase2795mm
Turn circle dia 11.7mm
Kerb weight 1805kg
Engine 6-cyls, in-line, 2497cc
Installation Front, longitudinal, all-wheel drive
Power 218bhp
Torque 25.5kgm
Gearbox 6-speed auto Front suspension Spring strut suspension
Rear suspension Double wishbones
Fuel tank 67 litres
Brakes (F/R) Ventilated discs
Tyre size 235/55 R17
Boot 480litres
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