2017 BMW X3 Reviews

Sure, Euro SUVs are seen more double-parked outside private schools or in carparks at posh shopping centres than they are covered in dust and belting along a rough dirt road in the Bush. But they need to be able to handle the latter scenario if they are to have credibility. After all, it's what the original "crossover" vehicles tried to achieve - a foot in each camp. The BMW X3 indeed is a good allrounder: it has the badge respect to be seen among the upper demographic, it is comfortable and has enough gadgets and technology to impress. Its various versions have weird names. We drove the X3 xDrive 20d, which in English means all-wheel-drive, two-litre diesel. As a mid-size luxury  SUV wagon where fuel economy is a criteria, it's a good 'un. Bluetooth connection and USB interface you'd expect, and get. The xDrive is an all-wheel-drive system with variable torque distribution. An eight-speed automatic Steptronic transmission is a highwater mark in this field. Hill descent control underlines this car can get its wheels grubby. The 135kW power and 380Nm torque also impress from a two-litre diesel that is frugal (helped by stop-start) and low emission. It has keyless go. The $62,200 tag makes this the entry level for the X3 series and includes cruise control with downhill braking function, park distance control front and rear, rear view camera, dual zone auto aircon, personalisation of key controls and six-speaker sound system. And the BMW badge. As always BMW hurts with the cost of options, on the test vehicle $2350 for 1in larger diameter wheels, $1900 for metallic paint, $3000 for sunroof, $2000 for sat-nav etc.Leather is not standard on this version. Power seat adjustment adds $2700. Maybe buyers of this X3 are not choosing the diesel because it saves a few bucks at the pumps.When the X3 first came out, observers wondered why, because it was close in size and format to the X5. So what did BMW do for this second-generation X3? Make it bigger - to allow room for the smaller X1. X3 has no feeling of being the X5's poor kid brother.It's an SUV wagon shape with good space inside, though the centre rear seat passenger gets shortchanged. The tailgate is a bit of  reach and struggle to pull down for shorties. Under the car is flat for aero gains. It has no spare wheel - worrying for going off bitumen in the big land. X3 has airbags for driver and front passenger, head airbags front and rear plus side airbags for driver and front passenger. It has stability control, a flat tyre indicator, active headrests, ABS, hill-start assist,  all-wheel-drive grip, rear-view camera and cornering brake control. The new model has not been ANCAP crash tested (the original X3 scored four stars). On a flowing bitumen road the driver forgets it's an SUV, the vehicle responding more like a semi-sporty sedan. In top - eighth - gear, it settles at just 1700rpm at 110km/h; good for just a two-litre. Claimed fuel economy is 5.6 litres/100km but we averaged 7, still not bad for a 1725kg AWD wagon.Yet 0-100km/h in 8.8sec is tidy, too. Stability control tames off-bitumen cornering but switch out the DSC and some wheelspin can be achieved to aid on softer surfaces. The diesel engine is just evident on cold start and idling but at constant throttle remains well behaved. You rarely need to go above 2500-3000rpm. On gravel, this X3 is well poised and exudes confidence.A decent-sized BMW SUV giving all-wheel-drive without paying stupid money, though watch out for costly options. It does the job of luxury family wagon and will eat up a graded dirt road. Performance belies the size of the diesel engine, yet it remains frugal.

BMW's new second-generation X3 mid-size luxury SUV is all about more and less and Audi's segment-leading Q5 is squarely in its sights. In the "more" department, there is more standard and optional technology, more exterior size and interior space and more value for money while on the "less" side of the ledger - at least for two of the models - less money is required to put one in your garage and less fuel is required to run them. The new Beemer is longer than the outgoing model, wider and taller - nearly as big as the original X5. There is a 40/20/40 split-fold rear-seat arrangement and with the seats occupied, 550 litres of luggage space nearly three times that with the seat backs down. For the new range, there are three models each starting their moniker with xDrive. The entry-level offering is the $62,200 turbo-diesel-powered 20d and it is followed by the 28i at $71,900 and the range-topper is the 30d turbo-diesel with its $74,900 price tag.All three have the latest eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. The entry-level model's $62,200 pricing is unchanged (with more kit), the 28i is $3400 less than before and 30d has been cut by $2500 (with $10K more kit).The 20d and the 28i are available now with the 30d is a couple of months away. The 20d runs a powerful 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-diesel engine with 135kW/380Nm. Claimed fuel consumption is 5.6litres/100km. Opt for the only petrol-powered X3 in the range - the 28i - and you'll have at your disposal a 3.0-litre straight-six engine that is good for 190kW/310Nm. Buyers of the 30d can look forward to 190kW/560Nm. New styling gives X3 a stronger road presence. All three models come with an impressive array of fancy hi-tech goodies and the two diesel models have a BMW "first" - an idle/stop system for an automatic vehicle. All three versions are fitted with a brake-energy-regeneration system to save fuel. Other across-the-range standard kit includes BMW's latest iDrive driver interface, a reversing camera, a high-resolution 6.5-inch colour screen, aluminium roof rails, USB audio and Bluetooth mobile-phone connectivity, dual-zone automatic climate-control air conditioning, electric power steering, keyless entry. Electronic driver-aids include a permanent four-wheel-drive system that ensures variable torque distribution between the front-and-rear axles. It's linked to the vehicle's dynamic stability-control system. There is an new suspension set-up that has noticeable improved ride and handling and fuel-saving electric power steering is a "first" for a BMW xDrive model. Out on the road during the media-launch drive program the two models we sampled - the 20d and the 28i - proved themselves to be impressive performers with excellent overall driving dynamics. For its part, the two-litre turbo-diesel version did its best work climbing hills and overtaking in third or fourth gears using manual shifting. The three-litre petrol version also performed impressively and BMW engineers are to be commended for the fuel-economy gains and handling improvements they have achieved. Both models are noticeably quieter and comfort levels have also been improved.

Once the X5, BMW's SUV breakthrough model had blazed a trail across our 4WD landscape it was to be expected that the company would follow it up with a more compact model. That was the X3 and it arrived in 2004.The X3 slotted in below the X5 in much the same way the 3-Series fitted into the passenger car range underneath the 5-Series.It looked much the same as its larger cousin, but was smaller, and cost heaps less. While it had the BMW corporate look the tough chunky look that made the X5 attractive was lost, the X3 looked wimpy by comparison.Buyers could choose between two six-cylinder petrol engines and a turbo-diesel. The base petrol engine was a 2.5-litre unit boasting 141kW and 245Nm, the larger one 3.0 litres putting out 170kW and 300Nm. The diesel option was a 3.0-litre turbocharged six that put out 160kW and 480Nm.There was a 6-speed manual gearbox available, but only on the 2.5-litre model; all others had an automatic transmission with the option of manual shifting.Final drive was full-time four-wheel drive with BMW's xDrive system to maintain grip in slippery going.Underneath the suspension was independent all round, the brakes were discs with ABS, the alloy wheels were wrapped in all-round rubber, and the spare was only a space-saver.Inside the X3 had all you could desire with the list of standard features including automatic air-conditioning, cruise, remote central locking, leather trim, multi-function steering wheel, power mirrors and windows and CD sound.IN THE SHOPThe jury is out on BMW durability. The build quality is high, and they certainly look the goods sitting in the showroom, but history suggests that cars with the blue-and-white spinner badge can become expensive as the kays climb. If you choose to get into one it's best to do it when the kays are low and get out again before the bills start to roll in.Look for an independent specialist to have the servicing done, as dealers tend to be very expensive. Same goes for parts. Bought from a dealer parts are expensive, but relief can be found with the independents who are able to source much cheaper parts that still do the job.Servicing is critical so make sure any prospective purchase has had the required maintenance. Look for oil leaks around the engine, and coolant leaks from the radiator.IN A CRASHWith a comprehensive array of active and passive safety features the X3 was given 4 stars out of a possible five by ANCAP.Active features include ABS braking, traction control, electronic stability control and hill descent control, while passive safety is well covered by a combination of dual front airbags, head and side airbags.UNDER THE PUMPNothing special on the petrol front with the 2.5-litre averaging in the mid- to high-11s by BMW's own claim, and the 3.0-litre returning low-12s.On Carsguide's test the 2.5i auto returned an average of 11.8L/100km, bang on the BMW claim.The turbo diesel was the way to go for economy with an average claimed of 8.6L/100km. BMW recommended 98-octane premium unleaded for the petrol models, but have approved E10 ethanol blend for the X3.AT A GLANCEPrice new: $67,900 to $74,600Engine: 2.5-litre six-cylinder petrol, 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol, 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo dieselPower/torque: 141 kW/245 Nm (2.5), 170 kW/300 Nm (3.0), 160 kW/480 Nm (TD)Transmissions: 5-speed auto, 6-speed auto, 6-speed man, 4WDEconomy: 11.2/11.9 L/100 km (2.5 man/auto), 12.1 L/100 km (3.0), 8.6 L/100 km (TD)Body: 5-door wagonVariants: 2.5i, 3.0i, 3.0d (from 2005)Safety: 4-star ANCAPVERDICT Smaller, cheaper version of popular X5 set a new benchmark for compact SUVs.

THERE is a touch of Goldilocks about the new BMW X3. The X1 is too small for families with children, the X5 is too big and costly for most people, which means the X3 is ... well, just right.It still takes at least $62,200 to get into an X3, but it is a vast improvement over the previous model and a realistic alternative to a range of mid-sized prestige SUVs led by the Volvo XC60 and Audi Q5. BMW even believes it will lure some customers who might be shopping for a Mercedes ML.The revamp of the X3 comes from a back-to-basics assessment of the class and contenders, as well as people's needs. The result is a car that is almost the same size as the original X5 and far more sophisticated than the first X3, including a mechanical package that BMW Australia says is unique and not just a re-work of something from the 3-Series parts bin.There is no price increase on the X3 starter car and BMW Australia has even cut the price of the petrol-powered model while adding more equipment in both cars. It's a welcome move but one that is being done by a lot of companies in 2011, thanks to the strength of the Australian dollar and the level of competition in showroooms.Even so, the X3 comes with a premium pricetag - $62,200 for the turbodiesel-powered xDrive20d and $71,900 for the xDrive28i, with the flagship xDrive30d coming later at $74,900.The good thing is the value is reflected in a car which now has the class and comfort to match the bottom line. BMW has also loaded the X3 with everything from its eight-speed automatic gearbox to a two-way split rear seat, and there is a head-up instrument display available. But the basic X3 misses leather seats, something BMW justifies because it's the same in the Q5.Every BMW comes loaded with cool stuff and the X3 headlines an impressive iDrive system that now give full Bluetooth functionality and iPod connection. But there is also on-demand ancilliary systems for the engine to cut fuel use, as well as a stop-start system, regenerative braking and low rolling-resistance tyres.BMW says its X-drive all-wheel drive leads the class thanks to superior electronic controls and that the 2-litre turbodiesel leads the class for fuel efficiency.The new X3 looks more mature and more imposing. That's partly down to its size, and partly to a move to model it on the original X5. The shape is more X5-ish but also fits well into the current BMW family, with a body that uses a lot of aluminium to come in with a 25- kilo advantage over the previous model.The cabin is far roomier and classier than before, the back seat has proper adult space, and there is reasonable luggage capacity in the tail end. That's help, though, by the absence of a spare tyre as the X3 uses runflat tyres.The X3 is a guaranteed five-star performer with everything from impressive ESP stability control and brilliant ABS brakes to a cabin filled with airbags. It's good to see a rear-view camera as standard on a vehicle with such a family focus, although BMW's head-up display is a non-event if you were polarized sunglasses to combat Aussie glare.Taking the worst first, the ride comfort in the basic X3 is not good. The runflat tyres on the 20d driven by Carsguide turn potholes into thump-bang annoyances and cannot cope with typical Australian secondary road conditions. But that's about all there is on the complaints' list.The new X3 is plush, comfortable, pretty brisk and definitely a car that's up at the top of its class. The 20d gets along very smartly, provided you switch the transmission to sport, and can also run very quietly and frugally in any conditions. It has all the gear you expect for the price and class, although BMW Australia has typically loaded the press preview cars with a lot of (extra cost) optional equipment.The 28i is even better, without the runflat unpleasantness and with a truly sweet engine that's both smooth and very responsive on twisty roads. Both X3s sit flat in corners as you expect on a BMW, have lost the nasty pitchy ride of the previous model, and generally feel more like an X5 than the original X3.So now we are left wondering why the original was so underdone when BMW always had the ability to build a vehicle that could go head-to-head with the XC60 and Q5 and likely come out on top.What the X3 should always have been.

The middle child of the BMW X range has been given some special treatment. A new X3 has been launched in the US and is on its way to Australia around March next year. It is the second generation of the mid-sized SUV that sits comfortably between the small X1 and the large X5.BMW has substantially improved the crossover wagon, stretching and widening the body to the extent that it is very nearly as big as the first generation X5. There is new front suspension, fresh steering, more interior space, and an improved all-wheel drive system.VALUEBMW is yet to lock in prices at this stage, but sources suggest that prices, at least on the entry level petrol and diesel models will not increase over the current level. That means you can expect to get the base diesel, the best seller, for about $62,000 and the base petrol for about $69,000. This is a fair amount of cash, but you do get a prestige SUV that is nearly as big as the original X5.TECHNOLOGY BMW Australia will bring in the 20D model which runs a turbo diesel four-cylinder with 135kW and 380Nm that uses just 5.6 litres per 100km.  It will also have a naturally aspirated petrol six-cylinder and a six-cylinder diesel, but these are yet to be announced.There is a six-speed manual and a new ZF eight-speed auto available overseas, but Australia will only take the automatic.  Overseas markets also have a 35is turbo petrol six-cylinder that pumps out 225kW and 400Nm, but BMW Australia has decided against importing it.The engines are available with fuel saving stop-start technology, a heads-up display which projects information on to the screen is new as is electric power steering, optional top view reversing camera and optional adjustable suspension dampers.SAFETYThe X3 comes with permanent all-wheel drive to help the driver keep out of trouble in the first place. Electronic stability control and a full suite of airbags is standard. A cruise control system that can detect objects in front and brake the car is available as an option.STYLING  BMW has moved the X3 upmarket, adding more style. The hard angular lines of the existing car have been smoothed off, while new design lines have been introduced to give the car a sleeker look.The lengthening and widening of the body helped designers give the car a more muscular look compared to the existing model. The interior has been given a mild upgrade.DRIVINGWe drove a diesel X3 with a manual transmission and a turbo petrol with an automatic.  We won’t get the turbo petrol engine or the manual transmission but we will get the diesel engine with the automatic transmission.Even though we couldn’t drive that exact car, the drive through the countryside near Atlanta in the US gave us a clear indication that BMW really has lifted its game with the new X3. The existing X3 is not very good.The first X3 seemed like a model rushed out to capitalize on the success of the X5 that was cheaper than that model but nowhere near as good. It didn’t handle all that well, the interior looked cheap and design was ugly, especially when it first came out.BMW improved it with facelifts, but it still fell short of expectations. The new car appears to change that.  It looks a whole lot better, especially when you see it in the metal. The handling has been improved substantially, although our cars had the optional adjustable dampers, the steering is sharper and the ride is more comfortable.The diesel is quite strong and it is not too loud. It isn’t much fun with a manual thanks to the traditional narrow diesel torque band that means you have to change gears almost constantly.  The turbo petrol engine is a ripper and the automatic transmission shifts quickly and smoothly.VERDICTWe will have to wait to test the exact model that will come to Australia, but it is clear that the new X3 marks a significant improvement over the existing model. The X3 used to be the poor cousin of the X5, but now it is more like a younger and smaller brother.BMW X3Prices: TBAEngine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo dieselPower: 135kW at 4000 revsTorque: 380Nm at 1750-2750 revsTransmission: Eight speed automaticFuel consumption: 5.6 litres per 100km (claimed)

The traditional prestige players are priced beyond the means of most of us -- but the qualitative difference separating the business class and the topline versions of the rest has diminished to the point of non-existence. All right, you'll look better in the car park comparison stakes if you drive the exxier choices listed here, but you're by no means always driving the better car.WAGONSOne's a classy Volkswagen Group sport wagon with a direct injection turbo petrol engine with the option of a cutting-edge transmission. And so's the Audi.The Czech-made Skoda is essentially a bigger in the body, more discreet, better riding and cheaper VW Golf GTI, the car that more than any other blurs the distinction between the prestige pack and the rest.The handling-enhancing electronic diff of the new GTI is on its way to the RS, so while the twin clutch DSG adds $2300, the generous standard kit (including tasty 18s) and skinny options list means there's not a lot more to spend. Rare is the Audi of which that can be said.The output of the front-wheel-drive Avant's turbo four is similar (132kW/320Nm plays Skoda's 147kW/280Nm), limited for its continuously variable transmission. Quattro and the full-fat engine sets you back another $13,000 -- and the premium is already just a bit silly.SEDANSOne's a perfectly balanced, rear-wheel-drive, inline petrol six with great steering and a six-speed ZF automatic. And so's the BMW.All right, we're comparing a big tarted-up Aussie taxi with a thoroughbred mid-size Bavarian sport sedan here, but what of it? Priced $33K south, this Falcon is probably the best-value car in the country on a metal for money basis and that price difference buys a lot of basic unleaded petrol for that 4.0-litre atmo six with its whacking 195kW/391Nm. If there's a quickish car that rides as well as the Falcon, it's known not unto us.As to the Bimmer, well, you'd go there if you could, even if the peerless handling comes at the price of run-flat tyres and an options list to make your eyes bleed.DIESELSOne's a European-built front-wheel-drive with a sophisticated turbodiesel engine and bank-vault build quality. And so's the Volvo. Now the first prestige Euro to be owned by a Chinese company, Volvo did rather well out of its association with Ford (certainly better than Saab did out of GM). But the years of proximity invite comparison.Long the choice of UK sales reps and families, the Mondeo's marriage of the diesel with an auto and capable dynamics give it a comfortable niche position at this level of the market. The Titanium edition gives the long Ford the trim and kit to compare with the premium brigade.Despite its more potent five-cylinder engine and Swedish aura of invulnerability, we just can't see the extra spend in the stolid Volvo.SUVSOne's the best-driving compact SUV and... uh, that's the BMW, actually. We've often said that if BMW made front-wheel-drive family cars they'd handle like Mazdas, so the two brands' respective four-wheel-drives should logically be even closer.Not quite, but not to the extent that the X3 is nigh-on $20K better. The X3's only real advantage in Australia's restricted conditions is its standard six-speed auto. Stop us if you're tired of hearing this, Mazda doesn't yet have a slusher for its diesel.While the Mazda's engine is slightly bigger and more potent than the BMW diesel, it has to haul a nearly two-tonne kerb weight. The X3 is 250kg lighter but, within, it's also the most dated Bimmer.How much is that badge worth, again?

There is, straight up, a great driving platform. The softroader's chassis is well-tuned to deliver a safe and secure drive with allowance for a little sporting flair; then there's the subtleness of the BMW's xDrive, an all-wheel drive system combined with stability control that delivers great grip and confidence.And now there is the option of this all-aluminium, four-cylinder engine that delivers a welcome combination of fun and frugalness.Allied to a fine six-speed automatic transmission, the common-rail engine also offers a cheaper entry price, at $62,900, into an X3 diesel.A three litre, six-cylinder diesel in the X3 will set the customer back $75,900 and that's beginning to look a tad over the odds; as fine as that bigger motor may be, this junior two-litre powerplant has quite enough charm for most.It is a mighty little motor, 60kg lighter than its big brother and producing a claimed 125kW at 4000rpm (62.7kW per litre) plus 340Nm of torque at 1750rpm.It, with only the slightest hesitation from a dead throttle, shifts the compact softroader with a surprising amount of verve.And, with some aid from that six-speed gearbox, the 2-litre diesel allows the X3 to be hustled along with more than enough speed over a mountain range to unsettle the most seasoned of passengers.There is precious little body roll or sway, bugger-all tyre protest.The problem is this Sports Activity Vehicle — as BMW would have it — is motoring through the mountains at a fair, still legal, pace and taking turns with a surprising amount of speed.This could upset some passengers while the driver may be looking towards connecting the next series of corners.Here there needs to be some ratio shifts (push forward to change down, back to change up) between third, fourth and perhaps fifth to make the most of the diesel's eagerness. It has a sporting sound and sporting edge; all the while the X3's chassis and 17-inch tyres keep the premium package unruffled.BMW claim a 0-100km/h time of 9.6sec for the wagon. This feels smart enough, certainly smart enough for attacking the flood-ravaged roads of the Border Ranges.Over there on the Kyogle side there was much evidence of walls of water shifting dirt and debris, underscoring river banks and bridge approaches, washing down fences and shifting boulders.Over there the BMW X3 was ideal for safe travel in comfort through the greens and browns of deluge-drowned valleys.With 101 fresh rocks and boulders littering the creek crossings there was little chance of tip-toeing into the paddocks.As good as the BMW's xDrive system may be, as much appreciated as 201cm of ground clearance may be, the X3 is best left to deal with mud-slopped roads and tracks. It continues to drive with confidence whether the surface is dry, wet, smooth or rough; it is also, with hill descent control, handy on steep descents.Besides, sill and sump damage to a full-on four-wheel drive is much easier to take.Yet the X3's engineering does blend excellent back track ability with fine bitumen road manners.And this new two litre motor makes the package that much more appealing.It is very flexible and always encouraging while managing some respectable fuel figures.According to BMW consumption on the EU test cycle is 7l/100km.Here, trawling around Brisbane town for a day saw the on-board computer register 8.5l/100km, climbing mountains and dodging along on flood-damaged roads saw 8.7 litres. And on steady highway and freeway runs that dropped to 6.3 litres.It is an easy machine around the city, quiet and useful on the highway though best to have the transmission in sport mode and drop from sixth to fifth for overtaking.There are no quibbles here with the engineering excellence. Or the amount of safety and comfort features from rain sensors to front, side and head airbags. But while the X3 received a little cosmetic makeover to the four-door body last season it could well be time for an interior rework.As fine as the materials used here are, as tactile as the knobs and buttons are, and as thankful some are that there's no iDrive (BMW's complicated control system for airconditioning to stereo and other bits in between), the X3 is looking a bit jaded in design, a bit drab around the dashboard.It all works, once the buttons and bells are learnt because some of these controls are not as intuitive or as clearly marked as in rivals. But it is all a bit old-school in a machine designed to appeal to a younger audience.And, while appreciating this is a compact SUV — sorry — SAV, the BMW's front cabin feels a tad cramped over a longer drive.Rivals in this area would appear to be a little more clever with finding oddment space.Here BMW could take a look at machines such as Hyundai's Santa Fe or Land Rover's second generation Freelander, much fresher inside and out. (A diesel Freelander at $57,990 is worth a good look if shopping in this area, the difference may be in resale values.)So, the two litre BMW X3 is a great driving machine in all manner of conditions. A great engine with excellent fuel figures. But at this money it's time for a major refresh of the packaging.  BMW X3$62,900ENGINE: Two litre, turbocharged dieselPOWER: 125kW @ 4000rpmTORQUE: 340Nm @ 1750rpmTRANSMISSION: Six-speed automatic with SteptronicDIMENSIONS (MM): 4569 (l), 1853 (w), 1674 (h), 2795 (w'base)KERB WEIGHT: 1750kgTOWING: 1700kg 

Since the introduction of diesel-powered vehicles began with the introduction of the X5 in 2003, BMW diesels have risen from just 671 vehicles to 3342 or 21 per cent of total sales.In some models, such as the X5, it represents up to 70 per cent of sales.Now BMW has added its first four-cylinder diesel engine to the X3 and 5 Series to bring its total diesel models to seven.And, for the first time, they are the entry level vehicles in their range.The X3 2.0d costs $62,900 and the 520d $79,900.They join the 120d ($48,000), 320d ($56,700), 530d ($115,000), X3 3.0d ($75,900) and X5 3.0d ($96,300) with the most powerful diesel model, the 200kW/565Nm twin-turbo X5 3.0sd arriving early next year costing $102,800.In Europe, BMW offers diesels in every model range except the Z4, including a new twin-turbo 210kW 645d coupe and convertible.However, BMW Group Australia public relations and corporate communications manager Toni Andreevski said he could not foresee a 6 or 7 Series diesel coming to Australia as it was not what customers wanted.The third-generation two-litre turbo diesel engine powering the X3 and 5 Series is a lightweight unit with an all-alloy block and cylinder head.It produces 125kW of power and 320Nm of torque and on the national launch, along dusty roads in the Victorian wine district, the engine proved a worthy addition to the dynamic BMW range. Being lightweight, yet torquey, it does not make them nose heavy nor do they seem to be outweighed by the cars, even the 1750kg X3.There was no dramatic understeer, while oversteer could be easily provoked past the corner's apex with a judicious amount of throttle, thanks to the torque on tap.Fuel economy for the X3 is claimed to be 7litres/100km, but we recorded about 8l/100km on the launch, while the 520d is claimed to be 6.1 and we recorded 7.1.They are still good figures considering the vigorous driving they copped on the launch.BMW also claims the emissions from the vehicles are just 162g/km for the 520d and 185g/km for the X3 thanks to a particulate filter on the exhaust.The engines are also particularly quiet and smooth, even at idle with the bonnet up.There is the usual clattery sound, but it is not as loud or obnoxious as some other diesels because they are fitted with two balance shafts.A few revs brings the noise down even further and, surprisingly, when given full throttle there is not the usual disharmonious double-sound.Instead, there is a muted, almost V8 burble.Both vehicles are mated to six-speed automatic transmissions, which are smooth and fast in auto or manual sequential mode.The X3 comes with the same level of specification and equipment as the 2.5si petrol model which includes front and rear parking sensors, stability control, hill descent, six airbags, leather seats, rain sensing wipers, auto headlights, cruise control and more.The 520d comes with eight airbags, Dakota leather, control display with colour monitor, USB connection for iPod and more.  

Some people can recite all 50 American states alphabetically, others every rugby league premier side since 1908. There are rumours of a person who knows the second verse of the national anthem;  though surely this is incredible.If you really want to bore at an international level, though, try learning every variant of BMW.In past half decade this carsguider alone has driven almost 50 of the blue-and-white-badged models from the puny and pointless 118i to the future-is-here Hydrogen 7.The latest two to reach us; though not even yet the last due this year; happens to be, in their way, the best the Bavarian has offered in 2007.'Best' not because they're the quickest or necessarily the most desirable. Rather because by the mad-money standards of the marque,  they're affordable and sensible both economically and ecologically.And they provide decent dollops of the 'sheer driving pleasure' BMW goes on about in the ads.The entry level models in their respective ranges, the X3 2.0d SUV and 520d sedan both use the same updated and highly effective four cylinder turbo diesel.BMW's junior diesel is a gem. Just as the 3-litre six cylinder version challenges the bigger of the marque's own petrol engines; the 2-litre four potter takes it right up to the smaller capacity petrol sixes.The third-generation all-alloy unit produces 125kW at 4000rpm and a hugely handy 340Nm from as low as 1,750rpm. Compared with the former engine, it offers a 20kg weight saving, a power boost of 10kW and a fuel saving of 10 per cent, while emitting 185 gram of Co2 per kilometre.From January it will also be available in the 120d and 320d. In X3 form, though, it represents the best metal-for-the-money package BMW offer here.That is, of course, skewed by Australia's deranged tariff regime under which the behemoth X5 3.0d starts $30K under the same-engined 5 Series sedan.Even so, in this package the X3 begins to look like more than a shrink-wrapped and cut-rate X5, a criticism that's dogged BMW's medium SUV since its inception.This new sense of legitimacy is helped by the $62,900 tag, which puts it at a significant remove from the bullying bigger brother. It's a price point that's almost reasonable, one that could conceivably tempt punters who go for top end Japanese SUVs.While flirting with the options list is a bit like taking a high class call girl to a casino; ruinous and expensive, the 2.0d gets by just fine without gratuitous embellishments such M-Sports kit et al.It gets by even better because like the 520d in standard form, it's free of the runflat tyres that BMW insists are the best thing since internal combustion but which every New South Welshmen with dental fillings dreads for their rigid ride on our rubbish roads.If the X3's cabin is starting to look a bit dated the driving experience remains clicks ahead of any comparable vehicle.Such body roll as there is in this tall, 1750kg BMW informs rather than distract during cornering. In default mode, the X3's permanent all-wheel-drive provides a 40/60 torque split, but will shove it all to one end or the other in extremis.It's hard to imagine any such contingency this side of certifiable behaviour, with a dynamic stability and traction control program that reacts with calm authority even on such loose surfaces as we encountered.It's a measure of the unbearable lightness of steering these days that some found the BMW's just a bit heavy. In fact, it's meaningfully weighted and entirely appropriate to an SUV that designed for driverly gratification before all else.Me? I'd much rather have a 320d wagon if such a thing was to be had here. Yet even an avowed loather of SUVs could roam the X3's natural suburban habitat without feeling a complete turncoat.And if the X3's performance/economy equation is good (a 9.6 second 0-100km/h sprint time meets 9.7 litres per 100km combined cycle) the 520d gets more of both out of the same engine.A 'proper' BMW, with the rear wheels driven and the weight distribution about even, it takes about five Kms of B-road driving before you wonder why the 523i costs $5,000 more.At 8.6 seconds, the 520d is almost half-a-sec quicker to 100km/h from halt. At 6.1 litres per 100km, it cruises 3.2 litres per 100 k more economically.If progression off the mark isn't exactly linear; the turbo's split second hesitancy feels longer when turning into traffic, the mid-range rush more than compensates. When spooled up, progress in this allegedly lesser 5 Series is seriously sharp, to the extent that you'll want to re-check speed when entering a corner. So composed is this chassis that you're almost always travelling faster then it feels.Quixotically the base 16s and optional 19-inch M kit tyres are conventional jobbies, while the intermediate 17s and 18s are runflats. Stay with the standard-fit rubber (the 5 Series has a temporary use spare anyway) and be reminded why BMWs remain the keen steerer's choice of the prestige Germans.There might be nine variants of the 5 Series alone, but the base model provides a good reason not to bother learning about the others.Snapshot BMW 520Dprice: $79,900engine: 2.0L/4-cylinderturbo diesel; 125kw/340Nmeconomy: 6.1L/100km (claimed)transmission: 6-speed auto BMW X3 2.0Dprice: $69,200engine: 2.0L/4-cylinderturbo diesel; 125kW/340Nmeconomy: 7L/100km (claimed)transmission: 6-speed auto BMW 520D: a flirtatious beginning

French cars are obvious successes, led by long-distance Citroens, and Volkswagen is going well with Golf, Passat and Touareg.Now BMW X3 joins the list.The compact all-wheel-drive has just had a tickle for the second half of its life, as well as some significant upgrading. I am impressed.The cabin improvements alone are worth a second look at the X3. It also lives up to BMW's promise of a sporty drive and there is lots of go with its 3.0-litre petrol six.Power is up in both the 2.5 and 3.0-litre petrol motors, and economy has improved.The changes are concentrated on the engines, interior and equipment levels, but there is more electronic trickery than before — mostly to make the car safer — and more outright safety equipment, including brakes that keep themselves clear of water and primed for action.BMW also has put more emphasis on the diesel engine in the X3 and it is now bolted to a slick six-speed automatic gearbox.The variable-vane turbocharger and common-rail fuel injection ensure good response and a broad spread of power.The changes do not look like much. The lamps and bumpers are new, with deep-set foglamps in the nose, and there seems to be less cheap-looking black plastic.Inside, BMW has gone all-out with new seats, a new wheel and instrument panel and an improved centre console.There also is Bluetooth for mobile phones, more storage spots, and bigger bins in the doors.Dig deeper and you'll find everything from twin-chamber airbags for improved side protection to parking radar at both ends.There is still only a compact spare, something that concerned one tester who had a flat last year and faced several hundred kilometres of gravel roads.In the driveline, BMW has linked the X3's intelligent AWD to its stability control and engine-management system. The electronic assistance runs from stability and traction control to descent control and even cornering brake control. Acronym addicts must love BMWs. ON THE ROADMY ORIGINAL experience with the X3 was unconvincing. It felt underdone after the larger BMW X5 and overpriced after the Toyota RAV4.This time, driving the latest X3 diesel revealed a car that is better finished, more welcoming and — though I did not push the edges — promises to be safer in a range of situations. And it's a nice drive, sporty and taut yet still good for carrying a family or doing the shopping.The diesel has 160kW in the X3, together with a punchy 480Nm, which means it will jump to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds. That is pretty respectable for a middle-weight AWD, though I had no need to check the top of 210km/h.The diesel also has excellent overtaking punch and, with the six-speed auto and the chance to take full manual control, can be fun on twisty roads or when you just feel like a bit of gear changing.It is easy to keep percolating from about 2000 revs and will also pull hard to the redline in a most un-diesel style.I also got 8.4 litres for 100km, better than BMW's fuel economy claim, despite some hard driving. So with a 67-litre tank, it will go a long way between stops.The ride and handling is also good, with a solid feel and good response. The X3 turns well, does not roll much and generally feels more like a car than an AWD.The facelifting work has made the X3 a little more stylish and far more user-friendly.The cheapie look inside is gone, the seats are more supportive and the storage is better. Even the leather seats and new steering wheel in the test car were classy and contributed to a much better verdict on the cabin.The X3 is still versatile and easy to use, will do the job in any road conditions and — thanks to all that electronic stuff that would take a book to understand and explain — always feels safe and sure-footed.It is hard to find direct rivals to the X3 because of its compact size and premium price.It is more costly than any Korean AWD wagon and sits above the popular Japanese contenders, but is not as big as the prestige Japanese and European wagons.It is listed as a luxury AWD, which means it must compete with everything from the Audi Q7 at $85,700 to the Volvo XC90 V8 at $84,950, even though the 2.5-litre six starts at $65,900 and the diesel is from $75,900.So it sits on its own. But I have tested the all-new Land Rover Freelander— which buries the current under-performer — and it will run the BMW close when it gets to Australia.For now, the X3 is a definite winner. THE BOTTOM LINEWORTHWHILE improvements make the X3 better and look fresh, particularly as a diesel.76/100