The BMW X3 made an interesting statement when it first debuted back in 2004. It was one of the first compact SUVs created by a premium brand, and a brand that was predominantly known for sports sedans.
The X3 proved that buyers were ready to embrace upscale and dynamic SUVs. The competition noticed. X3 now has about seven direct competitors: Acura RDX, Mercedes-Benz GLK, Infiniti EX35, Land Rover LR2, Cadillac SRX, Audi Q5, and Lexus RX350.
Take Two
That first-generation was, and is, a clear success, selling over 600,000 units worldwide. But lately it found the going tough — especially as the new competitors offer significantly better ride characteristics, and significantly better interior refinement and space, than the rough and ready X3.
We had a chance to kick the tires and poke around the interior of the new-generation model, at a recent function at BMW Canada’s HQ in Richmond, Hill (Ontario). No test drives yet, but BMW staff assured us the vehicle has a comfortable ride, courtesy of the new five-link rear suspension, which is similar to the design found on 3 Series and 5 Series sedans.
Slightly bigger, Slightly more elegant
Overall, the vehicle is 12 mm taller, 28 mm wider, and 83 mm longer, than the previous generation. The exterior design was characterized as “urban elegance,” a nod to the fact that premium SUVs spend just as much time, or more, around swanky establishments than they do on mountain goat paths.
The front-end is more square and blunt than the previous X3, and accentuates its wider stance. When viewed in profile, character lines in the body make the vehicle look like it’s slanting downward. Short overhangs (courtesy of a longer wheelbase) and pronounced wheel arches, give this X3 a more direct visual link to the X5.
Mechanical Superiority
The entry-level X3 xDrive28i features the 3.0-litre inline six, rated at 240 hp and 230 lb-ft of torque. According to BMW, it will push the X3 to 100 km/hr from a dead stop in 7.1 seconds.
The X3 proved that buyers were ready to embrace upscale and dynamic SUVs. The competition noticed. X3 now has about seven direct competitors: Acura RDX, Mercedes-Benz GLK, Infiniti EX35, Land Rover LR2, Cadillac SRX, Audi Q5, and Lexus RX350.
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| The X3 proved that buyers were ready to embrace upscale and dynamic SUVs. (Photo: BMW) |
Take Two
That first-generation was, and is, a clear success, selling over 600,000 units worldwide. But lately it found the going tough — especially as the new competitors offer significantly better ride characteristics, and significantly better interior refinement and space, than the rough and ready X3.
We had a chance to kick the tires and poke around the interior of the new-generation model, at a recent function at BMW Canada’s HQ in Richmond, Hill (Ontario). No test drives yet, but BMW staff assured us the vehicle has a comfortable ride, courtesy of the new five-link rear suspension, which is similar to the design found on 3 Series and 5 Series sedans.
Slightly bigger, Slightly more elegant
Overall, the vehicle is 12 mm taller, 28 mm wider, and 83 mm longer, than the previous generation. The exterior design was characterized as “urban elegance,” a nod to the fact that premium SUVs spend just as much time, or more, around swanky establishments than they do on mountain goat paths.
The front-end is more square and blunt than the previous X3, and accentuates its wider stance. When viewed in profile, character lines in the body make the vehicle look like it’s slanting downward. Short overhangs (courtesy of a longer wheelbase) and pronounced wheel arches, give this X3 a more direct visual link to the X5.
Mechanical Superiority
The entry-level X3 xDrive28i features the 3.0-litre inline six, rated at 240 hp and 230 lb-ft of torque. According to BMW, it will push the X3 to 100 km/hr from a dead stop in 7.1 seconds.
 |
| The front-end is more square and blunt than the previous X3, and accentuates its wider stance. (Photo: BMW) |