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BMW X3

THREE MARKET ECONOMY (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

The third generation BMW X3 has been significantly improved. Jonathan Crouch takes a look at what's on offer.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 64

The improved version of BMW's third generation X3 is a premium mid-sized SUV that's a smarter and more sophisticated choice than the car it replaces, stacking up impressively against prestigiously-badged alternatives from Audi, Mercedes, Jaguar and Volvo in this sector. Like its rivals, dynamically targeted almost exclusively towards on-road use, it's another example of just how car-like a model of this kind can be.

Backgroundword count: 139

You wouldn't would you? Dramatically change a car that's already a best seller. So the improved version of this third generation BMW X3, the Munich maker's entrant in the ever-growing premium mid-sized SUV segment, very much emphasises evolution over revolution when it comes to the alterations made. This 'G01'-series design was originally launched at the end of 2017, like its predecessor built at BMW's US plant in Spartenburg, South Carolina and styled by Australian Calvin Luk. With this revised model, cabin quality takes a big leap forward. And there's also a properly potent 'M Competition' petrol flagship variant for the first time equipped to take the fight to road-burning rivals like the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 4MATIC+. Which is just one of a wide range of powerplants for this model line that these days includes both PHEV and all-electric options.

Driving Experienceword count: 248

You might think that sandwiched between the X1 and the X5, the X3 wouldn't have to spread its talents too broadly, but such is the span of rivals of this size that this improved version of the third generation X3 needs now to cater for quite different customer expectations in the mid-sized luxury SUV segment. If those expectations extend towards a dynamic driving experience, then the X3 comes well prepared. With ideal 50:50 weight distribution, a finely honed chassis and standard xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive, linked to Dynamic Stability Control, this SUV proudly shows off the handling characteristics for which the Munich maker is renowned. As for engines, well as before, most buyers will choose a diesel, probably the 190hp 2.0-litre xDrive 20d variant. There's also a 286hp straight-six xDrive30d diesel derivative. BMW thinks that petrol power will get more of a take-up going forward, so is offering an entry-level xDrive 20i version with 184hp, plus there's a range-topping 360hp X3 M40i variant to take on rivals like Audi's SQ5. The Bavarians has also now added an even faster X3 M Competition six cylinder petrol high performance model to the line-up, with 510hp on tap. If you'd like your X3 electrified, there are two options. The xDrive30e variant is a Plug-in hybrid, with 252hp from a 2.0-litre petrol engine mated to a 12.0kWh lithium-ion battery and an all-electric driving range of up to 34 miles. The all-electric iX3 uses an 80kWh battery and offers a 285 mile driving range.

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Pictures (high res disabled)

Statistics (subset of data only)

Min

Max

Price:

£43,370.00 (At 9 Jul 2021)

£85,100.00 (At 9 Jul 2021)

Insurance group 1-50:

30

40

CO2 (g/km):

43 (combustion models)

241 (combustion models)

Max Speed (mph):

132

0-62 mph (s):

7.9

Combined Mpg:

48.7

Length (mm):

4708

Width (mm):

1891

Height (mm):

1676

Boot Capacity (l):

550

1600

Scoring (subset of scores)

Category: Crossover or SUV 4x4s

Performance
80%
Handling
80%
Comfort
80%
Space
80%
Styling, Build, Value, Equipment, Depreciation, Handling, Insurance and Total scores are available with our full data feed.

This is an excerpt from our full review.
To access the full content library please contact us on 0330 0020 227 or click here

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