Test drive the new BMW X3, which turned out to be larger than the X5
The new platform allowed for a more mature car that treads on the heels of the older model. Moreover, according to some characteristics, the new X3 has already outgrown the X5.
More than an X5 - this is the main message you need to know about the third-generation BMW X3 crossover. True, only if you compare it with the very first X5 of the 1999 model. And the X3 is also faster, and without any reservations about generations. The most powerful X3 for today gains the first "hundred" in 4,8 seconds, overtaking any current X5, except for the M version. The younger brother confidently enters the elder's territory, and this is normal, since competitors also grow non-stop.
On the narrow local paths around the Portuguese Sintra, the new X3 is a bit cramped - you have to move a little so as not to catch mirrors with the oncoming one, and slightly cut roundabouts of too modest radius. Unlike the nimble and compact X1, the new X3 with factory index G01 is built according to the classic Bavarian canons, which means that the interior is slightly shifted back, and a long hood looms in the windshield. But here there is still so any adherents of the Bavarian brand, a rear-wheel drive layout with a longitudinal engine arrangement, that is, a "classic".
The basis of the car - by the way, for the first time in the case of a crossover - was the CLAR platform, on which the Bavarians have so far built only large sedans. This architecture is easily scalable, so, in principle, any other car can be built on it, but the X3 now seems to become such a division line: everything below is a mass market, and from the X3 classic models with a traditional driver's character begin. The only question remains is how the Germans will deal with the future "three rubles", but there is still at least a year before it.
Of course, the rear-wheel drive of the crossover is a conditional concept, although there will in principle be versions with only rear-wheel drive. Another thing is that we should not expect such people, and the Russian BMW fan is primarily interested only in whether the new X3 has turned into a family minivan. You can answer right away: it has not turned, although it has grown even more with premium fat with a thick layer of on-board electronics. Especially when it comes to the top-end version of the M40i for today - not yet a real "emke", but a car that already puts on its blades even all civilian versions of the older X5.
First of all, the new X3 surprises not with the dimensions and not with the powerful bumper of the M Performance version, but with the sound. The three-liter petrol "six" does not start too loudly, but very thoroughly, and spits with relish with exhaust during perepazovki. And on the go, it bangs solidly and shoots beautifully when the throttle is released in the sport mode of the chassis. It is clear that the audio system helps the exhaust, but outside it is pleasant to listen to the X3 M40i rushing by. And to manage it - and even more so.
The suspension of the top version hardly differs from the standard one, and the narrow mountain serpentine immediately makes it clear that it is not worth rushing headlong. This is not a track car at all - the crossover, although it remains extremely stable, still carries comfortably even when the tires creak in full swing in the corners. The rear-wheel drive of the platform is hardly felt here - the habits of the X3 are neutral and balanced, and the driver can only guess what kind of work the electronics is doing at the limit. With all this, he is damn fast, and in these lightning-fast accelerations in each of the programs, some kind of primal passion is well felt.
In terms of traction reserve, the 360-horsepower motor has few equal, and even on the flat boom of the Autobahn, the sensations are not dulled. The permitted 120 km / h in Portugal is now and then exceeded by a good 40-60 km / h, because not only the dynamics are excellent, but also the sound insulation. In a straight line, the X3 is a steam locomotive without looking at the road, because the M Performance chassis is first and foremost comfortable. Yes, there is a conditional sport mode here, even two, but they only slightly increase the vibration background, without changing the overall sensations of the driver and passengers. In this form, the X3 fits the role of a tourist liner no worse than a real Bavarian 6 GT, and even keeps in mind some conditional off-road.
In Portugal, the Germans were able to find only the gravel and sand hills of the national park, and they only produced diesel cars with simpler bumpers and better geometric cross-country ability. The new X3 passed the geometry games without difficulty, and this is not surprising - there was no real test for ground clearance here, and in the deep gullies, where the crossover hung one or two wheels, the electronics coped. From the driver's seat it looked like this: the X3 thought for a second, turning the hanging wheels, applied the brakes, and, grunting a little, got out of the hole in short jerks. And starting up a hill covered with sand was easy at all, since the diesel engine has more than enough traction, and the brakes hold the car itself on the rise.
It was much more interesting to try the diesel "six" on the asphalt, and the engine did not disappoint. Very dense, saturated traction and strong acceleration, albeit without the usual light at high speeds, since they do not like diesel engines for them. The dynamics of the 265-horsepower (European specification) car is genuinely good, and hardly anyone can tell that the diesel X3 doesn't drive. True, this car is just a little harder because of the different settings, but it still remains within reasonable limits. And the sound, of course, is not the same at all.
How lucky the rest of the set with four-cylinder units is, so far we can only guess, but the simpler versions of the X3 are unlikely to disappoint. The minimum unit develops 184 hp. and precisely takes out the crossover from 8 seconds when accelerating to "hundreds". This is with the same dimensions a la the first X5 and with a huge set of service and electronic systems on board. By the way, the curb weight of most versions does not exceed 1800 kg - thanks to the new architecture.
The new X3 clearly does not want to be associated with the role of the younger one, although the outwardly actual X5 is still more solid and representative. But the Australian Calvin Luck, who was engaged in the appearance of the X3, still did not make an analogue of his own brainchild, the X1, but a car of a higher class. So the salon looks quite grown-up, and it borrows a lot from the current fifth series. Here is the same separate display of the media system and the same gesture control system as in the "five". Nice chairs, great materials, and a set of electronics that simply cannot be enumerated in one sentence. Finally, xenon in the base, cameras in a circle and a list of assistant systems are no worse than those of older models.
The new X3 will finally arrive in Russia in the spring, but for now dealers are happy to place pre-orders, and the price tags do not seem too high. The base X3 20i with an 184-horsepower engine starts at $ 38, the two-liter X187 3i with 30 horsepower. $ 249 more, and the top-end M4i costs $ 142. The most affordable 40-horsepower diesel crossover sells for $ 56 and the three-liter X957 190d costs $ 42. The new X329 falls into the luxury category in almost all versions, and this is also a sort of dividing line. But the X3, judging by the price tags, still retains the title of senior.
| A type | Crossover | Crossover |
| dimensions (length / width / height), mm | 4708/1891/1676 | 4708/1891/1676 |
| Wheelbase, mm | 2684 | 2684 |
| Curb weight, kg | 1885 | 1895 |
| engine's type | Gasoline, R6 | Diesel, R6 |
| Working volume, cubic meters cm | 2998 | 2993 |
| Power, hp with. at rpm | 360 at 5500-6500 | 265 at 4000 |
| Max. cool. moment, Nm at rpm | 500 at 1520-4800 | 620 at 2000-2500 |
| Transmission, drive | 8th st. АКП | 8th st. АКП |
| Maximum speed km / h | 250 | 240 |
| Acceleration to 100 km / h, from | 4,8 | 5,8 |
| Fuel consumption (city / highway / mixed), l | 11,1/7,8/8,4 | 6,6/5,7/6,0 |
| Cargo space, l | 550-1600 | 550-1600 |
| Price from, $. | 52 297 | 46 601 |
