BMX X3 vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee
SUVs with good fuel economy and towing credentials are worth considering
Not all diesel engines are suspect.
A diesel-powered SUV can provide substantial mileage increases over their gasoline counterparts, along with lots of grunt for pulling a trailer or hauling around hockey equipment. Here, we compare the BMX X3 xDrive28d to the Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland. BMW X3 Xdrive28d The second generation X3 was introduced in 2010 and updated in 2015 with release of the first diesel-powered X3 in Canada.
With a 2,810-centimetre wheelbase, the X3 is the smallest and lightest of the tested vehicles weighing in at 1,919 kilograms.
The all-wheel drive X3 is powered by a 2.0-L turbocharged diesel engine that pumps out 181 horsepower and 280 lb-ft. of torque. Coupled to an eight-speed automatic, this combination will get you from zero-100 km/h in about eight seconds.
You can move the X3 around in spirited fashion, but it was somewhat noisy in doing so and you were aware of a diesel engine under the hood. The transmission shifts frequently in traffic to compensate for the small engine.
The X3 is also available with a 2.0-L gasoline four-cylinder engine that creates 241horsepower and an inline six good for 300 horsepower.
The X3 is sleek in appearance for an SUV, with a large amount of glass that resembles the four-door sedans in the Bavarian firm’s product line. With its kidney-shaped grille and other BMW signature styling features, the design of the X3 leaves no doubt to its heritage.
Inside, the X3 takes full advantage of this large greenhouse with ample seating for four people — five if necessary. It offers sufficient cargo room, has enough storage compartments to keep everyone happy and provides a well-finished and balanced interior layout.
Materials in the cabin have been updated and upgraded with new chrome accent pieces, and these changes have been tastefully applied.
While most of the controls and switches are convenient and easy to work, the console shifter may take some getting used to. A little awkward at first, its initial quirkiness does make sense and feels natural after some use.
There are no shifter paddles with the X3, an item that does not fit with the character of this SUV and would probably never be used correctly by most owners.
Three drive modes may be selected with the shifter to enhance steering and transmission characteristics: Sport, Normal and Eco-Pro. The latter can increase mileage figures, although the tester here consumed 8.1 to 8.3 L/100 km in Normal mode.
The ride of the X3 is comfortable and solid. It holds the road well in true BMW fashion. Don’t expect M3like road manners, but the X3 can provide spirited driving and its allwheel drive system provides confidence in most road situations. Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland An icon in the off-roading world, Jeep has enhanced its larger Cherokee model into a truly luxurious SUV that does not forget its heritage. Jeeps have always been tough, rugged vehicles and the Grand Cherokee Overland has all these attributes dolled up in a party dress.
Launched in 2013, the diesel-powered version of this Jeep provides the best worlds for both off-roading and highway travel in an upscale package.
Weighing in at 2,445 kilograms the Grand Cherokee is the heavier of the two testers and sits on a 2,915-millimetre wheelbase. But this weight does not deter from its ride, handling or fuel mileage and it also offers the largest cargo-carrying capacity.
With its Fiat-sourced 3.0-L V6 diesel and eight-speed automatic, the engine is very quiet under most cir- cumstances and can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in eight seconds. The TorqueFlite/QuadraTrac II transmission shifts well with no hesitation. It does not stumble around in traffic trying to decide which speed to select, and the shifts are almost unnoticeable.
Rated at 240 horsepower and 420 lb-ft. of torque, the engine feels invincible and provided mileage of just under 9 L/100 km under normal driving conditions.
The original Cherokee was based on the Jeep Wagoneer from the early 1960s, but the current generation’s only resemblance to that model is the use of four doors and a hatchback.
Body brightwork on the Grand Cherokee is restricted to the window surroundings and the rocker panels, similar to the BMW, but the glass area is smaller than that in the X3. This does not deter from sight lines and the sloped hood helps frontal vision.
The sides of the Grand Cherokee are slab-sided with a minimum of styling tricks, and the square wheel openings enhance its bold look.
Inside, the Grand Cherokee is more North American in appearance and character than its German counterpart, but that’s not a bad thing.
The Jeep is wide and spacious inside with logical placement of various cabin components. Gauges are housed in a large three-unit pod in front of the leather and woodtrimmed steering wheel.
The climate controls are easy to interpret and fall underneath the large infotainment screen. Subtle stitching is applied to the heated and cooled leather seats, as well as the door panels and dashboard.
There’s lots of space for four people in the Grand Cherokee. With the rear seats folded up it will hold 1,934 litres of cargo.
Along with the diesel engine, there are three gasoline motors available for the Grand Cherokee: a 3.6-L, 295 horsepower V6 a 5.7-L 360 horsepower V8 a 6.4-L Hemi SRT V8 with 475 horsepower. Freelance writer Tim Miller is a regular contributor to Toronto Star Wheels. To reach Wheels Editor Norris McDonald, nmcdonald@thestar.ca.