Little Brother's Hard Road

Sydney Morning Herald

Friday September 12, 2008

David Berthon

There are plenty of model options for the X3 4WD.

BMW's X3 had a hard act to follow when it arrived early in 2004. The larger X5 had dominated the luxury four-wheel-drive market for some time and continues to do so.

The smaller BMW struggled with a fairly high entry price, too close to that of its larger sibling. The equipment list was disappointing for the money, too.

Visually, the X3 is similar to the larger X5 and it got a freshen-up in 2006, which included an improved ride. The introduction of a more affordable 2.0-litre turbo diesel base model gave the US-built X3 a new lease of life.

Engine choices now include a 125kW 2.0-litre turbo diesel four-cylinder and three six-cylinders - 160kW 2.5 petrol, 200kW 3.0 petrol and 160kW 3.0 turbo diesel. All link to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual function.

The 2.0 turbo diesel is the same excellent engine that powers the 320d and 520d sedans and pushes the 1750kg X3 to 100kmh in just 9.6 seconds. On the open road, at 100kmh, the turbo diesel is a quiet and effortless performer, turning over at 1900rpm and working within its peak torque zone of 340Nm.

Average city-country fuel economy for this model is 7.0 litres/100km. In comparison, the base 2.5 petrol - though it is smooth and responsive - lacks low-down pulling power with 90Nm less torque and needs to be pushed hard. It gets 10.1L/100km on the same cycle.

The 3.0 sixes are impressive. The petrol example works best at higher revs while the turbo diesel is good right through the rev range and is only marginally slower to 100kmh. The respective returns on the combined cycle are 10.3 and 8.1L/100km.

On the road, the BMW X3 is as good as it gets in the handling department and ride quality has been improved by revised tyres.

It has constant all-wheel-drive with an electronic clutch that apportions varying power between the axles. In normal driving, 40 per cent goes to the front and 60 per cent to the rear but full power can be sent to each axle for improved traction.

The X3 is a competent and reassuring performer on a slippery or unsealed surface thanks to BMW's sophisticated traction-control system.

Early models were criticised for the lack of a quality interior but the new variants have been greatly improved. However, standard appointments could be better. The most expensive 3.0d model at $76,996 doesn't have a six-stack CD while the option list is lengthy and expensive. There is good rear leg room.

X3 2.0d, 2.5si, 3.0si and 3.0d

2.0d starts at $63,225, 2.5si at $69,157, 3.0si at $74,877 and 3.0d at $76,996. All have a six-speed automatic gearbox. Metallic paint is an expensive option at $1800.

Equipment: eight airbags, stability control, descent control, automatic differential brake, cruise control, 17-inch alloy wheels (double spoke on 3.0si and 3.0d), parking sensors front and rear, front fog lights and roof rails.

Comfort and convenience equipment includes: automatic air-conditioning, leather trim, rain-sensing windscreen wipers including headlight control, a single in-dash CD player, front arm rest, multifunction leather-wrapped steering wheel with cruise control, trip computer, a luggage compartment net, ski bag and an anti-dazzle interior mirror.

Options - all models

Sports suspension $424, power steering $529, glass sunroof $3495, headlight washer system $742, bi-xenon headlights including washer system $2235, alarm system with remote control $1032, climate comfort windscreen $370, steering wheel heating $498, voice-recognition system $4954, eight-speaker sound system $1526, 10-speaker sound system $2331, sport leather steering wheel with cruise control $170 and an interior mirror with digital compass $190.

Other options: power front seats with memory function on driver's seat $1589, power lumbar adjustment on front seats $815, power comfort front seats $2913, BMW sport seats $1420, front-seat heating $1028, rear-seat heating $848, BMW satellite navigation with TV and on-board computer $7405.

© 2008 Sydney Morning Herald

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