BMW X3

Exterior

By the looks of it, the third-generation X3 is still unmistakably a BMW. Of course, it gets a bigger kidney nose with the generational upgrade, but it does gel well with the overall design. The nostrils are flanked by BMW’s typical LED headlamps with DRLs. In profile, the long nose makes it hard to distinguish between the BMW X3 new model and the X5.

Squared-off wheel arches, broad shoulders, and plastic cladding running across the length of this Beemer sure lends it a muscular appeal. However, BMW has kept things simple at the rear. The massive LED taillamps are wrap around the edges does help in reducing the overall bulk. There’s a skid plate too, which adds a bit of rugged appeal when viewed from the rear.

Variants

The BMW X3 variants are as follows: xDrive30i SportX, xDrive 30i Luxury Line, and xDrive 20d Luxury Line. Some of the standard features include a rear-view camera, 16-speaker 600W Harman Kardon surround sound system, wireless charging, parking assist, a 12.3-inch fully-digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, a panoramic sunroof, tyre pressure monitoring system, auto-dimming IRVM, multi-function steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather, and three-zone climate control.

For safety, the BMW X3 on-road price is inclusive of six airbags, ABS with EBD, cornering brake control, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Electric parking brake with auto hold function, ISOFIX child seat mounting, Crash sensor and Dynamic braking lights, and much more.

Interior

There is an air of familiarity with the X3’s dashboard and overall interiors. The main highlight here is the 10.25-inch infotainment screen – mounted on top of the centre console – and a 12.3-inch fully-digital instrument cluster. The steering is wrapped in leather and houses all the controls for both the abovesaid displays.

The upper half of the dashboard is finished in black, while the lower half and the seats are beige. Therefore, the X3 has a sense of airiness inside the cabin. Talking about the seats, they are well-cushioned and extremely comfortable. Unlike the X1, space is good here and the X3 can easily accommodate five passengers in comfort.

Engine Specifications & Performance

The X3 is available with either a petrol or a diesel powertrain. Starting with the diesel, it’s a 2.0-litre in-line four motor, which is good for 190bhp and 400Nm of torque. On the other hand, you also have a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol, which is capable of churning out 248bhp and 350Nm of torque. Both the engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox as standard.