For BMW the new X3 is very important and not just in India as globally they sell a lot of these. Positioned below the X5 and above the X1, the X3 slots in neatly between these SUVs and for the Indian market is an SUV that appeals to buyers here being in the right size. The new generation model though is completely different from the earlier one with a radical new design plus a new interior while prices start at Rs 75.80 lakh. Here is our first drive.
BMW X3 Diesel: How Does It Look?
The new X3 looks completely different and a lot more appealing with greater presence than the earlier gen. It does not like a shrunken X5 and has its own different personality. The clean, monolithic lines are different but the edgy headlamps along with the large BMW grille which illuminates also adds to the presence. It is also longer at 4,755mm and also wider at 1,920mm. The way the roofline is flat and the rear design is also quite unique with wide tail-lamps further adding to the sense of being wider. Standard in the M Sport package with a set of good looking 19-inch wheels too.
BMW X3 Diesel:Â What About The Interior?
The interiors are extremely futuristic and again completely different from the previous version. Get in and you will see a late curved display similar to the new 5 Series plus not many physical controls which means you need to use the touchscreen more for many functions. Plus look closer and you will vent control with a haptic slider for the fan speed plus the way it is designed is very sci-fi. The door pad and the dash is also in this rather interesting textile like fabric weave which does not have the soft touch usual luxury feel that you expect but is different.
Also Read : Toyota Hilux Black Edition First Look Review: Does It Make It Better Value?Â
There is also an interaction bar, a lively crystal knob and some physical controls. BMW has also used sustainable materials with the seats being plush along with being powered plus having ventilation too. The feature list is large with a panoramic glass roof, 4-zone climate control, sports seats, Harman Kardon surround sound system with 15 speakers, head-up display and more.
Space in terms of legroom is more or less the same but the seating position plus comfort has been improved and you sit higher plus there are sunblinds and touch controls at the rear along with a recline option. Storage space is also quite good. While BMW has made the cabin quite techy and cool, it’s not as plush as a 3-Series.
BMW X3 Diesel: How Does It Drive?
There are two twin turbo four cylinder petrol and diesels with mild hybrid tech while the diesel is more powerful at 197 hp and 400Nm with a boost function too. Standard is an 8-speed automatic and AWD plus it has adaptive suspension. The driving position is pure BMW as you sit lower along with a thick sports steering wheel. At low speeds, the diesel is quieter now and the ride has been better while some low-speed firmness is still there but it is more composed now.
On the move, the diesel has a strong surge with lots of torque while the gearbox is also tuned to be aggressive. It is also the sporty SUV that is a proper BMW with agile handling and more attention towards driving pleasure. The steering is direct and it feels more fun to drive with performance being given priority but ride has been improved a bit. Despite being a pretty big SUV, it feels compact and easy to drive but on your favourite driving road, this diesel engine is a recipe for fun. The diesel is also more efficient than the petrol while range per full tank is 800kmplus along with near 15 kmpl mileage.
BMW X3 Diesel: Is it Worth A Buy?
The diesel is more expensive at Rs 77.8 lakh but performance with the torque and efficiency is more than the petrol although we are yet to drive the petrol X3. Where the X3 scores is the looks, the futuristic cabin and the slightly more comfortable drive and better refinement. It is a more desirable car than the previous X3 and is still the most fun luxury SUV with performance as a priority.
