BMW X3
One of the more athletic SUVs, the BMW X3 is the driver’s choice in its segment.
The BMW X3 is one of the veterans of the compact SUV sector, having been around since 2003. 2018 saw the arrival of its third generation and the competition it faces up against still struggle to match it for driving enjoyment and driver engagement. This the compact SUV that puts the ‘sports’ in ‘sports activity vehicle’.
While quite capable off-road, the X3 really has it in mind to stay on the tarmac because that’s where its advantages as a BMW really begin to show. BMW is famous for producing cars that are fun and engaging to drive, they’ve a distinctive feel to them and the X3 is able to replicate that despite being an SUV. It feels sharp and poised much like a BMW saloon, and the steering and pedal feel is the same as you’d find across the BMW range. Not many SUVs are a hoot to drive with vigour, but the X3 is certainly one of them.
That is perhaps why BMW has elected to offer the new X3 with the ‘M40i’ engine – a 3.0-litre turbocharged 6-cylinder petrol engine that puts out over 350bhp. For many, that’ll simply be too much and the ever popular ‘20d’ turbo diesel engine is the most popular choice for most customers, balancing that old battle between power and efficiency just about as well as any other engine on the market. All BMW X3’s are available as ‘XDrive’ all-wheel drive models, and all feature automatic transmission, making the X3 feel just as luxurious and sure-footed as its bigger sibling, the X5.
Inside the new X3, the interior and technology has been updated to bring it up to speed, getting the latest version of the ‘iDrive’ infotainment system and LED lighting for both the headlight system and interior ambience. Being a BMW, a whole range of optional extras can be chosen from but the core equipment like Bluetooth, DAB digital radio, heated front seats, climate control and cruise control remain part of the standard list. Optional extras worth highlighting include BMW Navigation, Apple Car Play, and heads-up display.
There’s a reason the BMW X3 has been successful for so long and still today it remains one of Synergy’s most popular SUVs when it comes to customer enquiries and orders. The X3 continues to prove itself as one of the best vehicles in class and the latest generation looks set to do so once again.