OD SUV Slugfest: BMW X3

Bob Rupani Updated: September 06, 2018, 03:07 PM IST

BMW is a manufacturer that genuinely injected sport and high performance into SUVs when they first introduced the X5.

Styling and street presence

The X3 is stylish and clean-cut, but in comparison to others in its segment, its visual magnitude is not as impactful as its actual size and it's quite unlike several other typical SUVs.

Seating and visibility

Getting in or out is easy, although the rear wheel arch intrudes into entry space. The designers have been brainy and contoured the insides of the thick A-pillars to improve visibility. The low dash combines with them to enhance the view.

All-terrain capability

The ground clearance is handy, however, BMW's Xdrive all-wheel-drive system has no off-road mode and has rear wheel bias for better on-road driving dynamics. The hill descent has a speed control.

Practicality

Space saver spare is in the boot and storage room in the cabin and back is good. But no headlight washers.

Touring ability and performance

The engine is somewhat sluggish and needs to be nudged hard to perform. Fuel tank range is a notable 1,100km.

Stage timing

3m 36.93s

The rear steps out too much and you have to keep correcting, which makes for very involving driving. The brakes are outstanding and overall the X3 is great fun.

Specifications

Price: Rs 68.85 lakh (on-road, Mumbai)
Engine type: 2.0D/190PS/400Nm
Fuel Economy: 16.9kmpl
Fuel capacity and Range: 65l/1100km
2WD/AWD/4WD: AWD
4WD lock: No
Diff Lock: No
Ground Clearance: 204mm
Dimensions (LWH) mm: 4,657 x 1,881 x 1,678
Wheelbase: 2,741mm
Weight: 1,885kg (kerb)
Off-Road Driving Modes: No
Headlight Washers: Yes
Boot Capacity: 460l