BMW’s product offensive is an ongoing thing for 2020 but the brand has its foothold fleet already in place, and it's rock solid, with a key player being the five-model BMW X3 range.
Perhaps not so popular as the BMW X5, the X3 has the distinction of launching the mid-sized SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) segment – globally – back in 2003.
Since then, the X3 has seen some generational changes, some upgrades to the already extensive options list and additions to the standard range, such as an M Sport, among others.
When it first arrived here in 2017, the X3 offered petrol and diesel variations and that has continued with the current line-up and includes the M Sport models.
Now in its third generation, the X3 is an established player in the New Zealand market and yes, the brand has just seen a reshuffle in the pricing ladder, which sees the X3 sDrive20i as the first step.
This is the first version of the X3 to appear here in rear-wheel-drive, alongside the All-wheel-drive versions we are so used to seeing and which the X3 was first introduced with.
Introduction of the sDrive means there are two models sitting under the $100,000 ceiling, with the X3 XDrive20D being the other. The X and S nomenclature determine the drive configuration and the i and the d determine the fuel type, i being petrol injected, d for diesel.
The entry X3 sDrive20i then, is it some sort of compromise? In the words of Will Smith, “Hell no.”
Under the bonnet is BMW’s two-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, with twin scroll turbocharging, high precision injection, double VANOS (BMW proprietary) variable camshaft control and Valvetronic fully variable valve timing.
And yes, it goes – smoothly too, thanks to the eight-speed transmission. No compromises there.
So why the RWD model? BMW’s rationale may have been to bring BMW X3 ownership within reach of a few more buyers, and the X3 sDrive will show you what X3 and BMW ownership is all about.
Yes, it is equipped comprehensively with all you might expect and more, quite likely.
We don’t want to ruin all the surprises, but most critically, the BMW X3 sDrive20i is equipped with the driving assistant package, which includes lane change warning, lane departure warning, forward collision warning and cross-traffic warning (rear).
Add to this speed limit information traffic sign recognition and cruise control with braking function and that covers off the anticipated safety features.
In addition, and what makes BMW ownership more of a ‘thing,’ is BMW Connected+, a ‘butler’ if you will, which incorporates BMW online, real time traffic information, concierge service, teleservices, intelligent emergency call, and remote services.
What is different is the contrived cabin interior. Yes, it is luxurious, but somehow it clashes, which is not something you might expect. However, it only clashes in respect of other BMW product which typically offer well integrated and matched interiors.
The X3 doesn’t do this to the same standard, which makes it interesting and dare we say, appealing?
There are plenty of different materials, including timber, soft and firm leather and plastics that aren’t budget and of course, we can’t forget the 10.25-inch display screen which extends rather abruptly above the line of the dashboard, with all functionality controlled by the rotary dial of the iDrive system if you don’t want to put fingerprints all over the screen.
Yes, but what’s it like to drive?
Well, here is where there is no perception of compromise. The X3 sDrive20i is positively serene to drive; quiet, accurate and fuss-less, it embodies the spirit of unruffled motoring.
If you are not seeking BMW’s performance attributes, then the X3 sDrive20i represents affordable BMW ownership that won’t leave you wanting.
Specifications:
BODY TYPE 5 door SUV
DRIVE Rear/8-speed auto
ENGINE TYPE 4-cylinderTwinScroll turbo, petrol, Double VANOS, Valvetronic
ENGINE CAPACITY 1988cc
MAX POWER 135kW @ 6200rpm
MAX TORQUE 290Nm @ 4600rpm
L/100KM (COMBINED) 7.4
CO2 EMISSIONS 169g/km
BOOT CAPACITY 550 - 1600 litres
ANCAP RATING 5 Star
PRICE $83,900
