The Successor

The second generation of the BMW X3 is here. And for its own sake it better be good because the competition - the Audi Q5 and the Volvo XC60 - has set such high standards that these made the previous generation X3 look quite ordinary frankly. But, there are things that the new X3 shares with the old one. For starters, the new X3 too is a road going SAV - Sports Activity Vehicle (in BMW speak) - than a true off-roader. So, show it anything more serious than some shallow slush, and it won't be an entertaining drive. At the same time show it, gravel or tarmac, and the X3 transforms into a truly fun to drive car. It's also easier to live with than the older X3 on account of having a more comfortable ride and lighter controls. But what about the rest of the package? We drove it to find out.

Highlights-

-The new X3 is currently sold in India in only two versions, but both diesel.

-The more expensive version, the 30d comes with a six cylinder diesel and has lots going for it in terms of performance. The cheaper 20d, which is on test here, is not only about Rs 5 lakh cheaper, but is also more efficient.

-Both versions come with all time four wheel drive system and other convenience features like power windows, electric seats and iDrive system as well as a high-end stereo as standard.

-The new X3 is also easier to drive than the previous generation vehicle even though it is larger. But, with better visibility and lighter controls it’s both easy to park and drive in crowded area.

As first impressions go, we feel BMW has hit the nail right on the head. The first thing that strikes you about the new X3 is how grown up it looks. It looks mature and less polarising than before. In fact, compared to the Q5 and the XC60, it has an understated charm to it. It’s also larger than before.

Inside too, things are more pleasant than flamboyant. Of course, everything is still typically BMW with nothing really striking you as new, but the upside to it is, there are no surprises. Everything works well, controls fall easily to hand and feel logical, and the X3 feels comfortable to drive from the word go.

There are improvements, too. The visibility is better on the new X3 and so is the driving position. The seats too, particularly at the front, are more accommodating, cushy and supportive. The ones at the rear are cushy too and have good back support but are a tad too close to the floor which results in poor thigh support. These remain large, nonetheless.

What’s also quite large, especially compared to the older X3, is the space on offer. The occupants get more head and shoulder room and the passengers at the rear, more kneeroom. The boot space had grown as well and with 40:20:40 flat folding rear seats, there’s good luggage carrying flexibility as well.

Moreover, the typically good BMW bits like the iDrive system, the funky, functional and logical gear shifter, and the easy to read and info rich clocks remain. There’s keyless start and a panoramic sunroof as well.

Good news is the new X3 continues to impress even after the wheels begin turning. Ours is the cheaper of the two versions on sale in India here, the X3 20d; the one we believe will command the lion’s share of sales. But this too is a peppy car, at least initially it is. Also, with a strong mid range, there’s never a shortage of pull, especially in city environs. It’s only on the highway that the X3’s 1995cc, four-cylinder diesel mill feels a little wanting. It will still do over 150kmph quite comfortable, but it doesn’t feel terribly entertaining.

In fact, towards the top reaches of the rpm band, the performance blunts more than we would have liked. Also, there’s a coarse ring to the engine when revved close to 4000rpm. The 8-speed automatic gearbox though works brilliantly.

We would have said the same about the new X3’s handling, if it were in the same mould as older BMWs. But, it isn’t. Its suspension setup is still on the stiffer side but it has a lot more give at slower speeds. So, it never feels uncomfortable unless you go over a really deep pothole. The handling though, as a result isn’t as crisp as it used to be with the older lot of Bimmers.

Now don’t get us wrong, the X3 still feels quite planted around bends and is easy to chuck into a sequence of corners without it feeling heavy or lazy. And with all-wheel-drive, the drive out of corners is strong too, but there’s just more body roll and less feedback for it to feel greatly involving. The light steering, which works really well in the city, doesn’t help here either. And interestingly, it feels worse when switched to Sport or Sport+ modes; the steering feels heavier yes, but vaguer and less progressive than in Normal mode.

The new generation X3 impresses. It is a significant step up over the previous car and has what it takes to challenge the competition. With its less quirky styling, more space and decent assortment of features, it should appeal to a wider audience, including the competition’s potential buyers. But, the highlight of the new X3 has to be its friendliness as an everyday car; it just makes daily driving chores completely hassle free.