BMW X3
Ratings
3 stars
Summary
Average. Revisions make the X3 better - but it's still not good enough.
Review
As the ultra-successful X5's smaller and slightly cheaper sister, the X3 should have queues forming around the block. Yet with gawky styling and borderline optimistic pricing, BMW's junior off-roader has never really taken off, and even a mid-term facelift hasn't been able to raise the appeal by much.
The X3's biggest problem is probably its awkward, narrow-looking styling - not the sort of thing to win hearts among potential buyers in its very aspirational market segment. It's reasonably spacious inside, with lots of componentry and switchgear shared with the 3 Series, but some of the trim quality feels disappointing compared with the very high standards set by the rest of the range.
On road the X3 drives well. Its road-biased suspension gives plenty of traditional BMW dynamic cues, including plenty of cornering power and excellent steering. The previously over-firm ride is now far more compliant, and it will even have a decent go at off-roading should you be so minded.
At least there are lots of engines to choose between. The entry-level 2.0 litre petrol motor feels a bit slow, but the 2.5 straight six is far more brawny and the new "Si" 3.0 litre version is brilliant. The 2.0 litre diesel engine gives plenty of performance, the 3.0d is rapid and the twin-turbo 3.0 Sd is the most exciting model it the range - although it carries a pricetag to match.
Ratings Breakdown
Styling
3 star
Revisions haven't done much to sharpen BMW's weakest recent effort. The X3's frumpy back end and narrow-looking construction means it can't come close to matching the X5 for road presence.
Handling
4 star
Decent by the standards of mid-sized SUVs, the X3 grips keenly and delivers plenty of feedback to the driver.
Comfort
4 star
Ride compliance is now pretty good thanks to softened chassis settings. Refinement is good at cruising speeds, too.
Quality & Reliability
3 star
Some very dubious bits of interior trim when compared to the X5 and 3 Series. Not up to BMW's usual high standards.
Performance
4 star
All engines except the most basic 2.0 litre petrol have decent amounts of urge. The 3.0 litre diesel is particularly good, while the twin-turbo 3.0 Sd has rocketship performance.
Roominess
4 star
Front and rear seat occupants enjoy plenty of space and the boot is impressively commodious too - it's slightly bigger than the X5's
Running Costs
3 star
Tightly controlled supply is keeping depreciation under control at the moment. Petrol engines thirsty, diesels are frugal, but all are expensive to insure.
Value for money
2 star
Compared to rivals like the Toyota Rav-4 and second generation Land Rover Freelander the X3 looks very expensive. You're paying for the badge rather than the car.
