BMW X3 xDrive30d - end of discounted fare

America is the birthplace of SUVs, and BMW has long recognized this by placing production of the X5 and X6 models at its plants abroad. Only the younger brother - the X3 model - took root in Europe - until the arrival of a new generation in 2010. Production of the X3 then moved to South Carolina, where the small SUV began a new life. Hmm… did I say “little”? I'll correct myself in a minute, but first a few words about the problems facing the new model.

The previous model was a pioneer in this segment, but the rapid introduction of the first X3 came with several drawbacks. It was too cheap for the premium segment, too stiff as a light bulb, too tight for everyday use. On the pavement, he behaved well and ... only on the pavement.

However, a lot of things are forgiven to brave pioneers - the market introduced a reduced tariff and began to buy X3 like crazy. In any case, he had no choice - after all, the competition was 5 years late! But now the situation is different. Few people remember the competitors, young, beautiful and with pioneering virtues of the X3, so the new model cannot count on a reduced tariff.

Metamorphosis

The new SUV from BMW has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis. The designers have managed to change so much, and yet few people go wrong in recognizing the model. Yes, this is still the same BMW X3 - a similar silhouette, body proportions, recognizable details - continuity is preserved. Meanwhile, this is a completely different car - in addition to the mentioned production site, the nature of the car, the level of equipment and what I expected the most - the external dimensions, and, consequently, the amount of space in the cabin have also changed. changed.

The body has grown, but so thin that it can be seen much better when sitting inside. From the outside, a new grille with powerful “kidneys”, expressive lanterns front and rear, as well as a distinct “claw” - a side stamping borrowed from the X1, which runs from the front wheel arch to the rear, catches the eye. rear lights. White daylight is characteristic of BMW angel eyes does not allow this car to be confused with any other on the road and quite effectively invites other travelers to the right lane. The test unit was equipped with the M sports package, which gave it a menacing and even brutal appearance - a good way to stand out to wealthy customers, because the package's staggering price (PLN 21.314) ensures that it is unlikely to see another such example on the street.

interior

Lots of space inside. Even a tall driver will not find it difficult to sit down. It’s better not to put another giant behind the retracted seat, but this, in fact, is the only limitation when it comes to space in the cabin.

The interior has become more exclusive. Minimalistic, elegant design, devoid of unnecessary buttons, colors and handles, combined with excellent and pleasant to the touch finishing materials. The clock and the computer screen underneath are very easy to read. However, most of all I was praised for a comfortable handlebar with optimal dimensions and rim thickness.

The test vehicle was equipped with electrically adjustable, partially upholstered seats, which, due to their sporty stiffness, were not a model of long-distance comfort, but performed well in corners, holding the driver in place with electrically adjustable side bolsters. In the same corners, however, I lacked a lower driving position - in my opinion, the seats lacked sufficient vertical adjustment - even after the seat was lowered as much as possible, I got the impression that I could and should be somewhat centimeters closer to the road for maximum vehicle utilization.

Operation of the iDrive system is intuitive and easy thanks to the multi-function knob located on the center tunnel next to the gear selector. Controlling the system absorbs the driver a little, because the buttons on the handle are so characteristic that it will be useful to look at them after the first hour of driving. Only the mode switch from Normal to Sport is too close to the ESP off button and it's easy to make a mistake without looking at it.

Who slows down wins

This is an advertising slogan on the BMW website for the EfficientDynamics system, which (among other things) recovers electricity when braking. But I assure you that once you get into an X3 with this engine, the only thing you will think about is acceleration. Braking? Fuel economy? In this model, she interests me no more than an African is interested in instructions for sculpting a snowman. The first "hundred" can be dialed in 6,2 seconds, and even at this speed the car remains alive and greedily attacks the next numbers on the speedometer dial. Except for moments of very intense acceleration, the engine remains barely audible (the only thing audible at long-distance speeds is wind noise), and the gearbox selects gears noticeably only on the tachometer. It all works like a well-oiled, compact and durable machine that will get you where you want to go while still providing as much entertainment as your skills, road conditions and… as much as you can accommodate an overly high seat.

The gearbox allows you to change them manually, while, for example, upshifting is carried out by pulling the lever towards you (BMW sports pedigree obliges). The gearbox obediently shifts gears with virtually no delay, and when manual mode is forgotten, it quietly seizes the initiative, preventing the revs from dropping too low. It is a pity that for manual shifting you have to keep your hand on the gearshift joystick - the petals under the steering wheel would be useful.

The test car was equipped with an electronic damping control (EDC) system that allowed the driver to choose between Normal, Sport and Sport+ driving styles. In addition, it was possible to adjust in the iDrive system whether the engine should also produce more in Sport and Sport+ modes. And he did - he reacted noticeably earlier to pressing the accelerator pedal. Returning to the shock absorbers - after the inclusion of sports modes, the car became even more compact, stiffer and encouraged to quickly corner. And then there's the chassis praise - I certainly took that encouragement and the ESP icon flashed on the display very rarely, because the suspension coped well with the g-forces created by this 2-ton machine.

It's worth pointing out that while I didn't think about braking or fuel economy, the combustion results weren't ruinous for my editorial budget. Worn Warsaw: 9,5-11 l/100km. Highway: 7-9,5 l / 100km. These are not the values ​​declared by the manufacturer (5,6 on the highway, 6,8 in the city), but this made it possible to drive the highway from Warsaw to Krynica and from there return to Krakow without a flashing stock.

money

The price list of the X3 xDrive30d starts from PLN 221.900 gross. As for a modern and spacious SUV from the premium segment with a powerful engine producing 258 horsepower and 560 Nm of torque and a 8-speed automatic transmission, this is not a daunting amount, in return the model offers a lot - from the practical advantages of saving at the pump and, finally, the emotions of driving. 5 years/km of BMW Service Inclusive are also included in this price.

However, more demanding customers should be prepared to pay a higher premium for additional equipment. I already mentioned the price of the M package. Electric seats with memory alone cost PLN 6.055 11.034, professional navigation costs another PLN 300 5, and so on and so forth. The list of additional equipment of the tested car took up the entire page and raised the price to more than 263.900 5 zlotys. Comparing the X3's price list starting at , you might wonder how many customers will want to talk about the X in the showroom. There, however, the price tag for additional options is just as merciless, so X does not have to fear losing clientele - after all, no one is telling anyone to choose all the equipment options that they see in the configurator.

Changed character

Will the new X3 surpass the popularity of its predecessor, which was chosen by more than 600.000 buyers? I wouldn't be afraid of that. Will it still be associated as a "women's" car? We leave the final decision to the buyers and customers, but in my opinion, in the case of this model, there has been a clear change in character from a car for a businesswoman or the wife of a CEO to a car with a male Y chromosome. not to be missed - especially with the M Sport package. On the other hand, despite the fact that the car has become thinner, this should not discourage the female part of the clientele - after all, its aesthetics cannot be faulted, and its external dimensions still make it ideal for city ​​roads and parking lots.

The X3 has made so much progress over the previous generation that "a worthy successor to the first generation X3" doesn't seem like enough to sum it up. Maybe like this: “The worthy little brother of the X5 who never got a discount.”