BMW X3 Luxury Crossovers 2016

BMW X3  Luxury Crossovers 2016 google doc

 BMW X3  Luxury Crossovers 2016 are being introduced apace, with strong-selling models like the Lexus NX and the Lincoln MKC claiming large slices of a pie once carved up almost exclusively by Acura, BMW, Mercedes, and Audi. But there’s still goodness to be found among the older guard, particularly BMW’s X3., the BMW X3 first showed up in U.S. showrooms with six-cylinder engines, manual and automatic transmissions, and an advanced all-wheel-drive system that used input from stability control to determine where to route power. It also featured a relatively small interior with inexpensive-looking trim and had a very firm ride.

BMW X3  Luxury Crossovers 2016 google doc

In almost every model year of that first generation, BMW tweaked the X3's looks or hardware. In 2007, the engines were updated, and ride and steering were revised, while the cockpit was refurbished with better materials—a noticeable improvement all around. Toward the end of its first generation, BMW dropped all engine variants save for the 260-horsepower, 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder engine. A brisk performer, the X3 remained responsive and eager.
BMW introduced its second-generation X3—the current model—for the 2011 model year. In its first redo, the X3 slightly grew and also improved its handling and ride, with options such as selectable steering modes and adaptive suspension. At launch, BMW offered two versions of its ubiquitous 3.0-liter inline-six—a normally aspirated version making 240 hp and a turbocharged, 300-hp variant. Both were paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission and a version of BMW's familiar xDrive all-wheel-drive system.

BMW X3  Luxury Crossovers 2016 google doc

The current BMW X3  Luxury Crossovers 2016 styling has adopted some of the latest BMW curves, though in this iteration it's a much happier mix than in some of the early examples of this design theme—the 7-Series and 6-Series of the early 2000s, to be specific. The X3's upgraded interior brought new clarity and richer materials front and center.

BMW now offers a choice of three engines in the X3. The base setup is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, available with either rear- (sDrive28i) or all-wheel (xDrive28i) drive. A 2.0-liter turbodiesel xDrive28d costs just a bit more and makes all-wheel drive standard while improving greatly on fuel economy. The top engine is a turbocharged in-line six in the xDrive35i. All are paired with an eight-speed automatic that was introduced at the beginning of this generation.

BMW X3  Luxury Crossovers 2016 google doc

With carlike ride and handling, and 0-60 mph times of 5.3 seconds on the top model, today's X3 sits atop the luxury-crossover class in almost every regard. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has given it favorable marks: it's scored a "Good" rating in every crash test, including a "Superior" rating, when optionally equipped, for frontal crash avoidance. The X3 is a past Top Safety Pick, but because the car hasn't been rated in the notoriously hard small overlap crash test, the IIHS hasn't yet returned the honor. And entertainment's finally on the menu: the options list includes an excellent navigation system, iPod integration, HD Radio, Bluetooth, and a big panoramic sunroof.

BMW X3  Luxury Crossovers 2016 google doc

The X3 was mostly carry-over for 2012. The 2013 model year marked a major turning point for the X3, as the base in-line six was dropped in favor of a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with nearly identical power ratings to the outgoing six and improved highway fuel economy. Then 2015 marked the introduction of a rear-wheel drive "base" sDrive28i, as well as a new xDrive28d turbo-diesel model.

BMW X3  Luxury Crossovers 2016 google doc

To keep things fresh, the 2015 X3 received exterior and interior design tweaks, including a new grille, a new headlight design, and some cabin trim updates. The X3 also received BMW's latest iDrive controller, which incorporates a touch pad, as well as some newly optional active-safety features. BMW also launched a coupe-SUV version of the X3, dubbed X4, for the 2015 model year. Like the X6 is to the X5, the X4 is a more stylish but less practical take on the traditionally styled X3.
For 2016, a new Enhanced USB and Bluetooth connectivity kit bring mobile-office capability, Bluetooth sync for a second phone, and voice control for contacts and music. And X3 xDrive35i models get the Harman Kardon surround sound system.
The X3 is likely to get a new six-cylinder engine soon, as BMW has begun replacing the N55 engine with a new single-turbo B58 six making 320 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque. It could arrive for the crossover as soon as the 2016 model year.

BMW X3  Luxury Crossovers 2016 google doc

Price
Speaking of price, the X3 isn’t cheap. While the rear-drive sDrive28i and its turbocharged four-cylinder engine ring in around $40K, the 35i starts at $46,025 and goes up from there—our example rang in at $54,325. While the $950 Cold Weather pack (heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, headlamp washers) and $550 red paint seem like reasonable charges, the $3150 Technology (navigation, head-up display, BMW Apps and other connectivity functions) and $2200 Premium packages (leather, proximity entry and start, adjustable lumbar support, satellite radio) come across as gouging to us; we’d likely leave at least one of those boxes unchecked. The balance of the as-tested price can be chalked up to the $950 Driver Assistance bundle (rearview camera, parking sensors) and $500 Bluetooth and smartphone connectivity.
It turns out the old guard can still do good, and if you can’t bear the thought of driving an actual station wagon instead of a station wagon on stilts—and can deal with BMW’s uninspiring interior design—the X3 remains a fine choice in a fiercely competitive segment. Just watch it with the options.