BMW X3 2014 Review

BMW’s X3, in its first generation, was something of an enigma.

Here we had a 3 Series-based SUV that sat a level below the super-successful X5, but actually offered better cargo space than its big brother.

BMW at the time said this fact was less a commentary on the inadequacies of the X5 than an almost unexpected side benefit of the compact new X3’s design.

Today, the flagship BMW X5 has grown a lot, now comfortably outdoing the second-generation X3 (introduced here in March 2011) in terms of space and making everything less confusing in the process.

Today’s X3 might carry more than the original 2004 version, but there’s now a substantial load-capacity gap between it and the X5.

For example the current X3 quotes a total load capacity of 1600 litres (the original carried 1560) where the X5 accepts a maximum 1870 and, with a substantial 650 litres when all seats are in place; also does a lot better than the 550-litre X3.

Nothing enigmatic in the relationship today.

In a way, the second-generation X3 was given some of the clear air it needed to find its place on the market. The first version not only confused buyers who wondered why it out-did the X5 in some ways, but was also panned for its 'unBMWness'.

The original X3 copped flack for its high pricing, shoddy in-cabin quality and limited rear-seat legroom. Even though the on-road dynamics, active and passive safety levels and general build standards were appropriate for a BMW product, the X3 didn’t present brilliantly.

Pretty much everything changed with the second-generation model. The X3 suddenly looked a less gawky, narrow-gutted and upright. Its styling was a little softer and more resolved, and it bumped up cabin space to offer more all-round stretching room, while adding extra cargo capacity into the bargain.

And now, the X3 has been given a subtle makeover that adds visual presence to the front end – it looks wider via a general rearrangement involving the headlights and lower bumper area – as well as a smartened-up cabin with classier presentations and standard features that are claimed to add as much as $6000 worth of added value in some models.

All X3s get bi-xenon headlights (LED lights are optional), extended smartphone connectivity with Bluetooth audio streaming and BMW’s paddle-shift Sportshift eight-speed auto transmission. The xDrive30d and xDrive28i pick up a tech-fest of standard gear including 360-degree parking vision and a 12-speaker audio system.

Numerous upgrades include a new 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine that increases output over the previous unit by 5kW and 20 Nm, to 140kW and 400Nm, while also cutting fuel consumption to a claimed 5.2L/100km and dropping the CO2 output to 138g/km.

The new four-cylinder joins the smooth, torque-rich six-cylinder 3.0-litre turbodiesel that it challenges for driveability yet costs $13,000 less to put on the road.

Our time with the latest X3 covered both the new 2.0-litre (xDrive20d) and the carry-over 3.0-litre diesel (xDrive30d) – the bulk of the period in the latter – giving us the chance to experience the differences.

And, as alluded to earlier, the new 2.0-litre doesn’t demand too many compromises on the road, while returning a much better deal at the fuel pump.

Where the 30d is quoted at just 6.0L/100km on the combined cycle, with a CO2 output of 150g/km, the 2.0-litre claims 5.4L/100km and 141g/km.

It might be slower to 100km/h (8.1 seconds compared to 6.0) but, with its solid torque the 20d feels reassuringly brisk and responds quickly to throttle inputs at any engine speed higher than 1750rpm.

Not as much twisting power as the bigger diesel’s authoritative 560Nm – which comes in from just 1500rpm – but plenty enough for brisk off the line acceleration and quick, easy overtaking moves on the open road.

Where the six-cylinder is super-silky for a diesel and is only a vague presence in the background, there’s a bit of intrusion from the smaller engine—although it remains smooth and subdued enough that many drivers would barely notice the difference. Both start-up from cold with the immediacy of a petrol engine.

The X3’s eight-speed transmission, used as standard in both cases, is smooth, slick-changing and, as a reminder of how efficient conventional autos are these days, responds quickly to the driver’s right foot to deliver strong acceleration and excellent fuel economy.

No complaints about the way the X3 rides and handles either, whether it’s wearing the optional 20-inch alloys (normally 19) with 245/40-series tyres that were fitted to the 3.0-litre, or the standard 18-inch alloys used on the 2.0-litre.

In either case the X3 was smoothly responsive to steering wheel inputs and well balanced on tightly winding, rutted roads. Maybe the lighter 20d (it weighs 135kg less than the 30d) felt a little livelier, though there was not much in it.

As we said earlier, the X3 is able to tote a decent amount of luggage as well as provide comfortable cabin space for at least four adults. Unlike the first generation, there’s no problem with knee room in the back.

Nor is there anything to whinge about in terms of interior quality. The X3 brings no complaints in the standard of materials used, or in the way everything fits together. We liked the dash and the iDrive centred driver/controls interface that, to us, was intuitive and easy to use, as well as thoughtful details such as the full-length tie-down rails in the luggage area.

Yes, the BMW X3 is a rather different animal to the first edition. It finds a cosier place in the company’s SUV line-up via its improved and roomier cabin, appealing style – and general pricing levels that are more than favourably comparable to those of 2004.

2014 BMW X3 xDrive20d
Price: $64,400 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 140kW/400Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 5.4L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 141g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP

2014 BMW X3 xDrive30d
Price: $77,400 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 190kW/560Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 6.0L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 159g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP