BMW X3 sDrive20i 2018 Review
It can be easy to overlook the new BMW X3, as it’s not as sleek and sexy as the X4 ‘coupe SUV’ or has exciting as the all-new X5 and X7 that are just around the corner.
But it is BMW's most-popular SUV.
And as the popularity of soft roaders continue to rise, particularly in the luxury end of the market, the X3 has usurped the 3-Series as the brand's bread-and-butter, and therefore most important model. Part of the current appeal is its freshness, with this new generation X3 having only arrived in Australia at the end of 2017.
- Bigger and better cabin
- Great dynamics
- Punchy little engine
- Interior is too similar to rest of BMW range
- Expensive pre-paid servicing
- No AEB
Is it right for me?
We’re testing the X3 sDrive20i which is the entry-level model in the range. The ‘sDrive’ denotes it’s only rear-wheel drive, as opposed to the all-wheel ‘xDrive’ models that make up the rest of the range.
The 20i means it’s powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine, the mainstay of BMW’s current range and found in everything from the 1-Series to the 5-Series.
Can I afford it ?
Priced from $66,529 (plus on-roads) the X3 20i is highly competitive within the market it plays in. The cheapest petrol-powered Audi Q5 is the $72,840 2.0 TFSI Sport quattro while the Mercedes-Benz GLC250 starts at $81,930, giving BMW a major price advantage of its arch rivals.
Of course there are cheaper options such as the smaller Lexus NX300 which is priced from $54,800 and the Alfa Romeo Stelvio that is priced from $65,900 for its entry-level petrol model.
What do you get for your money?
BMW has earned a reputation for being a bit light on with standard gear in the past but the X3 20i comes well equipped for the money.
Included in the standard specifications are 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, power tailgate, head-up display, navigation, Bluetooth, digital radio and a six-speaker sound system.
Also included is BMW’s Driving Assistant system which includes forward collision warning with light autonomous braking, lane departure warning, high beam assist and speed limit information.
How much does it cost to maintain?
Instead of traditional ‘capped price servicing’ BMW offers pre-paid options. For the X3, BMW’s Service Inclusive ‘Basic’ coverage costs $1200 for the first three years, while the ‘Plus’ package covers five-years and costs $4250.
Is it well built?
BMW has a reputation for dependability but still only offers a three-year warranty. Five and even six years is becoming normal for mainstream models but this extended coverage is yet to make it upstream to the premium brands.
What are the Standout features?
The thing you really notice early on with the new X3 is how grown-up it feels. In fact, while it slots between the X1 and X5 in the line-up, this latest generation model is actually longer and wider than the original X5.
It feels it too, in all the right ways, with a roomy cabin and polished on-road manners that makes it drive more like a full-size premium SUV rather than a mid-size offering.
What does it have that others don't?
It still retains that sportiness that BMW is renowned for. There’s nothing wrong with the way the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC250 handle but the X3 just feels a cut above in the way it steers.
How practical is it?
Having grown in size, the new X3 feels more spacious both front and rear. The back seats are particularly roomy, so much so this is now a genuine family alternative that means you don’t necessarily have to upgrade to an X5 just because you’ve got two or more kids.
Is it comfortable?
The cabin presents well, with BMW continuing its evolutionary design so there’s a familiar look to the previous X3 and indeed the rest of the BMW range.
What the 20i lacks is the polish of its more expensive siblings as there a bit more plasticky trim and a bit less leather between this and say the xDrive30i and M40i. But if this is all you know then you can be happy with how it presents and feels.
Easy in, easy out?
Bigger outside and more room inside means it’s easy to load a family in and out of the X3. The higher ride height of the SUV body style means it’s particularly helpful for families with young kids that still need help strapping in.
Space and versatility?
Naturally there’s a larger boot to go along with the bigger cabin. The floor area is deep and wide and with the wagon-style body you can load bulkier objects in with ease.
The power tailgate is a nice addition for an entry-level model, adding that feeling of quality but also making life easier, especially when trying to load the family or shopping.
What's the engine like?
It may be the least powerful engine in the range but the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol unit feels more than capable from behind the wheel.
It boasts 135kW of power and 290Nm of torque which is more than adequate, especially when paired to the intuitive and smooth eight-speed automatic transmission. Typical of BMW the engine revs freely but because it’s turbocharged there’s good performance from low down in the rev range.
It sounds nice too, with a sweet four-cylinder burble and growl under hard acceleration that adds to the sporty character of the X3.
How much fuel does it consume?
Using a claimed 7.4-litres per 100km the 20i isn’t the most frugal SUV in its class but that’s a good return given it’s extra size.
A big part of that is the eight-speed auto, which can keep the engine on the boil if you want that sporty performance but it can also quickly find a tall ratio if you just want to cruise and save fuel.
Is it enjoyable to drive?
Sharp steering and a sharp ride are the hallmarks of BMW and there’s a strong element of that with the X3 20i. It may not be quite as precise as a 3-Series but for an SUV it’s as good as it gets, feeling substantial and secure on the road and responds faithfully to inputs.
The chassis is well tuned too, with more compliance in the suspension that you typically find in a BMW, but with good body control.
An Alfa Romeo Stelvio may be sharper dynamically, but the X3 isn’t far behind and is an easier car to live with day-to-day.
Does it perform as you expect?
The X3 exceeds expectations in many ways, feeling bigger, more premium and better to drive than its predecessor. That means it’s also one of the best luxury mid-size SUVs on market today. No wonder it’s so popular.