BMW X3 Review

BMW X3 Review

The new BMW X3 has undergone more than just a facelift - it seems that most of the internal organs have been updated too.

To be honest, in terms of looks, it is a case of ‘spot the difference’ between the previous version and the new model, such is the subtlety of the change. The front end has a larger kidney-shaped grille than before and the bumper and spoiler have been slightly re-designed. The front fog lights are now integrated into the main bodywork and beneath, the spoiler is now colour-coded.

Changes to the rear included new LED light clusters and more body-coloured panels than before. However, unless you are an X3 ‘buff’, at first glance there is very little that has changed and that is no bad thing.

It is curious that although most of the X3s sit on 17-inch alloy wheels, the car looks to have a relatively low roofline. The driver sits tall behind the new multifunctional, rake and reach adjustable, three-spoke steering wheel but there is no shortage of headroom.

The X3 comes in two forms; the SE and the M Sport. It also has a choice of two petrol and three diesel engines, of which, all but the £28,560, 2.0d diesel unit benefit from revised 6-cylinder engines. The test car was the X3 2.5si in SE trim, which costs £30,485 and is the smallest petrol engine in the range. Had the test car been in M Sport trim it would have a price tag of £32,570. The other petrol option is the 3.0si. Saying that there are three diesels is a bit of a cheat because as well as the aforementioned 2.0d, the remainder are 3.0-litre units; the 3.0d and 3.0sd. Prices for the X3 top out at £38,175 for the M Sport 3.0sd but you do get a lot of car for the money.

BMW X3