BMW’s new X3 continues to be a fine SUV in its class, but the enlarged and improved competition in Thailand could give it harder time.
For years, the BMW X3 has been more or less the default choice in the premium mid-size SUV market thanks to fine product attributes relating to diesel performance, handling and ride balance, plus roomy and practical cabin.
It was only recently that the competition started to take this segment seriously in Thailand. Other players that now have the same kind of ingredients as the X3 include the Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLC and Volvo XC60. And even though Lexus doesn’t offer a diesel in any of its products, the stylish, hybrid-powered NX is another decent alternative.
The M40i’s turbo straight-six develops 360hp.
That said, you’d probably reckon that BMW needed some tricks up its sleeve when it had to develop the third-generation X3, which has just been unveiled to the world at the Frankfurt motor show last month. Well, it really hasn’t and instead chose the evolutionary path.
Take at the look at the design as a prime example. The exterior feels extremely familiar if you don’t line up the new one with its second-gen predecessor. Probably the most significant change is the more aggressive face that now sees an even bigger kidney grille than ever. Yeah, it never seems to stop growing.
It’s also hard to note the changes inside the X3, although the first feeling really is how similar it looks with other BMWs currently on offer. The significant changes include the digital instrument panel and the wide central screen that can be operated in four ways: touchscreen, gesture control, voice activation or via the rotary dial on the console. Other new stuff include that steering wheel, as well as some higher grade materials on the fascia and door panels.
There’s more space inside the X3 thanks to a bigger body, although the call seems to be made more from a marketing perspective because it really wasn’t an issue in the previous model. So yes, the cabin’s roomier than ever whose practicality are aided with details like rear seats than can recline for comfort or fold flat to increase cargo area.
Rear seats can fold down in three parts.
There are no major news on the technical front of things, except for the addition of the new M40i running a 360hp 3.0-litre petrol-turbo to rival the likes of the Audi SQ5, Mercedes-AMG GLC43 and Porsche Macan GTS. Because BMW wanted to show off the M40i’s abilities, it was the main version the international media got to test in Lisbon, Portugal this month.
Already seen in several other applications, the turbocharged sixer is a clean-revving motor that feels lively rather than fire-cracking in an SUV body like the X3. What really makes the M40i distinctive on the move are the meaty driving characteristics. Even if left in default Comfort mode, the steering feels beefy and the eight-speed automatic transmission ready to swap gears even under moderate throttle.
The Sport mode, which makes the steering unnecessarily heavy, is more useful for spirited drivers who want a louder and naughtier exhaust growl. It’s not that common for BMWs to sound cool like this M40i, so it’s hoped that such engineering in acoustics will be applied to future M cars.
Sport mode also make M40i's exhaust louder.
But the better news is the ride quality. It hardly felt uncomfortable or noisy at any point time driving the M40i. There was also a chance to sample the 265hp diesel-powered 30d which offers plunty of grunt on- and off-road. Since the 30d isn't really a performance SUV, the steering is rightly lighter and more balanced than the M40i's.
But neither the M40i nor 30d is expected to be sold on Thai shores because it’s claimed that potential buyers of luxury SUVs tend to prioritise the package itself rather than a thrilling driving experience. The Mercedes-AMG GLC43 is only available in the coupe version of the regular SUV coming with 367hp 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 priced at just over 5 million baht. And while Audi has yet to sell the SQ5, Porsche asks for some 10 million baht for the Macan GTS.
The version of the X3 that will be sold in Thailand next month is no other than the 20d, which we didn’t get to try. It’s the carried-over 190hp 2.0-litre diesel-turbo to take the fight straight to the GLC250d, Q5 35 TDI and Volvo XC60 D4. Although the 20d’s power is the same, BMW says the marginal improvements in performance and fuel economy is the result of the lighter body despite it growing in size. Weight disparity is said to be down by 55kg model on model.
Amid the advent of plug-in hybrids in BMW’s model portfolio, there has yet to be one for the X3. Instead, BMW has chosen to openly discuss about an all-electric BEV version of it by 2020 when the X3 passes mid-life in this new, third-generation.
Because of this, the X3 20d will be reaching Thai showrooms in a super-evolutionary manner with prices that really can’t err from today’s 3.5 million baht level. Probably the things that could be talked about in the new X3 among Thais is the roomier package, easier to use interior electronics and better driving and ride comfort. In fact, the X3 remains a fine SUV in its class.
What’s for certain is that the X3 won’t be in a comfy position anymore due to an improved and enlarged opposition. The GLC250d has been on the market for two years and was probably the biggest threat so far to the Bimmer, while the renewed Q5 just arrived last month in diesel form for the first time.
Also by next month comes the introduction of the all-new XC60 promising the benefits of the bigger XC90, as well as the mid-life refresh of the NX from Lexus. Yes, it’s a very busy segment which is why the X3 might need to be more talkative in showrooms now even if it is better than before.
