The Evolution of BMW's SUV Formula: A Closer Look at the 2018 X3

BMW has been continuously evolving its SUV formula, and it seems that this ongoing evolution is working for them. The 2018 X3 is a prime example of this success, as the reviewer had the opportunity to test drive not one, but two models before sharing their experience with us. One model was purchased by the reviewer specifically for testing on a track, while the other was used to live with and evaluate its performance in real-world conditions.

The Driving Dynamics

One of the standout features of the 2018 X3 is its driving dynamics. The power comes on quickly, smoothly, and strongly, with only slight early turbo lag. This 2-liter engine produces an impressive 248 horsepower, making it feel like a six-cylinder engine in terms of performance. Merging onto the highway was also found to be a breeze, as the X3 goes exactly where you want it to go on the road.

The handling is sharp and sporty, with direct steering that gives the driver confidence behind the wheel. Taking the X3 out for a spin on public roads was a real blast, as the suspension is firm but still soaks up most road imperfections nicely. Even with 19-inch wheels on one of the reviewer's models, the ride inside the cabin was very quiet and well-muffled, reinforcing the X3's luxury feel. The materials used throughout the cabin are also top-notch, with a luxurious vibe that carries over to every aspect of the vehicle.

The Interior and Features

Inside the cabin, everything is covered in rich materials that have been put together flawlessly. The leather, wood, and even plastic bits all feel premium, creating a cohesive and high-quality look and feel. The 10-way adjustable seats come standard on the X3, which were found to be comfortable and supportive even during longer trips. BMW's iDrive infotainment system is also available with an optional 10.2-inch touchscreen, offering crisp and clear menus that are easy to navigate by touch or rotary dial.

Apple CarPlay compatibility is available as an option, making it a great choice for those who want to stay connected on the go. The rear seat is decent space, although it might get a little cramped for three adults. However, kids will find it easy to climb in thanks to the manageable step-in height of the vehicle. The cargo room is big enough for four people to take a week-long road trip, with plenty of space for bicycles or big items from the hardware store.

Safety Concerns

One aspect of the X3 that left the reviewer disappointed was the lack of standard advanced safety features. In order to get forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, you have to spend thousands of dollars on extra options. The reviewer believes that these important safety features should be standard on all trim levels, making them a notable omission.

Conclusion

The 2018 X3 has clearly demonstrated BMW's ongoing evolution of its SUV formula, combining performance, luxury, and high-tech features in a way that is both exciting and impressive. While there are some areas for improvement, such as the lack of standard advanced safety features, the reviewer can't wait to see how it stacks up against its competition in the hot compact luxury SUV class. With its exceptional driving dynamics, luxurious interior, and generous cargo room, the X3 is sure to be a top contender in this highly competitive market.

"WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: enthe 2018 x3 shows that BMWs ongoing evolution of its SUV formula combining performance luxury and high tech is working we just bought this x3 extra of 30 I to evaluate our test track and spend some time living with it before it enters our test program so far we've been really impressed that's because the x3 is driving dynamics our top notch power comes on quick smooth and strong with only slight early turbo this 2 bleeder 248 horsepower 4-cylinder engine feels so powerful he'd be forgiven for thinking it was a six-cylinder you'll have no problems merging onto the highway here the x3 goes exactly where you want it on the road handling is sharp and sporty and the steering is direct all of which give you confidence behind the wheel it's been a blast taking on twists and turns on public roads the suspension is firm but still soaks up most Road imperfections nicely even with the 19-inch wheels on our model this translates to a very quiet ride inside the cabin road and wind noise are well muted reinforcing the x3 s luxury feel that luxurious vibe carries over to the cabin everything is covered in rich materials that are put together flawlessly the leather wood and even the plastic bits all feel premium the x-ray comes standard with 10 way adjustable seats which we found to be comfortable and supportive even during longer trips BMWs iDrive infotainment system now comes with an optional 10.2 inch touchscreen we found menus to be crisp and clear and navigating by touch or the rotary dial is straightforward and intuitive apple carplay compatibility is available as an option the rear seat is decent space although it might get a little cramped for three adults stick with two back therefore a roomier ride kids on the other hand should find it easy to climb in thanks to a manageable step in height like most compact luxury SUVs the x-rays cargo room is big enough for four people to take a week-long road trip pulling down the second row gives you plenty of space for bicycles or big items from the hardware or big-box store the glass area is generous giving drivers a good view out particularly to the sides and outback but the front speaker housings by the windshield do block some of the deal one aspect of the x-ray we're not excited about is the lack of standard advanced safety here we need to spend thousands of dollars in extra options in order to get forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking we think these important safety features should be standard on all trim levels we're excited for the x3 to enter our testing program and can't wait to see how it stacks up against its competition in the hot compact luxury SUV class for more check out consumerreports.orgthe 2018 x3 shows that BMWs ongoing evolution of its SUV formula combining performance luxury and high tech is working we just bought this x3 extra of 30 I to evaluate our test track and spend some time living with it before it enters our test program so far we've been really impressed that's because the x3 is driving dynamics our top notch power comes on quick smooth and strong with only slight early turbo this 2 bleeder 248 horsepower 4-cylinder engine feels so powerful he'd be forgiven for thinking it was a six-cylinder you'll have no problems merging onto the highway here the x3 goes exactly where you want it on the road handling is sharp and sporty and the steering is direct all of which give you confidence behind the wheel it's been a blast taking on twists and turns on public roads the suspension is firm but still soaks up most Road imperfections nicely even with the 19-inch wheels on our model this translates to a very quiet ride inside the cabin road and wind noise are well muted reinforcing the x3 s luxury feel that luxurious vibe carries over to the cabin everything is covered in rich materials that are put together flawlessly the leather wood and even the plastic bits all feel premium the x-ray comes standard with 10 way adjustable seats which we found to be comfortable and supportive even during longer trips BMWs iDrive infotainment system now comes with an optional 10.2 inch touchscreen we found menus to be crisp and clear and navigating by touch or the rotary dial is straightforward and intuitive apple carplay compatibility is available as an option the rear seat is decent space although it might get a little cramped for three adults stick with two back therefore a roomier ride kids on the other hand should find it easy to climb in thanks to a manageable step in height like most compact luxury SUVs the x-rays cargo room is big enough for four people to take a week-long road trip pulling down the second row gives you plenty of space for bicycles or big items from the hardware or big-box store the glass area is generous giving drivers a good view out particularly to the sides and outback but the front speaker housings by the windshield do block some of the deal one aspect of the x-ray we're not excited about is the lack of standard advanced safety here we need to spend thousands of dollars in extra options in order to get forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking we think these important safety features should be standard on all trim levels we're excited for the x3 to enter our testing program and can't wait to see how it stacks up against its competition in the hot compact luxury SUV class for more check out consumerreports.org\n"