BMW: The X3 offers plenty of diesel fun 🎥
ROUND TABLE The BMW X3 has been improved all around in its third edition. A first test drive in the X3 xDrive 30d showed what the refreshed SUV has to offer - and that a diesel can still be fun.
The facelift of the X3 is not a revolution and is mainly of an optical nature.
Striking features of the new BMW X3 include modified skirts, narrower LED headlights, new taillights and a larger kidney. The physical controls, which are still plentiful, and the 12.3-inch touchscreen are ergonomically easy to reach.
A row of buttons under the screen can be assigned shortcuts to the most important functions of the infotainment system. That is practical and well thought-out.
Chassis absorbs shocks and potholes
As is typical for BMW, the X3 comes with three driving modes that we could select at the touch of a button during our test drive. Another striking feature is that the cup holders can also hold larger bottles, but the storage compartment for smartphones is a bit too small.
The chassis is more on the comfortable side, allows movement and absorbs short bumps, potholes and more confidently. Comfortable in this context does not mean lax or ponderous. The car is simply very well sprung.
The steering communicates properly. The X3 does not encourage super-sporty driving, but it definitely does not let you down on a more ambitious highway driveway.
Outstanding six-cylinder diesel
After all, there was no real need to catch up in terms of powertrains and handling. This is still the case, especially in the case of the excellent six-cylinder diesel with three liters of displacement and 286 hp, which delivers 650 Nm of torque. If you're looking for a homogeneous, mature mid-size SUV that offers exactly what you need, you won't make a mistake here.
The blend of driving dynamics and comfort is particularly convincing, as is the operation of the assistance and infotainment systems.
