This is the latest BMW X3 and there is a petrol version on sale as well.
It was nice to get behind the wheel of a straight forward petrol powered BMW after a long time. No fancy plug-in hybrid system to evaluate and worry about when it comes to battery charging and using the public charging points.
No fancy lithium battery power system to worry about with an electric vehicle which means finding a DC fast charger at a location where we have to sit and wait for the battery system to be juiced up (whilst spending money on a drink).
This was a simple 4-cylinder Twinturbo BMW designed petrol powered engine that only needed a petrol station (which is plentiful) that would be quick to refuel and get going again.
Yes, the whole electric car excitement continues and we have to admit that we have been drawn into as well, however after test driving a few new electric vehicles and also some plug-in hybrids that have a petrol engine working with a battery system (which is very complicated and very troublesome and heavy) it was so much better to just test drive a simple, less complicated, easy to refuel petrol powered BMW for now.
This X3 Cabin
Open the doors and you get a typical modern BMW interior (like with the 5 Series and 3 Series). There is a mix of good quality materials in a rather simplistic offering (when compared to what the rivals are providing). The ergonomics are good and everything is where you would expect.
The center console houses the latest BMW information panel with all necessary functionality which all other petrol powered BMW models carry. It’s easy and intuitive to use. No need to read a manual.
It is a remarkably roomy vehicle which is one of the first surprises after climbing into the 5 Series cabin was the space. There is good headroom, legroom, and even when riding in the rear seats legroom for a 6-foot frame was decent.
This X3 Use
This X3 sits at the ‘right’ height off the ground making it easy for the older generation to get in and out and women will have no modesty issues alighting from this X3 in a skirt that is lacking length.
This X3 Drive
Out on the road this X3 is a smooth operator. It’s blissfully easy to drive. Get a chance to drive this X3 along some fast, sweeping corners and you will realize like we did that this X3 proved it can continue to carry the ‘SAV’ name (sports activity vehicle).
As a family orientated SUV, we were expecting soft-suspension, light steering and vague acceleration, but what we found was a nicely balanced vehicle that drove more like a sports sedan, the 530i.
This X3 rides firmly on the road and has only low levels of body roll when cornering hard on uneven payment, which results in a satisfying experience when driven with determination.
BMW in Malaysia is actively targeting the Japanese mid-priced SUV owners that are looking for an upgrade.
We are talking about current owners of the Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester, Honda CR-V and maybe even some Toyota Harrier owners. Take it for a test drive and when the salesperson tries to convince you to buy the plug-in hybrid version and shares its ‘extra’ power figures, please do not be persuaded.
Just stick with a simple, easy to maintain and reliable pure petrol powered BMW X3.
BMW X3 xDrive30i M Sport Specification
Engine: Petrol Twin Power Turbo
Capacity: 1998cc
Transmission: 8-speed Semi-Automatic
Max power: 252bhp @ 5,200-6,500rpm
Max torque: 350Nm @ 1,450-4,800rpm
Top Speed: 240km/h
0-100km/h: 6.3 seconds
Price: RM329,288.54 without SST included
