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Sure-footed finesse and gravel gravitas from the new BMW X3

Improvement over a previous generation model is crucial if one is to maintain a winning formula. And while the first- generation BMW X3 was somewhat ho hum, the second generation was not.

The third-generation X3 has managed to capitalise on the strengths of the previous generation whilst adding even more dynamism and finesse. 

Six new BMW X3 variants are now on offer. The flagship M40i and xDrive30i petrol variants and two diesel variants, the xDrive30d and xDrive20d, are all available immediately and equipped with xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard.

The third quarter of 2018 sees two further petrol variants added to this rugged mid-size SUV line-up – the AWD xDrive20i and sDrive20i, the latter with dynamic rear-wheel drive. finweek sampled the entry-level diesel variant, the BMW X3 xDrive20d.

The ‘X-terior’

Apart from the hexagonal LED fog lights and “three-dimensional” grille, there are no eye-popping exterior changes to the new X3. The subtle aggressive stance and all-terrain capability hints also comes from the dual chrome exhausts and aluminium roof rails. 

In true X-family style, the bonnet is long, the front overhang short and while it’s not noticeably longer, the wheelbase is stretched by five centimetres.

But in the first quarter of this year there will be one major difference associated with the BMW X3; it will be homemade at BMW South Africa’s Rosslyn plant in Pretoria.

Cabin comforts

The new X3’s cabin benefits from the added length that contributes to a somewhat roomier feel compared to the former model.

In characteristic German style, the plush interior is aligned towards comfort and offers precision-crafted material combining hi-spec leather, chrome and optional wood trim, supremely comfortable leather seats and modern instrumentation.

It offers a cracking infotainment and iDrive system, the latter also controlling the driver assistance systems. Aside from the iDrive controller, the 6.5-inch colour touch screen, voice and hand gestures can also be used for selection and commands. 

Hand gesturing, though, requires a bit of practice. After watching my driving partner gesticulate wildly, with some amusement, I figured I got it right in the BMW 7 Series so it should be a slam-dunk in the X3. 

“Here, let me,” I say, giving my version of the royal wave. Nothing. Hmm. A two-finger point and vastly less regal wave guarantee a modicum of success and my driving partner’s raised eyebrow finally settles where it should. 

But like kids with too many toys, we soon lost interest and moved on to other features, including adjusting the head-up display (optional feature) to mesh with my elevated seat height.

One feature added to this new-generation X3 is the three-zone automatic air conditioning that now allows passengers in the rear to select their own temperature. The rear also features improved legroom. 

As far as cargo room goes, there’s bags of it (excuse the pun). Loading is made easier with the car’s automatic tailgate operation.


Sure-footed ride

What strikes me most about the new BMW X3 20d is how sure-footed it is. Weight distribution is bang on, contributing to precise handling and no perceived body roll while steering is true and well-weighted and gear changes fluid.

The X3 is immensely capable on the tar, hugging the curves at pace, purring effortlessly on the open road, barely acknowledging inclines and offering enough grunt for confident overtaking. Much of this can be said for its ability on gravel. 

Gravel roads are not normally associated with speed, but the X3’s capabilities inspire confidence to travel with more fleetness of foot than one might normally undertake to do.

Still, less is more on the throttle when tackling twisting, sandy and corrugated mountain passes. An authoritative stamp on the accelerator on twisty bits brings out the back end and flashing traction warnings. The sophisticated xDrive system mostly allows for control to be easily regained.

Aside from crossing several sandy mountain passes, Knysna’s winding gravel roads dished up a number of challenges, including migrating tortoises that appeared over the crest of a hill.

But this allowed the X3 to demonstrate its unflappable capabilities, the car coming to a decisive and polished halt from a speed of around 80km/h.

Let’s not forget the ride, which in either of the three drive modes – eco pro, comfort or the more dynamic sport – is comfy even on normally teeth-jarring corrugated sections.

Back on the tar, road noise in the cabin was absent from the 20d’s 19-inch tyres (18-inch wheels standard). Not quite the case with the 21-inch tyres fitted to the BMW X3 30d (also tested). While its fatter takkies provided a tad more agility on gravel, road noise on the tar was perceptible.

The X3 comes with a number of semi-autonomous driving assistant features, among them Active Cruise Control (ACC), whose capabilities include braking to a halt in stop-and-go traffic and automatically pulling away again. 

The steering and lane control assistant form part of the optional Driving Assistant Plus safety package and work effectively to ensure you don’t stray from your lane.

But it’s when lane control assistance is activated while you purposely want to stay close to the centre line, that things can get “interesting”.

Here corrective interventions taken by the lane control system proved a tad more vigorous than was bargained for, requiring forcible steering to override the system and prevent the car from moving back towards the middle of the lane… and a cyclist riding on the shoulder edge.

It’s a feature best deactivated when taking a racing line unless you are happy to wrestle with the steering wheel or indicate each time you are about to breach road markings.

This capable and versatile premium SUV is equally at home on tar or gravel, the open road or in urban traffic. It’s an immensely pleasurable car to drive with enhanced sporting prowess, gravel gravitas and improved comfort.

All said, the X3 xDrive20d exceeds expectations of an entry-level variant. For that, and all its other capabilities, it gets the thumbs up. But if performance is the dominant requirement then the extremely quick M40i with its 4.8 seconds sprint capability might be the machine to tickle your fancy. 

This is a shortened version of an article that originally appeared in the 18 January edition of finweek. Buy and download the magazine here.

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