A strong drive for wintry roads: BMW X3
Derek Black tests out the new BMW X3, an efficient 4×4 which could provide ideal in icy conditions.
Who said another ‘Chelsea tractor’? The new X3 is nothing of the sort. Rather it is big 4×4 with the running costs of a family hatchback. How is that for an image buster?
BMW has achieved remarkable efficiencies without resorting to hybrid technology. Instead, they are using their latest fine-tuned 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine fitted with a bag of tricks called ‘efficient dynamics’. Evolutionary rather than revolutionary, this conventional approach certainly gets the job done.
Already a 161 bhp version of this engine fitted to a 3-series saloon is returning 68 mpg on the combined cycle. For the X3, the power output has been raised to 184 bhp which is more than their first- generation 3.0-litre could produce with six cylinders. The economy is enhanced by features such as stop-start and regenerative braking.
Even with the extra weight of the X3 bodywork, this engine returns 50 mpg on the combined cycle and has carbon dioxide emissions of 149 g/km, pretty impressive for this class of vehicle. The X3 claims to be the cleanest of the premium four-wheel drives. This is rewarded by lower annual road tax and, for company car drivers, lower benefit in kind tax bills.
Most X3 drivers will do most of their driving on the road. Here, the new car is surprisingly agile for its size and weight. It has permanent four-wheel drive and clever sensors to detect and counteract wheel spin and slides. This means that the car remains stable on wet or slippery roads.
Performance is strong and you rarely extend the diesel engine enough to produce noticeable noise. The 0-62 mph time of 8.5 seconds and top speed potential of 130 mph are respectable enough for any type of car.
Off road, the X3 has considerable abilities as I discovered during the launch in the snow-covered Alps. Using the hill descent system, the car can brake itself safely as you go down steep slopes. This is uncanny to experience but reassuring when you get used to it.
If we are to have more icy winters like the recent one, the X3 could be an ideal vehicle. BMW is encouraging customers to fit winter tyres designed to give more grip below seven degrees. This is common practice on the continent and a legal requirement in some countries.
The new X3 comes with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard but is also available with an excellent eight-speed twin clutch automatic. The latter works particularly well with the characteristics of the 2.0-litre diesel engine and, surprisingly, does not affect performance or economy figures.
Priced from £30,490, the new X3 is slightly cheaper than the old model but has a higher spec including leather seats and climate control. There are some fascinating optional features that you can add such as a panoramic sun roof, multimedia packages, head-up display and adaptive headlights.
