BMW X3

 

 

Since the turn of the century, more and more manufacturers have explored the SUV and off-road market. And if you have ever tried to take a car with low ground clearance over a bumpy back road on the way to a favourite fishing spot or to the ski field, you will know why. Based on the very popular 3-series, the X3 is BMW's excursion into the SUV market.

The BMW X3 should be well capable of taking you most places that you want to go, and is able to provide any driver with a lot of fun and practicality. It isn't a serious bush-basher - ground clearance is 8 inches (about 20 cm), which is adequate for driving across paddocks or down rough roads, but it would not really be suitable for, say, river crossings or forestry tracks. The all-wheel drive, combined with the electronic traction control, gives the BMW X3 excellent grip, both on and off road, while the limited slip differential handles mud and gravel with ease. The dynamic stability control is brilliant on the highway and on the back road, and hill descent control is an added safety bonus, especially for the more nervous driver who dislikes going down steep hills at speed. ABS braking with cornering brake control, brake assist and EBD make the BMW X3 stop smartly and safely.

Inside the BMW X3, the cabin is reminiscent of the standard 3-series. Two 12 volt power outlets, electronically adjustable bucket front seats with driver's side memory and a MP3-compatible CD player are some of the comfort and convenience features provided inside the BMW X3. Passenger and driver comfort is taken care of with the tinted glass all round and the up-to-date ventilation/air conditioning system. The safety of all occupants (maximum of five) is provided for with pretensioned seat belts front and back, and a full set of airbags.

Taking the BMW X3 off the rough back roads and to a place where you can legally test its performance, you will find that this car is surprisingly zesty for an SUV. The entry-level 2.0 litre diesel has a top speed of 199 km/hr and can get from 0-60 mph in 10.2 seconds, courtesy of 150 horses under the bonnet. At the other end of the scale, the 3.0 litre engine of the Sport Auto variant, with 228 horsepower, can do the 0-100 k m/h feat in a much brisker 7.8 seconds - comparable with the automatic version of the 325i. The top speed of the 3.0 litre Sport Auto variant is 211 km/hr, which is plenty for anyone to play with.

To look at, the BMW X3 resembles a 3 series station wagon that has done a body building course. The lines and details are simple and uncluttered, giving it a modest and understated appearance. The roof rack blends very nicely in with the main body shape, much more harmoniously than after-market roof racks fitted to regular BMW sedans and saloons. Chrome trim makes a nice subtle touch, especially on silver/grey or black models.

All in all, the BMW X3 should be a worthy competitor in the SUV market, offering technical excellence and comfort to its lucky owners.

Current model series include:

• BMW X3 2.5si
• BMW X3 3.0si
• BMW X3 2.0d
• BMW X3 3.0d

For anymore information on the BMW X3, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you'd like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quotes requests out to our national network of BMW dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet - car buying made easy!

 

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