BMW X3 2.0d (2008) review - CAR Magazine
Previously untouchable in the premium compact SUV segment, the BMW X3 now finds itself with some impressive competition. Can BMW’s baby premium 4x4 still match up. Isn’t the BMW X3 starting to feel a bit old now. Would you believe the X3 only dates to 2004. Evolution has, however, left this BMW behind. Room in the back is a little tight but the seats are firm and comfortable and the boot big. Granted it’s not up to BMW’s latest standards, but it’s still a premium cabin. We’ve been hugely impressed with this engine in the 320d saloon, where it's punchy, hugely refined, frugal. At 1825kg, the X3 weighs 230kg more than its 3-series Touring counterpart, so the engine labours and thrashes much more noticeably under load and feels blunted too. Drive it after experiencing most diesels and you’ll still come away hugely impressed and it is good – but the X3 doesn’t showcase this powerplant at its best. The steering is direct if a little artificial, and the seats comfortable. But is it really necessary to have such driver-focused handling for a 4x4. The Nissan Qashqai strikes a better balance here, being far more compliant over bumps – as does the Volkswagen Touareg. Even the bigger Touareg 2. 5-litre diesel costs just £305. Source: www.carmagazine.co.uk
