The 2.0-litre turob-diesel engine in the BMW X3 makes a full-fat 400 Nm of torque from just 1,500 rpm. There is also the matter of the 8.0-kW integrated starter-generator (ISG) from the 48-volt mild-hybrid set-up, sandwiched between engine and gearbox, which produces 11 hp and 25 Nm. Powered by the 0.9-kWh battery pack, it assists the engine when starting off from a standstill or when energy is needed for a quick overtake, relieving the engine of additional load and improving fuel efficiency. Speaking of that, the X3 has a 60-litre fuel-tank and, even after coming to Pune from Mumbai, the distance-to-empty figure was almost 800 km. That thought ran through my mind as I prepared to head up the hill road. I switched from the default “Personal” drive mode to “Sport” before starting my ascent. The “jewellery box” centre console lighting and the new glass “smartbar” around the cabin change from a hue of light blue and gold to a bolder shade of red, accented by the dark and light blues of the traditional BMW M colours. The feel of the car, too, changes with a more immediate response, firmer suspension, and a more feelsome ride.
I snaked up the narrow two-lane hilly road, carrying as much speed as I was comfortable with without the speed-warning bings and bongs getting to me. “Sport” mode, as with all new BMWs, manages a comprehensive transformation of the car’s behaviour. The steering input is translated quickly, the 1.9-tonne bulk is evident when trying to carve a slow hairpin at a higher speed than is naturally inclined to attempt, but is imperceptible when darting across lanes to avoid sudden potholes and road irregularities. The sharp handling and immediate response make this BMW X3 just as much of a driving machine as any other big Bimmer. The steering wheel feels like the one in the M340i, chunky and with a lot of body to hold on to. This diesel engine complements this feeling well with dollops of torque.
Turning off the main road into a dirt path makes things interesting. The gravel turns into pebbles, which seem to turn into rocks. And then the rocks start getting bigger. That’s fine. The BMW X3 has 216 mm of ground clearance. The slopes and steep ascents are dealt with easily thanks to a more than decent 20.6 degrees of approach angle and a 26° departure angle with a breakover angle of 18.7°; sufficient for its 2,865-mm wheelbase and ride height. Even on sand and rocks, the traction is good and as the dust cloud settles, the X3 has made it across a bit of off-road patch I would not have brought it to had I known of its existence. As Sanjay snapped his shots, I stepped out. ‘Nice wheels,’ I said to myself. ‘Would not look out of place on an M3.’ The X3’s rear now resembles that of the XM—which I adore, but for its V8 PHEV driveline and not its backside.
Then I took to the rear seat. Weird angle, not too upright, but not too reclined either. Works. Maybe, it’s just me. There’s a huge single-pane panoramic glass sunroof, 1.3 metres long, which bathes the cabin in sunlight minus the heat.
Behind me is the boot which holds 570 litres: ample room for a family’s set of big bags. The 40:20:40 split-folding seats help accommodate all sorts of cargo this side of a couch whenever needed. Versatility and driving dynamics get big check marks. At Rs 77.80 lakh (ex-showroom), it better have a good amount of those. What could make it a sweeter deal? Great fuel economy? Yes.
Coupled with the hybrid ISG set-up, the torque on tap and the eight-speed automatic transmission make for great fuel economy, too. For the most part, the drive was pretty punchy and non-relaxed, it being early morning. Even with the revs hovering around 3,000 rpm and the ’box holding on to the lower gears at 80 km/h, I still saw a respectable 9.5 litres/100 km (10.5 km/l). For a nearly two-tonne car, that is impressive. The more impressive bit was the double figures closer to 20 than 10 which I got on the way back with the freshly risen summer sun intent on baking everything it shone on. From 14.5° Celsius on the way up to almost 30° C on the way down, the temperature variation was staggering. But not for me. Not for me in the new X3, cooled seats, three-zone auto climate, and the premium Harmon Kardon surround sound system aptly pumping out Ramms+ein in a language both I and the car enjoy.
The BMW X3 20d is a fun car to drive even though it’s a rather big SUV. However, spending a few hours with it is enough to feel more confident in using more of its performance and handling threshold. And it has a lot to offer. A good effort in the face of change. Now I hope BMW India also bring the 40d xDrive straight-six which Europe just received.
Story: Jim Gorde
Photography: Sanjay Raikar
