The BMW X3 xDrive 30d is the top of the X3 range and it is absolutely a favourite here at OzRoamer. Here you have an AWD SUV that has a degree of balance between the competing elements that is a cut above most of its competitors.
Like its bigger brother the X5 M50d, inside you immediately feel comfortable in the Nevada leather seats for driver and front passenger with multiple electric adjustments and lumbar support. In front of the driver is the sports leather steering wheel with multi function controls. It is very comfortable to hold and assists in the driving experience.
The Navigation System has a high-resolution 6.5” Control Display, iDrive Controller, including one-touch keys and favourite buttons, 2D display, flash driver for map data and electronic owners handbook. The audio system has 6 loudspeakers (4 x 25 Watt), 6 programmable memory buttons, MP3-compatible CD drive and USB audio interface. The On-board computer, displays average speed, fuel consumption, range, temperature, time and date etc.
As standard, the X3 xDrive30d is equipped with 18-inch light-alloy wheels, automatic tailgate operation, automatic Start/Stop function, dual-zone climate control, dusk-sensing headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming rear view mirror, cruise control, trip computer, Bluetooth phone integration, foglights and a rear-view camera.
The standard X Line Package, incl. Aluminium satinated side window frames, Aluminium satinated look front and rear bumper inserts, BMW door sill finishers and stainless steel luggage compartment loading sill.
Rear seats are more suited for two people but have enough head, shoulder and knee room to be comfortable for most adults. Boot space is great for a family of four with 550 litres of boot space with the back seats in place, and a shallow storage tray under the boot floor is handy for small items.
Integrated rails in the floor allow tie-downs and other restraints to be fitted, and folding the 40/20/40 split rear seatback expands cargo capacity to 1600 litres
The X3 xDrive30d is powered by TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder diesel engine, combining common rail direct injection and triple turbocharging. Mated to an 8-speed sport automatic transmission with Steptronic, this powerplant pumps out 190 Kw of power @ 4,000 rpm and an awesome 560 Nm of torque @ 2,000 rpm.
This combination grips the road through the xDrive, permanent all-wheel drive system with fully variable torque split between front and rear axles. The combination of this motor and transmission in the X3 body size is near perfect. It is brilliant to drive with plenty of power down low and speed to burn.
Safety is provided by driver and front passenger airbags, seat occupancy detector for front passenger airbag; head airbags in the front and rear; side airbags for driver and front passenger, Dynamic Braking Lights, DSC incl. ABS, BA, CBC, DTC and HDC.
The BMW X3 xDrive30d is almost perfectly balanced as an AWD SUV. While it has some off road aspirations, take it too far and it’s not pretty. Think of it as a sports SUV that provides balance in performance and handling with reasonable towing capacity.
What is good:
• Diesel’s power/economy
• Practical family car
• Lots of standard features
What’s not so good:
• Not suited to off road
• Expensive to buy and service
• We had to give it back to BMW
Model BMW X3 xDrive30d
Model Price $84,682 RDAP
Drivetrain AWD 3.0L TDi 8 speed Auto
Power 190 Kw @ 4,000 rpm
Torque 560 Nm @ 2,000 rpm
Safety 5 Star ANCAP
CO2 Emissions 159 g/km
Green Vehicle Rating 3 ½ Star
Economy (ADR comb) 6.0 L/100km
Tow Capacity – Max 2400 kg
Tow Ball Rating 240 kg
Servicing TBC
Warranty 3yr/ 130,000 km with full roadside assist
Overall OzRoamer Rating 81/100
Behind the Wheel 8
Comfort 9
Equipment 8
Performance 9
Ride & Handling 9
Practicality 8
Fit for Purpose 9
Towing Ability 7
Off Road Ability 5
Value for Money 9
