BMW X3 – this is how the new mid-range SUV from Bavaria drives

After around seven years, it's time for a new BMW X3. Will BMW succeed in making the generally sedate medium SUV segment exciting? ntv.de has already driven the multifunctional vehicle.

It's the classic: a new vehicle model comes onto the market and is once again larger than its predecessor. It sounds like an uninnovative and boring measure, but it can also be seen in the new X3 (plus five centimeters in length). It would actually be necessary to shrink the vehicles a bit again, as the parking spaces are not getting any bigger.

However, BMW is currently on a growth path that is only partially understandable when it comes to dimensions. And on course for changes in terms of external styling. The latest X3 is futuristic, smooth and self-confident and has the potential to win new customers in this way, as Audi, for example, is rather staid. It could pass as a toned down form of the hipster model XM; However, in order to polarize less, the creatives made the front a little more reserved with a distinctive, delicately contoured kidney grille that, on the other hand, still impresses with its size. And through lighting, if you want.

You definitely want to get into the 4.76 meter long SUV, especially if BMW uses its lure. It becomes visible through the “M50” lettering, because it tells connoisseurs: This is where the three-liter in-line six-cylinder is located under the extremely smooth hood.

Speaking of engines. With the However, the turbocharged six-wheeler does not function entirely without electrical support; it is supported by an 18 hp crankshaft starter to make the drive more efficient and more responsive. Anyone who is spoiled by their responsiveness given today's large selection of purely electrically powered models will be disappointed by many combustion engines. Therefore, the classic gasoline drive urgently needs to be upgraded.

The X3 drives can put you in a good mood

And there are measures. Simply operate the steering wheel paddle to activate a boost mode, and then the two-ton truck, equipped with 398 hp system output, storms off, reaching the 100 km/h mark within 4.6 seconds according to the factory (at 250 km/h End). Certainly, a value that many drivers of battery-electric cars only smile wearily at. But please don't forget the emotional component. Many fans still like it when a well-sounding petrol engine rumbles its way through the speed range. And this is exactly the performance in the X3.

As an M-Performance model, the stately tourer not only wows customers with its attractive engine, but also boasts impressive lateral dynamics. In order to boost not only acceleration but also traction, a variable sport differential works on the rear axle. And the electronic control of the finely tuned chassis ensures a balanced feel. This means you can drive the Also speaks for comfort: the eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission is set regardless of the engine choice.

Is it actually possible to go a size smaller than six-cylinder powerful? After all, not every customer has 82,500 euros in change lying around or the financial potential for correspondingly expensive leasing payments. Yes, but even the cheapest variant, the X3 xDrive20, is not a real bargain at 57,900 euros. If you're thinking about getting it here, you'll still get 190 hp plus 18 hp boost. This time BMW also brought its base with it for the first test drives. And of course the two-liter four-cylinder, which sounds robust in the upper speed range, doesn't feel quite as powerful as the M50 model (and doesn't sound as captivating), but it's not sluggish either. At 7.6 seconds, the standard sprint at country road speed is still quick. And the top speed of 216 things is enough. With around seven liters of WLTP consumption, the vehicle should by no means be considered overly voracious. However, the six-cylinder only drinks when its full performance potential is used – if you drive moderately, you can get by with eight liters.

More trunk space for the mid-range SUV

But an X3 is not just about drive. There is a lot of space, although the current model's wheelbase remains the same at 2.87 meters. Good news for regular hardware store customers and family vacationers: With 1,700 liters (with the backrests folded down), the rear compartment now swallows up to 200 liters more than its predecessor. And the volume with the backrests up has also increased by 20 liters to 570 liters. Now the suitcases can be a little bigger when there are a full crew of people.

However, there is not that much new when it comes to interior design. To the dismay of lovers of beautifully designed mechanical measuring instruments, the XL version of the curved display remains. Touching around on this is intuitive and provides quick feedback. And if you don't like touch controls, you should try speaking. After all, the X3 also understands some commands. However, other manufacturers are already further ahead with the implementation of ChatGPT. But there still has to be a bit of room for improvement.

Finally, I would like to point out that the diesel engine, which is so popular with many interested parties, is still available for the X3. It starts with the two-liter four-cylinder with 197 hp plus 11 electric horses (six-cylinder follows). And if you want to drive at least 80 kilometers purely electrically, you can do so with the plug-in hybrid. The line, which also has a two-liter four-cylinder engine (here as a gasoline engine), produces a total of 299 hp. In combustion-free locomotion, however, progress is made with a not exactly weak 184 hp. Ultimately, the X3 remains a strong offering in the medium SUV sector with an attractive design and a large selection of different drives. Now it's the customers' turn, the configurator is ready.