More Bang For Your Buck With This Updated BMW X3?

COMPANIES around the world are trying to juggle inventory as they cope with the effects of the disruptions that have hit the world in recent years.

Between the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, the supply of essentials has been impacted, and the longer these situations drag on, the more challenging it will be to fulfil expectations.

But, changes and upgrades to car models have continued apace regardless. The refreshed BMW X3 offers some new features that are expected to make it more appealing as a multi-purpose people carrier.

New Highlights

The trimmer and darkened tail lamps and the redesigned front, albeit still with a large grille, are matched by a clean and welcoming interior. 

But some units of the BMW X3 xDrive30i M Sport reviewed here will have a wireless charging tray, and others will be missing this feature. The result of the semiconductor shortage, this inconsistency may be inconvenient, but there are workarounds; more charging ports, for instance.

The driver-centric cockpit offers a host of features that are in keeping with BMW’s latest offerings. The 12.3” control display delivers a plethora of options for you to dive into, especially if you’re a techie. The clear instrument cluster behind the multifunction steering wheel features most of the required information that you will need when you’re on the road. The head up display can also be customised with information you’d like.

This facelift model features mild hybrid technology which means you don’t have a switch to override the auto start/stop feature. The 4-cylinder model uses a 48-volt starter generator, which helps lower fuel consumption and offers a smoother ride. But still finds itself in the lowest C2 VES band.

The rocking motion evident in many SUVs is less noticeable here. And while the ride is efficient if not memorable, the safety considerations on board this five-seater offer an assured drive with numerous preemptive features to keep you from getting into a spot of bother.

The 2-litre engine is cranked up to produce enough speed to dash to 100kmh in 6.6 seconds, with a top speed of 235kmh. The 8-speed Steptronic transmission is smooth and can provide a bit more aggression in sport mode and with the use of the paddle shifters. Launch control is offered as a standard in this xDrive model.

Many would consider its *$346,888 price tag a hefty one for a 10-year depreciating asset.

You do have to ask yourself how much of a difference this version of the X3 offers versus the variant below it, which comes in almost $40K cheaper.

By my reckoning there’s not all that much in it.