BMW X3 xDrive20 M Sport Review

When BMW launched the very first X3 in 2003, the model was panned for its design. But it was praised for is dynamic abilities, for it handled well compared to other rivals, while being able to go off-road, too.

Its successor, which arrived in 2010, boasted improvements in key areas such as space, quality and of course, performance. In particular, the xDrive35i model and its straight-six engine felt like a large hatchback and had a communicative chassis to boot.

However, the third-generation X3 that followed in 2017 felt like it had lost its way. Though still successful, it felt like an American SUV, having grown bigger and cushier, but the drive and handling had taken a backseat. Fortunately for X3 fans, this all-new model has gone back to its roots.

The new X3's styling is cleaner than before and features 'flatter' surfaces

Cleaner lines and surfaces

Speaking of faces, the fourth-generation X3 looks vastly different from the previous model. Instead of chiselled surfaces, the X3's body panels are mostly flat and seem monolithic. If it looks familiar, it's because other BMW models such as the X1, X2, and M5 have been given the similar treatment.

Adding presence to the X3 are the larger and illuminated grille, which has both diagonal and horizontal lines, which are styling elements that BMW is into these days. At the rear, you'll find the taillights look 'flatter' than before, and the 'winged' design is more attractive than the 'two-prong' shape on the older model.

BMW says that it has improved the X3's handling and if you ever needed a sign that says as much, look no further than the wheels. The M Sport model comes with 20-inch wheels in staggered sizes as standard, with 255/45 series tyres in front and relatively wide 285/40 series tyres in the rear. The latter pair hints at the SUV's rear-wheel drive bias.

Contrasting colours can be selected to create more drama in the cockpit

Tech and UX

The X3's interior is contemporary, too. As with other BMW models, the dashboard is dominated by the Curved Display and Interaction Bar. To liven up the space, the ambient lighting can be set to contrasting hues, though you can choose a single colour, too.

Sports seats, along with a flat-bottom steering wheel, are both standard. The former provides good back and lateral support, while the latter's thick rim offers a comfy grip.

The X3 caters to drivers - you only need minimal adjustments to get the driving position spot-on

What drivers will also appreciate is the X3's infotainment system, which is now running OS 9. The interface is both simpler and more intuitive, as the various functions are organised under 'All', 'Infotainment', 'Vehicle' and 'Recently Used', making them easier to find.

Swiping down from the top lets you add menu shortcuts for your most accessed functions. Handily, the stop-start button is also revealed, so you can switch off this function before driving off. Don't get me wrong - the engine's restarts are imperceptible, but you'll know the engine is off as the cabin becomes perceptibly warmer.

The cockpit's layout is relatively clean, and it's good to see that a number of physical controls have been retained

Physical controls on the centre panel are still present for convenience. What's puzzling, though, are the ventilation controls beside the front door handles: You digitally adjust the height of the air stream by selecting one of the different levels, and it's annoying rather than cool.

Air vents with physical controls that can be directly adjusted are what everyone is used to, so digitalising them is an attempt to solve an issue that never existed before. Instead, this move creates a new problem and makes interacting with the car less seamless.

Passenger space and practicality have been enhanced, making the latest X3 more versatile than the older one

Thankfully, this issue doesn't exist in the rear as the air vents have manual controls. Passengers here have plenty of legroom, as well as a pair of USB-C ports for charging phones. The only downside is the floor protrusion is rather tall, which makes things awkward for the middle occupant, who must sit with his or her feet on either side of the hump.

Practicality has been improved, though. The X3's boot capacity has grown by 10 litres to 570 litres with the rear seats in place. Fold them and the volume expands to 1,700 litres, enabling the X3 to be used as a cargo transporter.

The turbocharged four-cylinder is capable and only makes itself heard above 4,000rpm

Mixed results

The X3 is currently available in three flavours: 20 xDrive, 20 xDrive M Sport, and the range-topping M50 xDrive. The first two variants are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 188bhp and 310Nm of torque, while the latter has a straight-six delivering 393bhp and 580Nm of torque.

With an eight-speed automatic gearbox, the X3 20 xDrive M Sport finishes the century sprint in 8.5 seconds, a relatively respectable time. Curiously, the previous X3 we drove that had the same powertrain was the xDrive30i M Sport, which had 181bhp and 350Nm of torque, and a zero to 100km/h time of 6.6 seconds.

A tab functions as the gearshift lever, but you can always use the paddle shifters to swap cogs

Though the new X3 doesn't have the same punch as the older one, it certainly makes up for this with its improved dynamics. Whereas the preceding model felt large and unwieldy, the latest one feels smaller and more focussed.

Its turn-ins are sharper because the nose is now more obedient. The body leans and moves less when cornering, too, which makes directional changes feel more seamless. The 'lardy' feel is reduced, making it a much nicer drive.

Those wide rear tyres help enhance the feel from the rear end, which is more communicative than before

Even more significant is the fact that the X3 feels more communicative than before. You get a better sense of what the rear end is doing, and crucially, the rear-wheel drive bias that BMW claims is more evident here as well. Those wide rear tyres can be exploited, and this bodes well for the M50 xDrive model.

The obvious downside to M Sport suspension is the firmer ride. There's a 'busyness' to the ride quality, and it gets rather bumpy when going over roads that have been unevenly patched after they've been dug up. You won't get a headache, but you will feel annoyed whenever this happens.

A need for give and take

The new X3's focus on agility and driveability is a welcome step. It handles better than before and has a more communicative chassis, too. But at the same time, it's also slower than the previous model with a comparable powertrain, while its interior design is polarising and has a few ergonomic issues as well.

If you're keen on buying your first X3, then the latest one - especially the non-M Sport model - is worth checking out. You may also wish to consider direct competitors such as the Mercedes-Benz GLC300 and Porsche Macan.

That said, would-be X3 buyers may wish to hold off a bit longer to see the model's in-house rival, the next iX3. BMW gave us a glimpse of this with the Vision Neue Klasse X, and if that model's technology and eye-catching design are up your alley, it might be worth waiting for.

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