 |
Driving the X3 over reasonably challenging B-roads, you could forget that it's an off-roader. Cornering is composed and comparatively free of lean and roll, in spite of the car's relative height. Steering feel is good, too, so the X3 manages to feel more like a large and well-sorted estate car than a mud-plugging tractor. On that score, though, the X3 is a more credible off-roader in diesel form, thanks to all the low-rev torque. The xDrive system also helps out in the mud, with a centrally mounted, electronically controlled multi-plate clutch that distributes power between the front and rear wheels as it is needed. Drive can be switched from almost 100 percent at the front to 100 percent at the rear in an instant. Very clever.
And the cheapest X3 will also prove the most frugal to run. As well as attracting less of a tax burden than its petrol siblings, fuel consumption will also be much more wallet-friendly. BMW is claiming an excellent 39.2mpg overall, which compares very favourably with the 2.5-litre petrol's return of 25.2 miles for every gallon of unleaded.
Unlike BMW's practice with the 1-Series, where you pay extra even for items like air conditioning, the X3 comes pretty well-equipped as standard. As always, the options list is long and expensive, with items such as a sunroof costing a further £975, though the essentials are standard-fit. Automatic air conditioning is included in the price, as is a CD player and 17-inch alloy wheels. And at nearly £3000 less than the 2.5-litre petrol, cheaper running costs and a marginal real-world performance deficit, the new entry-level X3 diesel will be well worth waiting for.
|
