2018 BMW X3 Review
Car Tested: 2018 BMW X3; Road Test No. 976
Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 60.7 – Rs. 68.8 lakhs
The BMW X3 sits right in between the X1 and the X5 in the BMW SUV lineup
It looks very polished but is it enough to hold on to its own in the segment that’s getting pretty crowded with new arrivals right from the Volvo, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Land Rover and Lexus? In the recent times, there has been a rainfall of new SUVs in this particular segment but can the X3 hold on to its own? We find out.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/41922838010/[/flickr]
The 2018 BMW X3 gets significant changes to the exteriors and interior
Exteriors – First things first, the 2018 BMW X3 looks more or less like an X5 as it has grown in terms of dimensions. It is longer and wider than its predecessor. The SUV now gets a larger kidney grille with Active Air Stream function (they open and close depending on the engine’s cooling requirements) flanked by Adaptive LED headlights while the bumper is sportier and aggressive-looking. The rear gets new LED tail-lights and the twin exhaust setup gives the X3 an athletic stance. Though the basic silhouette of the vehicle remains the same, the third generation X3 looks more polished and that will keep it relevant in the segment for some time now.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/29860703648/[/flickr]
The interior of the SUV feels luxurious and is also tech-laden
Interiors – The 2018 BMW X3 gets a completely new dashboard with a new 3-spoke multi-function steering wheel and an all-new 12.3-inch fully digital TFT instrument console. Then, there is the super intuitive 10.25-inch iDrive touchscreen infotainment system which comes paired with a 600-watt 16-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system. The system churns out good quality audio and the quality of materials used inside the cabin like wood, leather and plastics are what we have come to expect from a BMW. The wood accents give the cabin a premium touch while the aluminium finish on the dash and the steering wheel add to the finesse of the cabin. As expected from a mid-size luxury SUV, the X3 comes handsomely loaded with features. You get Apple CarPlay, Satellite Navigation, ambient lighting, panoramic sunroof, 3-zone climate control, wireless charging and rear-view camera with park assist.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/43731818811/[/flickr]
The increase in the wheelbase has freed up more space at the rear seat
The front seats are supremely comfortable and supportive and same is the case with the rear seat as well
Space at the rear is decent with good knee room and headroom. That said, the rear seat does recline to a certain degree should you choose to relax in more comfort after that boring meeting at the office. Three passengers will be a squeeze as the protruding rear AC vent and the slightly higher transmission tunnel will make the third/middle passenger rather uncomfortable.
