Comments on: BMW X3 gains two new models

By: Alan

Alan — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 03:29:40 +0000

Now that the Q5 has arrived in Oz, we have a top quality mid-sized 4wd, with looks, engineering, performance, economy, safety, technology, space, and quality. This car will have BMW dealers squirming, as their slow selling X3 is usurped by the new kid on the block. No doubt there are buyers who will support BMW (for the badge cachet – ask Jeremy Clarkson) but for the complete package, there’s not a car out there that beats it………yep, not even the clever XC60, which is burdened with old engines.

By: Wild Colonial Boy

Wild Colonial Boy — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:43:52 +0000

The best compact 4WD by a long way. OK a bit pricey, but get in one and it drives “like a BMW”. Simply saying not as good as the X5, and costs almost as much, doesn’t work now the X5 has 7 seats & has risen in price. (Some people don’t want an X5 size vehicle and would have moved elswhere.) Comparing X3 with ML280 (as some sites offer as competitor) is also rediculous, as you won’t get one of those on the road sub-$100,000. Nearest 2.0 diesel competitor from Europe would be the VW Tiguan, which it beats on size, performance,& economy. Most other midsize competitors don’t offer diesel option.

By: LOVE GTR

LOVE GTR — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 09:36:39 +0000

I’m waiting for the XC60. Might not drive as well as the X3 on the racetrack but will be better looking, safer and cheaper.

By: Dion

Dion — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 14:33:29 +0000

Meh, would much rather spend the money on a decent 2nd hand X5

By: Cupid Stunt aka No Name

Cupid Stunt aka No Name — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 13:19:22 +0000

Yep ugly – Its never been well received in Europe by the press when compared to the X5. Buy the freelander like Andrew says.

By: Andrew

Andrew — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 11:23:21 +0000

I’d say they are losing a few customers to Land Rover with the Freelander 2 which has been some what of a success in Europe, MIddle East and Russia. Even so compared to this new variant the Freelander 2 has more torque, more boot space, more payload, more towing capacity, more of road capability, more standard equipment and is $9K cheaper or even more so if you option the X3 up to a similar specification.

By: NotTheStig

NotTheStig — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 01:53:28 +0000

All they have ever needed to do so that it wouldn’t turn me off totally would be to fix up the tailgate decor panel and the tailight extentions.

If they had just made them “normal” and not in silly 45 degree angles, it would be much more acceptable IMHO.

By: Sam

Sam — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 01:51:45 +0000

Oh thank God. I was beginning to think I was the only one to question the exterior design of this car. This is an ugly car from any angle. The pics of the upcoming X1 look even worse.

By: Alex

Alex — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 01:12:43 +0000

I agree on the looks being bad but somehow I’ve always liked it. Probably because it’s still one of the truly compact SUVs.

By: Myke

Myke — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 23:21:16 +0000

It is a frumpy looking thing, the X5 is a much better opinion, plus if you added any options onto the X3, the price would be in X5 territory. The X3 and X6 look so reduntant next to the X5.