I remember driving the first BMW X3 and thinking that it was a good car, writes Brian Byrne. I’ve recently had the latest generation and I’ve revised my thinking. It’s now a pretty great car. If a carmaker does things right, that’s what two decades will mean in the evolution of a car through to its fourth generation.
All current BMWs have a robust presence, albeit a couple of their models being so to an overpowering degree. The X3 does not visually overpower, but you won’t mistake it for anything else either. Part of the visual impact comes from the grille and the bonnet behind it being pretty tall. And the same bonnet section is long — both a suggestion of significant power, a suggestion that turns out to be true.
The X3 sits between the Audi Q5 and the Chinese newcomer Seal U in size, and is marginally bigger in basic dimensions than its predecessor. The body lines are curves rather than angles, but it all looks sharper than before. A kick up over the rear wheels suggests a predatory animal prepared to leap at the prospect of a chase. The melding of the profile and rear hatch-tailgate design is a fluid success.
Inside is a serious interpretation of BMW’s latest design themes. Strong lines and curves in the dashboard and trim, with some truly funky details in element shapes and lighting. There’s a wide housing for the screens, on the driver's side, a colourful set of digital instrumentation that is, in fact, clearer than a first glance might suggest. The infotainment side is mainly devoted to the nav map, with a peculiar square block of letters which is actually the clock, showing the time in words at 5-minute intervals. The chunky steering wheel suits the car's ethos and features minimalist, straightforward controls for cruise and radio; nevertheless, they work perfectly.
A wideish centre console is very well designed, with start-stop, transmission select, drive modes, volume control, and rotary screen navigation, all well-positioned for easy, undistracting use.
The interior colour scheme in the review car was pale cream leather-type with charcoal headlining and trim details. It all looked good, and the front seats proved exceptionally comfortable. I didn't have the opportunity to try three in the back, but it's doable in a pinch, while two would be extremely well accommodated.
The X3 comes with a 299hp plug-in hybrid petrol engine, based on a 2.0 4-cylinder unit with an electric motor integrated into the 8-speed automatic gearbox. It all combines into a smooth, refined powertrain that emits a pleasing growl when pushed to accelerate and can do the 100km/h sprint effortlessly in 6.2 seconds. There's more than enough grip in the handling for any likely driving situation, and overall, it is a car that can be driven in a pleasantly sedate style or, when conditions allow, in a fun way. The claimed battery range is 88 km.
For some reason I can't quite fathom, I got more than I expected from this latest example of what is, globally, BMW's best-selling car (here in Ireland, it only comes in fourth for the brand). I should know better by now than to underestimate the wizards of Munich.
PRICE: From €76,116; review car €80,418. WHAT I LIKED. Effortless engagement.
