Provided by HerCar

Model Reviewed: BMW X3 xDrive3.0d 6 speed auto with Steptronic $76,996*
As tested: $79,896*
Other models priced from: X3 xDrive2.0d $61,830*
Summary: Comfortable, luxurious & versatile

The BMW X3 boasts the kind of style that has the potential to get me driving an SUV. It offers sophisticated style plus the space and versatility of an SUV. Yes, in a BMW, it is possible to have it all.

The X3 feels luxurious, oozes style, offers exceptional versatility and handling and is so easy to drive. Add to this a fairly economical diesel engine that returns 8.1 litres per 100 kilometres, and the X3 is definitely worth further investigation. The X3 also has one of the best sounding diesel engines I've ever heard. A press of the accelerator releases a heart warming burble as it quickly launches into action. The noise made me smile on several occasions. A very nice package, the X3 has some serious appeal.

Driver Comfort & Visibility

I only had to set my driving position once, and thanks to seat memory it only took the press of a button to get it back to perfect every time. I love seat memory.  From the first close of the X3's solid door, you feel confident, safe and a little pampered. This gets even better when you snuggle into the comfortable, contoured leather seats and explore the well equipped dash and instrument console.

On the move, forward visibility is good, however the combination of a large front pillar and large wing mirror does obstruct the view considerably - something to watch out for. Rearward, I couldn't see a thing! I was relieved to make it through the week without running into or over something.  A reverse camera would be fantastic. The over enthusiastic parking sensors create a very noisy affair - and drove me mad. But they were essential to the safety of others!

Safety
The X3 has safety well covered with airbags for driver, front passenger and rear passengers, anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control.

Storage

The X3,s cabin is filled with good storage options - large in door pockets for front and back, back of seat pockets and a deep lidded centre console. The front passenger gets a great, useful pop out cup holder and there's another in the centre console. Rear passengers go without.  The boot is huge and split fold seats make it ridiculously huge! The retractable cover is easy to use and clever anchor points slide along a rail system to make it very easy to secure your baggage. I found the boot lid heavy and a little hard to open and close.

Kids' Comfort
The rear row is very comfortable for three passengers, although the middle seat is a little firmer and has the hump to contend with foot space.  With a slightly raised rear seating position, you get a nice sense of space and visibility in the back.  There are no air vents, but, regardless, the climate control did a great job of cooling the entire cabin on the hottest of days. Both doors have good storage and their own ashtray. There's also an Auxiliary point in the rear centre console, alongside the cigarette lighter, so passengers can plug and smoke simultaneously!? Mmmm.

Green Factor
A combined fuel consumption of 8.1 litres per 100km sees this car awarded three stars from the Green Vehicle Guide.

Overall View
I'm starting to see the appeal of an SUV. Style, luxury, space, performance, handling and good fuel economy makes the X3 xDrive3.0d a hot contender in the SUV space. Its price point, although well above many other 3.0 litre SUVs, seems appropriate for the prestige package on offer.

Exclusive Package

Our test vehicle was fitted with the Exclusive Package which, priced at $2,900, includes: BMW light alloy wheels - 18" Y-spoke 280, Fine wood trim Walnut light, electric front seats with memory function for driver's seat, front seat heating, Bi-Xenon headlights including headlight washer system, Exterior Lights Package.

Test Drive Tips
1. Indicators are on the left hand side of the steering wheel.

If you're considering buying this car you might also like to test drive the Volkswagen Touareg, the new Audi Q5 or the Volvo XC90.

Features of Model Reviewed  

Seats:	5
Airbags:	6 SRS airbags total
ABS:	Yes
EBD:	Yes
ESP:	Yes
Driver visibility:
Storage compartments:
Drink holders:	4
CD player:	Yes, with USB audio interface
Air conditioning:	Yes, climate control
Power windows:	Yes
Power steering:	Yes
Power door mirrors:	Yes
Child restraint anchorage points:	3
Transmission:	6 speed auto
Engine:	3.0 litre
Fuel type:	Diesel
Fuel consumption (combined cycle):	8.1 litres/100 kms
CO2 Emission:	214gms/km
Greenhouse rating#:	6/10 (10=best)
Green Vehicle Guide rating:
Warranty:	3 year/100,000 kms
Price:	$79,896*

* Excludes on road costs

# All new vehicles sold in Australia (up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass) are tested to determine the level of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions (Greenhouse rating), which are displayed on the fuel consumption label attached to the windscreen of the car. The Green Vehicle Guide rating combines the Greenhouse Rating and Air Pollution Rating and awards a star. 5 stars is the best rating.  For more information, click here.
Information is correct at the time of the review. Please check with your local BMW dealer for the most recent information.

Review Date: February 2009

Reviewed By: Nadine Armstrong

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