BMW's 500 watt 10 speaker Hi-Fi sound system is mind-blowing. As you can see thanks to the output numbers, it is amazingly potent and the sound quality is exceptional. The resonance is tight and will not distort even when the volume reaches concert levels. I firmly b
elieve that any audiophile should purchase this option, as they will not be disappointed.
The front seats are thin yet very supportive both laterally and for the lower back. The heating elements are very powerful and require only a few moments before they reach a comfortable setting. A perfect driving position is effortlessly found when adjusting the seats and wheel. Legroom and headroom is sufficient although the trunk is somewhat narrow.
Technical
There are two X3 models: the 2.5i and the 3.0i. As their names indicate, one is equipped with a 2.5L engine and the other, a 3.0L. Both are different displacements of BMW's venerable DOHC inline 6-cylinder powerplants. The 2.5L puts out 184 hp at 6 000 rpm and 175 lb/ft of torque at 3 500 rpm. The 3.0L delivers 225 hp at 5 900 rpm and 214 lb/ft
of torque at 3 500 rpm. Standard with both sixers is a 6-speed manual transmission. The 5-speed STEPTRONIC semi-automatic transmission is a no-cost option. The X3 also gets the variable torque distribution xDrive all-wheel drive system, 17" alloy wheels and 4-wheel disc brakes as stock equipment.
On the road
There is an immediate connection between vehicle and driver that is created the moment you get onboard the X3. The fat steering wheel falls into place, the seats hug you; everything is perfect.
The 3.0L inline-six feels like it is tuned to perfection and it is. Mid-way through the power band is where it shows its teeth. It unfortunately runs out of breath quickly after that. The rumble generated by this engine is intoxicating: A BMW 6-cylinder's sound is immediately recognizable. I have had the opportunity to drive a 325Xi in the last few years and I have found that, in the sedan, the 2.5L was adequate at best. I cannot imagine that the performances of the X3 2.5i are very impressive. Average fuel consumption was of 14L per 100 km in mixed city and highway driving.
Steering feel is 3-series like: It is razor sharp and precise. Feedback is constant and is always letting the driver know what is going on. The shifter is heavy to move although quite precise. The throws may be a tad too long for those looking for that real sporty feel. The clutch pedal is also
somewhat of a chore to use however the friction point is simple enough to find. I discovered that casually shifting through the gears is more difficult to pull off smoothly than when pushing the X3 and travelling through the cogs with more urgency. All three pedals are impeccably positioned for trouble-free heel-toe downshifts.
The braking system in the BMW is superb. It is powerful with instantaneous grab. So much so, that a little too much pressure on the pedal will send all your belongings into the windshield. Well, not exactly. There is a short period of adaptation when first getting behind the wheel where the driver must get used to the pedal's reaction time. The ABS system is not intrusive. The same can be said about the Dynamic Stability Control where it is possible to have some fun on the slippery stuff before the nanny puts a stop to it.
elieve that any audiophile should purchase this option, as they will not be disappointed. The front seats are thin yet very supportive both laterally and for the lower back. The heating elements are very powerful and require only a few moments before they reach a comfortable setting. A perfect driving position is effortlessly found when adjusting the seats and wheel. Legroom and headroom is sufficient although the trunk is somewhat narrow.
Technical
There are two X3 models: the 2.5i and the 3.0i. As their names indicate, one is equipped with a 2.5L engine and the other, a 3.0L. Both are different displacements of BMW's venerable DOHC inline 6-cylinder powerplants. The 2.5L puts out 184 hp at 6 000 rpm and 175 lb/ft of torque at 3 500 rpm. The 3.0L delivers 225 hp at 5 900 rpm and 214 lb/ft
 |
On the road
There is an immediate connection between vehicle and driver that is created the moment you get onboard the X3. The fat steering wheel falls into place, the seats hug you; everything is perfect.
The 3.0L inline-six feels like it is tuned to perfection and it is. Mid-way through the power band is where it shows its teeth. It unfortunately runs out of breath quickly after that. The rumble generated by this engine is intoxicating: A BMW 6-cylinder's sound is immediately recognizable. I have had the opportunity to drive a 325Xi in the last few years and I have found that, in the sedan, the 2.5L was adequate at best. I cannot imagine that the performances of the X3 2.5i are very impressive. Average fuel consumption was of 14L per 100 km in mixed city and highway driving.
Steering feel is 3-series like: It is razor sharp and precise. Feedback is constant and is always letting the driver know what is going on. The shifter is heavy to move although quite precise. The throws may be a tad too long for those looking for that real sporty feel. The clutch pedal is also
The braking system in the BMW is superb. It is powerful with instantaneous grab. So much so, that a little too much pressure on the pedal will send all your belongings into the windshield. Well, not exactly. There is a short period of adaptation when first getting behind the wheel where the driver must get used to the pedal's reaction time. The ABS system is not intrusive. The same can be said about the Dynamic Stability Control where it is possible to have some fun on the slippery stuff before the nanny puts a stop to it.