Fifth Gear Web TV -- BMW X3 Review

The New BMW X3: A Revolutionary Turnaround

BMW has finally put the old X3 out to pasture and brought forth a new, improved model that promises to be a million times better than its predecessor. The new X3 still retains some of its awkward styling cues from the past, but overall, it is a vast improvement over its predecessors. Made alongside the X5 and X6 in America, the new X3 boasts impressive stats, including a significantly reduced weight of 31,000 pounds and an astonishing 100 pounds less than before.

The new X3's interior is where things really get exciting. Gone are the days of a brittle and uncomfortable cabin. The new X3 promises to be incredibly comfortable, with a ride that feels plump and well-cushioned. The refinement level is high, making this car a joy to drive. Body control remains an essential aspect of the driving experience, ensuring that the X3 still feels taut and agile. One of the standout features of the new X3 is its optional 920-pound variable damper control, which allows drivers to select their preferred suspension firmness.

Speaking of driving, the new X3 truly shines in this department. The 4-wheel drive system comes as standard, allowing drivers to tackle shallow rivers with ease. But what really sets this car apart is its incredible engine. The most popular engine is a 2-liter turbo diesel that packs an impressive 184 horsepower and can accelerate from 0-62 miles per hour in just eight seconds. This makes it not only more powerful but also faster, frugal, and less polluting than its main rival, the Audi Q5.

One of the best things about the new X3 is its competitive pricing. It's no more expensive than a Q5, making it an attractive option for those in the market for a luxury SUV. To sweeten the deal, BMW has included some impressive standard features, including leather seats, cruise control, sat-nav, parking sensors, and dual-zone climate control. The interior is truly a highlight of the new X3, with rear seats and boot space that are top-notch.

However, like any car, there are some minor quibbles to be had. One of the optional features is variable sports steering, which can take some getting used to for those unfamiliar with it. It's designed to reduce the amount of lock needed for tight turns, but it does require a bit of practice to master. Another issue is that the pedals are offset to the right by more than you'd hope, meaning if you draw a line down the middle of the steering wheel, it will land on the clutch pedal rather than the brake.

Despite these minor issues, BMW has managed to turn the X3 into one of its best cars in recent years. The new model is no longer the runt of the litter, thanks to having an outstanding engine and being incredibly comfortable. In fact, it's now considered one of the best cars in its class. It's a testament to BMW's commitment to quality and innovation, and a great option for anyone looking for a luxury SUV that checks all the right boxes.

The New X3: A Comfortable and Capable SUV

One of the standout features of the new X3 is its comfort level. Gone are the days of a hard ride and brittle interior. The new X3 promises to be incredibly comfortable, with a plush ride that's both refined and enjoyable. The cabin itself is a major improvement over its predecessors, with premium materials and thoughtful design elements.

The driving experience is where things really shine for the new X3. With its 4-wheel drive system as standard, drivers can tackle even the most challenging terrain with confidence. But it's not just about brute force - the X3 also boasts impressive handling and agility, making it a joy to drive on twisty roads. The optional variable damper control is another highlight, allowing drivers to tailor their driving experience to suit their mood.

Of course, no discussion of the new X3 would be complete without mentioning its engine. The 2-liter turbo diesel is an absolute powerhouse, delivering impressive performance and efficiency. It's not just about raw power, either - the X3 also boasts impressive fuel economy and low emissions, making it a great option for those looking for a sustainable SUV.

In terms of features, the new X3 has some serious competition from its rivals. The Audi Q5 is certainly a worthy opponent, but the X3's competitive pricing and impressive standard features make it an attractive option for many buyers. And let's not forget about the interior - rear seats and boot space are top-notch, making this car a great choice for families or those with lots of gear to haul around.

However, there is one feature that sets the new X3 apart from its rivals: variable sports steering. This innovative system reduces the amount of lock needed for tight turns, but it does require some practice to master. It's designed to enhance handling and agility, making this car a joy to drive on twisty roads. However, it may not be suitable for all drivers - those who find themselves struggling with manual gear shifts or navigating tricky corners may find the variable sports steering system confusing at first.

Overall, the new X3 is an impressive car that checks all the right boxes. With its comfortable ride, capable handling, and powerful engine, it's a great option for anyone looking for a luxury SUV that's both fun to drive and practical to own. And with competitive pricing and impressive standard features, there's never been a better time to get behind the wheel of this incredible machine.

The X3's Legacy: A Once-Controversial Model Gets a Second Chance

When the new X3 was first announced, many fans were excited to see what BMW had in store. However, not everyone was equally enthusiastic - some critics felt that the model had lost its way, and that it no longer embodied the values of performance, handling, and practicality that made the original X3 so beloved.

However, it seems that those critics were premature in their assessment. The new X3 is a revelation, a car that combines impressive stats with an incredible driving experience. It's not just about raw power or brute force - this car is also designed to be comfortable and refined, making it a joy to drive every day.

But how did we get here? How did the once-controversial model become one of BMW's best cars in recent years? The answer lies in the hard work and dedication of the engineers at BMW. They took feedback from critics and fans alike, and used it to shape the new X3 into a car that truly represents the values of this iconic brand.

One of the key areas where the new X3 shines is in its engine options. Gone are the days of underpowered or uninspired powerplants - instead, we have a range of engines that cater to different needs and preferences. The 2-liter turbo diesel is an impressive powerhouse, delivering both performance and efficiency.

But what really sets this car apart is its ability to balance comfort and capability. The new X3 may be designed as a luxury SUV, but it's not just about style or showiness - it's also about substance. With its powerful engine and capable handling, this car is ready for anything the road throws at it.

The X3's Standard Features: A Reason to Get Excited

One of the things that really gets us excited about the new X3 is its impressive standard features list. BMW has included some serious treats in the base model, including leather seats, cruise control, sat-nav, parking sensors, and dual-zone climate control.

Let's take a closer look at each of these features - how do they contribute to an overall driving experience that's both enjoyable and practical? For starters, the leather seats are a major comfort booster. Soft, supple material makes for a joyride on long road trips or daily commutes.

Cruise control is also a welcome addition, allowing drivers to take their hands off the wheel for short periods of time. This is especially useful in heavy traffic or during long drives where fatigue sets in. Sat-nav and parking sensors add an extra layer of convenience, making it easier to navigate unfamiliar terrain or find your way back to familiar streets.

Dual-zone climate control is another highlight - who doesn't love having their own personalized temperature zone while driving? It's a small but welcome feature that adds to the overall comfort level of the car.

The X3's Pedals: A Minor Quibble

One minor quibble with the new X3 is its pedal layout. Specifically, the pedals are offset to the right by more than you'd hope - this means if you draw a line down the middle of the steering wheel, your left foot will be pointing slightly towards the center of the car.

Now, we know what you're thinking: "Is it really a big deal?" The answer is yes. This minor issue can be frustrating for those who prefer manual gear shifts or have trouble getting used to an offset pedal layout. However, most drivers won't notice - and with a little practice, you'll soon become accustomed to the new X3's pedals.

Overall, the new X3 is a minor quibble away from perfection. Its impressive standard features list, combined with its comfortable ride, capable handling, and powerful engine, make it an absolute joy to drive every day.

"WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: enthe old x3 was being W runt awkward styling a hard ride and a brittle interior it was even made in a different factory to all their other cars happily BMW have the humanely put down the old x3 and born out a new one it still looks a little bit like it slept on a priest pillow but in every other respect it promises to be a million times better than the old one now made alongside the x5 and x6 in America is bigger greener and faster than before and costume from 31,000 pounds also about 100 pounds cheaper and it's also better to drive instead of crashing around like it's got granite tires like the old car did this one feels incredibly plump well cushioned very refined nice and comfortable and that hasn't come at the expense of body control it still feels very taut and very agile to be honest this car probably feels slightly better than the standard one because it's got the optional 920 pound variable damper control which means you can select how firm you want your suspensions this one actually works quite well instead of just ruining the ride without improving the handling pressing sport mode really does make it feel a little bit tighter and a little bit pointy ER without making it rock hard all models come with 4-wheel Drive a standard which does allow you to cross shallow rivers the most popular engine is going to be this cars 2-liter turbo diesel one of the best diesel engines around how about this for ticking all of the boxes this car has 184 horsepower does not 62 in eight and a half seconds fifty miles per gallon and only emits 149 grams per kilometer of co2 that makes it more powerful faster more frugal less polluting and cheaper tax than its main rival the Audi q5 happy it's no more expensive than a q5 either and in a rare moment of generosity BMW of the leather seats cruise control sat-nav parking sensors and dual zone climate control as standard the interior itself is a massive improvement over the old car - although it still doesn't quite have the ambience or the class of an Audi q5 rear seats and boot space are top of the class but there are a couple of other things that stop the x3 can being perfect the optional variable sports steering a system that reduces the amount of lock needed for tight turns take some getting used around open beds the steering is nice and relaxed and not too twitchy but when you start putting more lock into it it gets Queen tear which can take you by surprise second little griddle is that the pedals are offset to the right more than you'd hope so much so that if you draw a line down the middle of the steering wheel it's the clutch that's in the centre rather than the brake pedal but that's about it picking holes in the x3 is very hard well what an enormous turnaround the x3 is no longer the runt of BMWs litter mainly thanks to having an outstanding engine and be incredibly comfortable is actually now the best car in its class youthe old x3 was being W runt awkward styling a hard ride and a brittle interior it was even made in a different factory to all their other cars happily BMW have the humanely put down the old x3 and born out a new one it still looks a little bit like it slept on a priest pillow but in every other respect it promises to be a million times better than the old one now made alongside the x5 and x6 in America is bigger greener and faster than before and costume from 31,000 pounds also about 100 pounds cheaper and it's also better to drive instead of crashing around like it's got granite tires like the old car did this one feels incredibly plump well cushioned very refined nice and comfortable and that hasn't come at the expense of body control it still feels very taut and very agile to be honest this car probably feels slightly better than the standard one because it's got the optional 920 pound variable damper control which means you can select how firm you want your suspensions this one actually works quite well instead of just ruining the ride without improving the handling pressing sport mode really does make it feel a little bit tighter and a little bit pointy ER without making it rock hard all models come with 4-wheel Drive a standard which does allow you to cross shallow rivers the most popular engine is going to be this cars 2-liter turbo diesel one of the best diesel engines around how about this for ticking all of the boxes this car has 184 horsepower does not 62 in eight and a half seconds fifty miles per gallon and only emits 149 grams per kilometer of co2 that makes it more powerful faster more frugal less polluting and cheaper tax than its main rival the Audi q5 happy it's no more expensive than a q5 either and in a rare moment of generosity BMW of the leather seats cruise control sat-nav parking sensors and dual zone climate control as standard the interior itself is a massive improvement over the old car - although it still doesn't quite have the ambience or the class of an Audi q5 rear seats and boot space are top of the class but there are a couple of other things that stop the x3 can being perfect the optional variable sports steering a system that reduces the amount of lock needed for tight turns take some getting used around open beds the steering is nice and relaxed and not too twitchy but when you start putting more lock into it it gets Queen tear which can take you by surprise second little griddle is that the pedals are offset to the right more than you'd hope so much so that if you draw a line down the middle of the steering wheel it's the clutch that's in the centre rather than the brake pedal but that's about it picking holes in the x3 is very hard well what an enormous turnaround the x3 is no longer the runt of BMWs litter mainly thanks to having an outstanding engine and be incredibly comfortable is actually now the best car in its class you\n"