Test Drive of the X3

[AzNMpower32]

In case anyone else wants to post any drive impressions, this thread is a nice place to do it.

Here's my review, basically a copy of what I wrote on Bimmerfest:

30 second summary:

The 2011 X3: Moving further mainstream.

What's Great:

• Punchy engines; the 35i is more than necessary.
• Noticeably improved interior and passenger space.
• Enough technology to satisfy tech-savvy folks.

Where it falls short:

• More distant, less involving
• Boot (trunk) space not hugely improved.
• Doesn't stand out in any specific way.

The actual review (for anyone who's bothered to read)
The good thing is that I had a great comparison vehicle to drive before the test drive. As I snaked my way through US 522 in Louisa County and then onto I-64, my 2004 X3 and I were one in harmony. On the two-lane country roads, the X3 was at home in the banked corners and once I hit the "derestricted zone" on I-64, I had about 25km of almost free-rein, cruising between 120 and 140km/h. My main purpose of going to the dealer was to pick up parts, so I didn't have massive intentions of test driving the new X3.

First of all, the X3 looked pretty much as I expected........because I saw it at the Greer factory before release, and also in Greenville the day after its official release. The front looks chic and clean regardless of headlight choice without the excess flab of the X5. The rear end still leaves a bit to be desired (and has the wrong colour turn signals) but looks are subjective so I'll move on.

Upon sitting in the interior, there's a lot to like. The interior materials and design have moved onto something befitting a $40k vehicle for the most part. Passenger space front and rear are improved, although BMW seems to be "mini-sizing" many dash structures to create more space. The instrument panel is small, the glovebox even smaller, and the climate controls/preset buttons border on "too small to easily see". Avoid the light wood trim- I know it's real but it's unconvincing. The contrasting leather stitching is a nice detail, but I would appreciate a split-sliding centre armrest like the 3er, as it sits a bit low and back for comfort. The sport steering wheel feels nice, although the buttons have lost their tactile feedback.

I wasn't flattered when the sales rep zinged 5000rpm right out of the gate with a cold drivetrain, but the twin-turbo 6 is not new to me so the forward whoosh of speed is expected and fun. Once I got in the driver's seat, we meandered our way onto the highway. I dipped the throttle, the transmission responded promptly, dropping 2 or 3 gears and acceleration is swift. I capped it at 110km/h; VA state and Henrico police were out in force that day and trying to explain that 306bhp is good for at least 160km/h on a test drive would be futile at best. But the power, response, and technology is there.

But I think the "Joy of Driving" part of the brand got left behind.

First of all like all current BMWs, the basic suspension and seats just don't cut it. The Pirelli P7 tires* were fine and it rides softly, but the standard suspension sags a bit much when pushed. And the same goes for the rest of the car: It's sufficient for most drivers but the end product falls short for anyone who's driven an older BMW.

The electric steering is "good enough" but not great. The whole car feels heavier and less agile despite weighing about the same as the old X3. It's still competent in the bends but if you took the BMW badge away, the overall experience no longer stands out as distinctly BMW.

Certain things I can forgive. The test car only had 80km on it, so I will reluctantly forgive the weak brakes (although they're not significantly upsized from the E83). The 8AT was rough around the edges because the adaptive transmission hadn't figured out its algorithms yet.

But I never felt like a "part" of the vehicle. The driving position wasn't quite bang-on. I felt like I was sitting on a perch, directing the X3 to do things from two floors up. It doesn't do anything badly but it no longer feels fun and exciting. It's no longer distinctive.

Buyer's tip: Add anything with "Sport" or "Handing" as an option, or else those components are very mediocre. Or just buy a 328i sport wagon.

I wanted to test the 28i, but the salesman couldn't find its keys, so this was what I drove. Route included suburban roads and highway in Henrico County, Richmond VA; pavement ranged from Good to Marginal. Weather was clear, outside temp 5,5°C.

*Tires not suitable for snow, despite all-season marking.