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Nargess Shahmanesh-Banks test drives the new BMW X3
Form may still follow
function, but that particular function may not always be the reason for
purchase. Nargess Shahmanesh-Banks put the all-new BMW X3 to the test
to see if it lives up to its promise.
The all-new X3's rough and ready looks say something about its off-road function |
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Nowadays, no carmaker worthy of its name can be seen without an SUV
of some sort. It's a segment that has elevated itself to the 'desirable'
bracket and, in some cases, has even helped redefine a brand's identity,
as in the case of the Volvo XC90. The new baby Bavarian off-roader has
actually set itself up against the successful Swedish model as well as
the highly acclaimed Lexus RX300 and the Land Rover Freelander.
The car follows in the successful footprints of its older brother, the
X5, the pioneer of the Sports Activity Vehicle segment, or SAV that went
on sale in 2000. The smaller X3 is also a car that aims to please its
premium driver both on and off-road.
The look
The X3 deliberately gives an overriding image of solidity, austerity and
practicality, something that is expected from a car designed for an active
life. It's well proportioned with figures that read 4,565mm long, 1,853mm
wide and 1,674mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,795mm. The car sits on 17
inch wheels, has short overhangs, a long bonnet and twin tailpipes, but
most importantly it continues, and to an extent exaggerates, the new BMW
design language theme of sharp contrasting concave and convex surfaces.
In the case of the X3, the lines meet at curt and sharp intersections
producing quite a dramatic, if masculine effect.
Under the bonnet
The X3 is driven by xDrive technology, first seen on the second generation
X5. The clever system is key to BMW's X cars' ability for on and off-road
capability. xDrive has two main ingredients: an electrically activated
multiple-plate clutch that changes drive distribution from axle-to-axle,
and the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system that regulates power to
each wheel.
xDrive allows for significant improvement in traction and agility on-road,
whereas off-road traction is notably improved as it channels drive forces
to the axle with maximum grip rather than cutting engine power or braking
troubled wheels.
The whole ethos behind the system is about predicting a loss of traction
rather than reacting to it later down the line, which enables the car
to intelligently distribute power and drive to negotiate tough terrain
or even exploit enthusiastic driving. As it responds to just 100 of a
millisecond, the system is far quicker than four-wheel-drive systems.
BMW's 6-cylinder petrol engine is available in the X3 in both the 2.5i
and 3.0i variants. The carmaker's bi-Vanos camshaft adjustment system
is key to the performance as well as emission figures on these models.
With 195 ps (143 kW) available at 6,000rpm, the 2.5i reaches 100 km/h
in 8.9 seconds and achieves a top speed of 131 km/h (129 mph).
The optional automatic transmission system model reaches 100 km/h in 9.8
seconds. The 3.0i automatic variant gets to 100 km/h in a few seconds
less at 8.1 seconds, whilst reaching a higher speed of 220 km/h (137 mph)
with 234 ps (172 kW) being available at 5,900 rpm. The 2.5i has CO2 figures
of 272 g/km (289 g/km on the auto version) and 293 g/km for the 3.0i.
BMW is on a speedy road to construct a large family that appeals to a
wider audience. The X3 is part of this new scheme as was the 6 Series
and later this year the entry-level 1 Series. To survive in today's super
competitive market, the relatively small Bavarian brand has no choice
than to expand and diversify in terms of style and content. These are
small production cars that are there to woo new clients in.
The X3 may not be as visually refined as other premium BMWs, but then
it's highly unlikely that this is a mishap by a carmaker so meticulous
in its product judgement. Perhaps the X3, like the Jeep Wrangle, needs
to be a little clumsy and a little less polished to be taken seriously
off-road and not end up on school runs like all the others.
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June 2004
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