X3 a rewarding crossover – with one darling of an engine
QUIET RIDE
2018 OUTLANDER PHEV A WELCOME ADDITION TO THE MITSUBISHI LINEUP.
Seduced by the Six, and I’m not talking about Drake’s widely adopted handle for Toronto. No, I’m referring to that gem of a turbocharged, 3.0- litre inline six- cylinder engine that lies beneath the hood of this 2018 X3 M40i, BMW’s redone-for-2018 luxury compact crossover. It makes 355 horsepower, 369 poundfeet of torque, all kinds of spectacularly rude noises in Sport mode and rockets this tidy ute from zero to 100 km/ h in a claimed 4.8 seconds.
That, f olks, is mighty quick, BMW claims it is best in the segment. But perhaps more importantly, this engine is rife with character, delivering its thrust with a smooth, mellifluous, unbridled urgency. The Porsche Macan GTS and its 365- hp 3.0- L turbo V6 feels somewhat uninspired when compared to this beauty from BMW.
All new f or 2018, t he t hird- generation X3 has grown a bit, but sticks close to the script of its predecessors with an upright and purposeful profile; you need a pretty keen eye to spot the new from the old. The main cue is its super- sized kidney grille.
The 2018 BMW X3 comes in two trims: The xDrive 30i with a 2.0- L turbo- four at $ 48,000, or the turbocharged 3.0- L in- line six found in this tester, now with M Performance status — badged M40i — and starting at $ 61,500. Both models get a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, plus allwheel drive.
The new structure shaves about 55 kilograms from the weight and adds some useful rear- seat legroom. Three- zone climate control and reclining 40/20/40-split rear seats are standard. Both front passengers enjoy nicely contoured 10- way sport seats, and are presented with a high quality dash, with … wait for it … real buttons and dials. I’m so happy, I could cry.
BMW obviously has its head screwed on right when it comes to cabin ergonomics. Oh yes, there is the frivolity of available gesture control if you want to adjust the radio volume by twirling your fingers, but more meaningful — and considerably safer — is the ability to use logically placed hard buttons to instantly call up seat heat and ventilation, climate controls and radio presets. No poking away at f eatureless screens in the distractingly dangerous menu-diving dance (I’m talking to you, Range Rover Velar).
The iDrive rotary controller works great, too, and is surrounded by buttons that are easy to find by feel, thanks to clever “topographical” variation.
Another revelation is the fine outward visibility afforded by the ute’s upright profile and tall greenhouse. The only ergonomic question mark is BMW’s ubiquitous electronic shift wand that is somewhat non- intuitive on first acquaintance. Pushing forward for reverse seems so … er, backward.
BMW paid a lot of attention to the new X3’s underpinnings, and it shows on the road. The targeted use of aluminum, along with hollow anti-roll bars, has reduced unsprung mass, and the revised rear multi- link setup, with front doublejoint spring struts, dish up a dynamic cocktail that is free of any slop, yet delivering a compliant, quiet yet pleasingly firm ride.
This tester did not have the optional adaptive Dynamic Damper Control feature, yet it showed tight body control and an eagerness for the twisties that has been lacking in some BMWs of late. Okay, the X3 might not match the uncanny precision of t he benchmark Macan GTS, nor does its slightly numb- on- centre steering, but it’s certainly in the front row of the class. Select Sport or Sport+ mode and the active exhaust opens up with plenty of wuffles, farts and pops on overrun. The stability control system loosens its reins, and the eight-speed automatic expertly keeps the engine in the meat of its power, aggressively upshifting and downshifting at just the right times. It responds with urgency to paddle-shift prompts, too.
Yes, I’m waxing poetic about the X3 M40i’s athletic abilities, but it plays the luxury card just as well. Build quality is superb and the cabin is hushed at speed. But, as anyone with experience shopping premium German iron will know, you aren’t going to get away with list price. Prepare to pony up, even for basics such as real leather and blind- spot detection.
This tester sported the comprehensive $ 12,500 Ultimate Package that, with a list of goodies a mile long, elevates the X3 to bona fide luxury status. A sampling of the 26 items includes a proximity key, panoramic sunroof, Vernasca leather, Wi-Fi hot spot, Apple CarPlay (but no Android Auto) connectivity, GPS navigation, gesture control, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, headup display, a Harman Kardon audio system, ambient lighting, and Driver Assist Plus. The latter adds BMW’s latest safety tech: Evasion Aid, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane- departure assist, front/rear cross-traffic warnings, steering assist, speed limit info, and so on.
While the 2018 X3 M40i shows a lot of sport, there’s plenty of utility here, too. Behind the rear seats is a conveniently proportioned 500 L of space, expanding to 1600 L. The retractable cargo cover stores in its own compartment under the floor, and there’s an available factory-installed trailer hitch.
BMW’s main directive with this X3 was to ramp up refinement, comfort and luxury. And it has succeeded, as evidenced here by this welloptioned M40i. Granted, it’s hardly a looker when compared to the fashion-forward offerings from Jaguar, Lexus, Range Rover, Alfa Romeo and Porsche, but in all other aspects this new X3 is truly a rewarding vehicle to drive. Did I mention that the 355hp turbocharged straight-six is an engine for the ages?