BMW X3 is a magnificent SUV with well-built interior, plenty of area inside and efficient frugal engines

Introduction:

Known its advancing years, the grand BMW X3 is still a muscular contender in the compact administrative SUV class. The powerful 2.0-Litre diesel is no doubt a strong performer, and the spacious cabin has an edge for build and material quality, although it’s looking dated. It can’t fairly match newer opponents such as the Jaguar F-Pace for passenger space, or crunchy driving dynamics, but it’s still strikingly composed, even though it does suffer from a rigid ride.

The 3.0-Litre straight-six diesel is on the mark:

Whereas the 2.0-Litre diesel is a fine performer, there is also a racy 3.0-Litre straight-six diesel. Along with 258bhp, it’ll run from 0-62mph in only 5.9 seconds, which is faster than most of the hot hatches. Include the optional adaptive dampers, and it’ll be as appealing to drive as M Sport cars. The only problem is that its 159g/km CO2 emissions mean it’ll rate more as a company car. To maximize efficiency, every model promotes from stop/start, which is fixed as part of the Efficient Dynamics pack.

Engines:

The speedy X3 is only accessible along with diesel engines, but there is sure to be one for every consumer. The merely four-cylinder in the whole range is the 2.0-Litre diesel, which was rather a loud and unrefined engine prior to the facelift in 2014. Adjustments have improved things appreciably, and with a vigorous 400Nm from 1,750-2,500rpm, it now supplies brisk performance.

Whether you choose a manual or automatic gearbox, it states 0-62mph in about 8.1 seconds and a top speed of 130mph. Though, when test takers figured one, the engine didn’t rev out in first, which added towards a faintly disappointing 0-60mph time of only 8.8 seconds.

The sturdy 2.0-Litre engine:

The sturdy 2.0-Litre engine can still feel a little bit edgy at the top end of the rev range, along with peak power of 187bhp incoming well short of the redline at almost 4,000rpm. Don’t thrash it, though, and you’ll consider it an enjoyable, muscular motor. There’s also an eco-driving mode that compels the powertrain to shift up in advance. Jointly with a softer throttle reaction, it aids improve efficiency when you’re considering it easy. Factor in low wind noise and an effortless engine that loses its diesel rattle when warm, and the X3 is a soothing long-distance cruiser.

The 3.0-Litre six-cylinder engine is big performer:

For a merge of performance and refinement, just go for one of the 3.0-Litre six-cylinder models – our inclination is the single-turbo 30d. It’s virtually as quick as the twin-turbo 35d, as it provides up 255bhp at 4,000rpm and 560Nm of torque from possibly 1,500-3,000rpm, hitherto it’s just clean enough to be a bit economical to tax and fuel. Customers will really enjoy a 0-62mph time of only 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 144mph – abundance for a car of this size. If you actually must for the range-topping 35d, it’s swift enough to drive the Porsche Macan S Diesel out of the water and it gets quite close to harmonizing the Audi SQ5, although it charges more than the latter.

The BMW‘s engine produces 309bhp at 4,400rpm, which permits it to rev a little more generously than its stablemates, and it has a gigantic 630Nm of torque from 1,500-2,500rpm. That facilitates a 0-62mph time of just 5.3 seconds and a 152mph utmost speed. The finest thing about both the 3.0-Litre engines is that, for turbo diesels, they truly sound pretty good when being extended.