2009 New BMW X3 Review
Introducing the new BMW X3, BMW's compact sports activity vehicle (SAV). With xDrive four wheel drive and intelligent technology the X3 can handle any driving surface you find yourself coming across. With a choice of petrol and diesel engines, manual and automatic transmissions and varying levels of trim you are sure to be able to find an X3 to suit both you and your families needs.
All new BMW X3 models benefit from the xDrive four-wheel drive system with fully variable torque split, power assisted steering and dynamic stability control (DSC). Dynamic stability control comprises: - anti lock braking system (ABS), automatic differential brake (ADB-X), automatic stability control (ASC-X), cornering brake control (CBC), dynamic brake control (DBC), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), engine drag torque control (MSR) and hill descent control (HDC).
Entry level on the BMW X3 are the 2.0 litre petrol and diesel variants, the 2.0i and the 2.0d, both are powered by four cylinder, 16 valve engines developing 150 hp through a six speed manual transmission. The petrol engine has an alloy cylinder head and engine block, whereas the diesel model has the iron engine block. Standard equipment on both of the vehicles includes 17" Ellipsoid alloy wheels (style 109), anti roll bars to both the front and the rear, aluminium door sill finishers with BMW designation, single stainless steel exhaust pipe, heat insulated green tinted glass all round, electrically adjustable, aspheric, tinted door mirrors with casings in body colour, twin black roof rails, one piece tailgate with electric release from button on tailgate, remotely from car key or internally from cockpit and emergency mechanical release from load space, manually adjustable front seats for height, seat back rake, fore and aft movement, plus seat tilt on the driver's seat, rear central armrest / storage box, driver and front passenger airbags, front side door airbags, front and rear head airbags, category 1 Thatcham alarm system that includes remote control, engine immobiliser, interior movement and tilt sensor, fog lights, headlights with remote control height adjustment of beam throw, twin tone horn, side impact protection, tyre puncture warning system (TPWS), auto air conditioning, auto air recirculation, micro filter with integrated carbon filter, 12V twin power sockets in the rear, front and rear electric windows, interior rear view mirror with auto anti dazzle function, a retractable and removable luggage cover, on board computer, four spoke leather rimmed steering wheel, BMW business radio with single CD player and MP3 compatibility, preparation for a 6 CD multi changer and a 6 speaker loudspeaker system. The interior trim on the BMW X3 is matt titanium to door pulls, centre console base, ashtray lid and gear lever gaiter surround with pearl gloss chrome to the door handles and gear lever knob.
Both of the entry-level BMW X3 models can be upgraded to the SE level of trim. Equipment that is in addition or replacement to the 2.0i/d includes 17" double spoke alloy wheels (style 148), an armrest in the front with a padded lid, cubby-hole beneath and the facility for a six CD auto changer, cruise control operated from a four spoke multi function steering wheel with a leather rim, door handles, roof moulding and rain channel in body colour, heated exterior mirrors, front fog lights, front and rear park distance control (PDC) with audible warning and rain sensor with automatic headlight activation.
The new BMW X3 2.5i SE has a 2.5 litre, six cylinder, 24 valve petrol engine developing 192 hp through its six speed manual transmission, in addition to the boost in power you also get twin stainless steel exhaust pipes, a headlight washer system and a three spoke sports multi function steering wheel with leather rim over and above the SE trim.
One step up from the 2.5i SE are the 3.0 SE's, the 3.0i SE is powered by a 3.0 litre, six cylinder, 24 valve petrol engine developing 231 hp through a five speed steptronic automatic transmission, the 3.0d SE has a 3.0 litre, six cylinder, 24 valve diesel power plant developing 218 hp through a six speed manual gearbox, metallic paint is standard on both of the three litre models in addition to the specification of the 2.5i SE.
All new BMW X3 SE models can be upgraded to the sport level of trim with 18" star spoke alloy wheels (style 143), anthracite headlining high gloss shadow line exterior trim to the window surrounds, BMW Sports seats - front seats with manual adjustment for the height, seat back rake, thigh pad extension, fore and aft, tilt and headrest height, sports suspension and a three spoke multi function steering wheel with leather rim are all in addition or replacement to their respective SE models.
If the Sport is not enough then you can always go for the final upgrade, the M sport. M Sport models have 18" double spoke M alloy wheels (style 192), aluminium door sills with M design, M aerodynamic package, M leather gear knob and a three spoke sports multifunction M steering wheel with leather rim all in addition or replacement to their respective Sport models.
Like the looks of the new BMW X3, why not check out the Volvo XC70 or the Toyota Rav4.
Finance your new BMW X3 on a PCP car loan work out your monthly payments using our Car Finance Payment Calculator.
