X3/X4 BMW X3 (G01) Reviews

[Mr. Mercedes]

The NVH certainly is damn impressive with a lack of road and wind noise and a noticeable step up from my 340i.

It does also ride with more aplomb than you would reasonably expect an SUV on low profile 19s should. Its beautifully damped.

 

[hovabongZA]

The B58 is a gem of an engine the S58 should be a peach. International engine
Awards should follow.

 

[Rainer271]

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[Centurion]

Excellent review by Thomas. I'm glad he shed light on reasons why to buy the X3 over the X1. many crossover customers are unaware that some bigger and more expensive SUVs ride a lot better.

I had an X1 for 24 hours a few months ago and even with non-runflats against my F25 X3 on run-flats, the X1 was no where as good over big potholes and raised manhole covers. Not only was there suspension noise but the axles were more jolted too. Even compared with other crossovers or raised hatchbacks, the X3's suspension is more supple, confident whilst remaining communicative about the surface below.

The G01 is even softer than the F25 which further widens the gap between the X3 and X1 in ride comfort.

Needless to say, if comfort is a priority then sedans and estates are better as they are not hamstrung by ride height.

 

[nikola1984]

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[bmwz4coupe]

Has someone seen test of the X3 with one of the 2,0 litre petrol engines?

 

[KokkenTor]

Has someone seen test of the X3 with one of the 2,0 litre petrol engines?

Yes, X3 xDrive30i

 

[hovabongZA]

Yes, X3 xDrive30i

Can you also show the acceleration numbers and specs.

 

[KokkenTor]

Can you also show the acceleration numbers and specs.

Okay

 

[Centurion]

Has someone seen test of the X3 with one of the 2,0 litre petrol engines?

Are you considering buying one?

 

[bmwz4coupe]

Are you considering buying one?

A friend is buying one. Its one of the options for me too when I will change car in the autumn.

 

[Rolf]

The noise measurement levels in the X3 3.0i are excellent and very low, it's a very quiet car, only 61db at 100kmh and 65db at 130kmh, this is virtually at the same level as executives such as the 530i.

 

[hovabongZA]

Looking at the weight of the X3, I don’t get how it goes from being one of the lightest cars in its class(Stelvio is the lightest) to being the heaviest in the X3M.

 

[Centurion]

The noise measurement levels in the X3 3.0i are excellent and very low, it's a very quiet car, only 61db at 100kmh and 65db at 130kmh, this is virtually at the same level as executives such as the 530i.

Most new cars are very quiet. Even my Skoda Fabia is insulates occupants from external noise. At idle the engine 1.2TSI is so quiet you can barely tell that the engine is on. Vibrations through the steering wheel are minimal too.

In the G01 you still hear tyre roar which is noticeably inferior from cars like the 7-Series/S-class which distinguish themselves by using much more sound deadening material in the floor, bulk head and wheel arches. Inside them you can barely hear tyre roar or suspension noise.

I have specced Acoustic front side glass for my G01 but even with it the difference in silence between it, my F25 and my Fabia is negligible.

A friend is buying one. Its one of the options for me too when I will change car in the autumn.

At 290Nm the 20i is fast enough for most people. It's certainly not a fun engine in such a heavy car and the 20d with 400Nm feels punchier. However that's a worthwhile trade off for not enduring diesel clatter.

I can't be bothered stretching myself to an X3 M40i as I don't want to compromise on options and will buy a used 135i/140i in 18 months. The speed sensation and steering precision of a small car will make the power more enjoyable.

 

[bmwz4coupe]

5 years ago I would probably choose a diesel, we all know that a diesel with a lot of NM (and especially w/automatic) works fine in a heavy SUV (even if we dont like diesel), but with the actual position of the diesel cars I will probably go for a gasoline version.

 

[dalab]

autozeitung.de
comparative test

 

[hovabongZA]

autozeitung.de
comparative test

Can’t remember the last time a BMW lost a comparison test, there probably are but they are far and few between.Current crop of BMWs are one of the best in their class if not the best.

 

[Centurion]

Can’t remember the last time a BMW lost a comparison test, there probably are but they are far and few between.Current crop of BMWs are one of the best in their class if not the best.

Yupp. The X3 is the best allrounder. However I expect the Macan to score more points in handling and engagement. I have driven the X3 M-Sport with 21 inch M-Sport Plus alloys and was surprised by how civilised the ride was. It's makes sense as the X2 plays the role of the more road biased SUV.

 

[CrunchSlaughtered]

Yupp. The X3 is the best allrounder. However I expect the Macan to score more points in handling and engagement. I have driven the X3 M-Sport with 21 inch M-Sport Plus alloys and was surprised by how civilised the ride was. It's makes sense as the X2 plays the role of the more road biased SUV.

Why should Maxan have better handling and engagement. It is based on the AUDI platform with an engine in front of the front axle and having worse weight distribution (BMW is 50:50, Macan is 55:45%), also the X3 has more rear axle based torque distribution and all this influences the handling and agility. For sure Porsche is applying its black magic but still it can not overcome these disadvantages.

 

[Centurion]

Why should Maxan have better handling and engagement. It is based on the AUDI platform with an engine in front of the front axle and having worse weight distribution (BMW is 50:50, Macan is 55:45%), also the X3 has more rear axle based torque distribution and all this influences the handling and agility. For sure Porsche is applying its black...

It's funny that you should say that because I perceive the Macan to be a small agile Porsche SUV. Yet I should checked the specs and it's barely much smaller or lighter than the X3.