Sandwiched between the big X5 and the "small" X1, the Bavarian mid-sized SUV that just hit the market is already in the late autumn of its life, but still a great product for all those who want to have an off-road vehicle for urban use . Its roots go back to the previous...
Sandwiched between the big X5 and the "small" X1, the Bavarian mid-sized SUV that just hit the market is already in the late autumn of its life, but still a great product for all those who want to have an off-road vehicle for urban use . Its roots go back to the previous generation of the "three", which bore the factory label E46, more specifically, Beemve's engineers reworked the station wagon version of the E46 model at the time - its drivers will feel "at home" in the X3. The test car was powered by the weakest engine in the range - a 105-kilowatt two-liter turbodiesel, but it still offered enough driving pleasure. Of all the city SUVs that we have tested so far in the editorial office of City Magazine, the X3 seems to us to be the most "at home" on the highway - both from the point of view of driving dynamics, favorable aerodynamics and, as a result, fuel consumption - in the test it averaged around 7 .5 liters per 100 km, as well as a top speed of 195 km/h. The situation is different with the off-road capabilities, where "climbing" on rocks and overcoming riverbeds is lost, while the X3 is not afraid of some kind of rut and, of course, snowy roads. Last but not least, we strongly doubt that the owner of this beauty would even venture into real off-road conditions - the car is "beautiful" for that.
The urban pulse of the car
How the X3 performs in the city depends on several factors. Its external dimensions require a sufficiently large parking lot, and the X3 will not be "afraid" of some "climbing" on curbs. Even if the car is transparent when parking, the parking sensors made our work easier in many ways. Drivers will appreciate it even more in the winter months, because thanks to the xDrive four-wheel drive, we will have no problems digging out, for example, from a parking lot covered by a plow - as long as the pile is not too high and would damage the bumper due to its height. We can also park with it in poorly cleaned parking lots, which are not lacking in the capital city this winter. Fuel consumption is also exemplary during city driving, although it would be even more exemplary if the Bavarian engineers decided to install a stop-start system, such as is standardly installed in all newer Beemways. The higher position of the driver also allows for a significantly better overview of what is happening in traffic, which comes in handy when driving around town.
Parent friendly
As befits a car of this size, the rear bench is of course equipped with two ISOFIX anchor points. Thanks to the spacious trunk - although it is not one of the most spacious in its class - traveling with small children is pleasant, especially if we carry a lot of "baby equipment" with us. It will easily fit a larger stroller - such as the Bugaboo Cameleon - although there will be slightly less space for other stuff.
We noticed
The test X3 was fitted with some additional – unfortunately also extra – equipment, of which the side aluminum step emphasized its off-road soul. On cold days, we will be happy to heat the front seats, which this time were dressed in a combination of leather and fabric. Skiers will be pleased with the additionally built-in ski bag, which protects the interior of the vehicle while transporting skis (or other longer objects), which can be stowed through the central hole in the backrest of the rear bench. Driving on steep terrain is further facilitated by the built-in electronic system for controlling the speed of descent, which works in both directions of travel. With its help, the driver can fully focus on turning the steering wheel.
Technique and price
Vehicle dimensions (in mm): 4569 x 1853 x 1674; engine power: 105 kW (143 hp); final speed: 195 km/h; fuel consumption (urban/extra-urban/combined): 7.9/5.2/6.2 l/100 km; CO emission2: 165 g/km; trunk volume: 480-1560 l; price of the test vehicle (without discounts): EUR 46,325; insurance costs (AO / Super Polni Kasko with 1% deductible franchise at Zav. Maribor): EUR 683.36 / EUR 1727.20.
