2018 BMW X3 Review / Comparison - In 4K
video description
Date: 2019-05-30
Related videos
Comments and reviews: 10
Lagibizar
Just drove the exact same car but without adaptive suspension (it had fixed suspension damping) and I must say, it rides beautifully. Potholes and bumps are dispatched softly, without any wallowy feeling. And it corners like a sedan that is lower to the road. You can save money by not opting for adaptive suspension. But in terms of design, the base or luxury line X3 isnt that great looking (not ugly though, just not as good as it can). You need to get M Sport kit and 20 inch rims before it starts looking really good. The 2. 0 turbo felt sprightly enough for daily use. Cant imagine what the M40i would feel like. All in all, a very good all rounder vehicle. Drives like a 5 Series and is almost as quiet. But with more boot space and higher ride. The only thing that can be better (among the Germans) is a 5 Series Touring. But you only get that in Europe I suppose.
reply
Just drove the exact same car but without adaptive suspension (it had fixed suspension damping) and I must say, it rides beautifully. Potholes and bumps are dispatched softly, without any wallowy feeling. And it corners like a sedan that is lower to the road. You can save money by not opting for adaptive suspension. But in terms of design, the base or luxury line X3 isnt that great looking (not ugly though, just not as good as it can). You need to get M Sport kit and 20 inch rims before it starts looking really good. The 2. 0 turbo felt sprightly enough for daily use. Cant imagine what the M40i would feel like. All in all, a very good all rounder vehicle. Drives like a 5 Series and is almost as quiet. But with more boot space and higher ride. The only thing that can be better (among the Germans) is a 5 Series Touring. But you only get that in Europe I suppose.
reply
Walt Odets
As always, I appreciate this review with its intelligence and thoroughness. But in both this review and many others, I do wonder though about your attachment to Volvo. Ive not heard you mention the loud and horrible sound of those over-stressed two-liter engines, and I do not recall mention of the terrible reliability that contemporary Volvos seem to have. And I should also mention the infotainment, which is small-buttoned, touch-screen-only affair that is, I think, very dangerous to use while driving. I know that you like the aesthetics of the Volvo, as do I, but is that really enough?
reply
As always, I appreciate this review with its intelligence and thoroughness. But in both this review and many others, I do wonder though about your attachment to Volvo. Ive not heard you mention the loud and horrible sound of those over-stressed two-liter engines, and I do not recall mention of the terrible reliability that contemporary Volvos seem to have. And I should also mention the infotainment, which is small-buttoned, touch-screen-only affair that is, I think, very dangerous to use while driving. I know that you like the aesthetics of the Volvo, as do I, but is that really enough?
reply
DailyRant
Great review as usual Alex. The main thing that frustrates me with this gens X3 is that they launch this car with iDrive 6 than less than a year later the new X5 comes out with the iDrive 7. While you can argue X5 is a different class, the same interior goes into the new 3 series as well. If BMW doesnt update the X3s interior during the LCI, were looking at a very dated interior (for BMW) for the next 5 years or more. Its not that iDrive 7 is leap years ahead in terms of features, but as a consumer knowing youre a generation behind is not a good feeling.
reply
Great review as usual Alex. The main thing that frustrates me with this gens X3 is that they launch this car with iDrive 6 than less than a year later the new X5 comes out with the iDrive 7. While you can argue X5 is a different class, the same interior goes into the new 3 series as well. If BMW doesnt update the X3s interior during the LCI, were looking at a very dated interior (for BMW) for the next 5 years or more. Its not that iDrive 7 is leap years ahead in terms of features, but as a consumer knowing youre a generation behind is not a good feeling.
reply
Macky Mode
Its weird how BMW did the instrument cluster, and not even putting in a clear plastic cover to protect the gauges, I really dont like it. The interior overall hasnt really changed over the years either, it looks a bit outdated even for a brand new design, BMW might want to learn a thing or two from Audi and Mazda interior theme. Inline-6 is nice, but its also kind of pointless for a crossover, I think Ill have to give the new RDX a good hard look even though I dont really like that obnoxious tail light design. Sorry Mercedes, your crossover is boring.
reply
Its weird how BMW did the instrument cluster, and not even putting in a clear plastic cover to protect the gauges, I really dont like it. The interior overall hasnt really changed over the years either, it looks a bit outdated even for a brand new design, BMW might want to learn a thing or two from Audi and Mazda interior theme. Inline-6 is nice, but its also kind of pointless for a crossover, I think Ill have to give the new RDX a good hard look even though I dont really like that obnoxious tail light design. Sorry Mercedes, your crossover is boring.
reply
Sam S
I just test drove this car last week. It is a nice car, but decided against it and the Volvo. I went for massive value instead. Found out that GM is updating the Buick Envision moving from a 6 speed transmission to a 9 speed. Sure it is not quite as luxurious, and it is not quite as good to drive (but Hyperstrut helps out quite a bit on the top Premium trim level. But for a fully loaded model for 20K less than the BMW (only because the 2019 is coming out in May) I could not justify paying that much more for a car that is better - but not so much better.
reply
I just test drove this car last week. It is a nice car, but decided against it and the Volvo. I went for massive value instead. Found out that GM is updating the Buick Envision moving from a 6 speed transmission to a 9 speed. Sure it is not quite as luxurious, and it is not quite as good to drive (but Hyperstrut helps out quite a bit on the top Premium trim level. But for a fully loaded model for 20K less than the BMW (only because the 2019 is coming out in May) I could not justify paying that much more for a car that is better - but not so much better.
reply
Chris Kellett
Alex- I dont understand how you can do a very favorable review of Lincolns MKC and yet in every discussion on Q5, X3, QX50, etc you dont even put it in the list. The MKC Reserve and Black Label absolutely puts this car to shame. Reliability on X3 is a joke and for a comparably equipped MKC you get so much more. I agree that the MKC is not a sports car but unless you are buying a Macan none of these CUVs are. Usually dont feel you are biased but lately it seems like you are back to just Volvo, BMW, Audi, etc
reply
Alex- I dont understand how you can do a very favorable review of Lincolns MKC and yet in every discussion on Q5, X3, QX50, etc you dont even put it in the list. The MKC Reserve and Black Label absolutely puts this car to shame. Reliability on X3 is a joke and for a comparably equipped MKC you get so much more. I agree that the MKC is not a sports car but unless you are buying a Macan none of these CUVs are. Usually dont feel you are biased but lately it seems like you are back to just Volvo, BMW, Audi, etc
reply
Sufyan Qteishat
Great review. I tried XC60 and X3. The X3 is much better for rear comfort and room as the Volvos front seat anchors are so big that advantage of lower tunnel and more hypothetical legroom are negated. The middle passage has to spread their legs wide and encroach on the other passengers. Also infotainment system much easier to use in the BMW. GLC was narrower the back and felt less spacious up front as windshield is much closer to the drivers face.
reply
Great review. I tried XC60 and X3. The X3 is much better for rear comfort and room as the Volvos front seat anchors are so big that advantage of lower tunnel and more hypothetical legroom are negated. The middle passage has to spread their legs wide and encroach on the other passengers. Also infotainment system much easier to use in the BMW. GLC was narrower the back and felt less spacious up front as windshield is much closer to the drivers face.
reply
sap268
I bought the X3 last month. Mileage to date is over 1600 miles, I got an overall 29mpg (most of the mileage was highway on a long road trip. If I was doing it again, I would take the run flat tires and not lose space with the spare tire; also I would not get a trailer hitch, in two minds about Apple Play - like some aspects, not others. Comfort and handling is top notch. Very roomy passenger compartment but luggage space is not that great.
reply
I bought the X3 last month. Mileage to date is over 1600 miles, I got an overall 29mpg (most of the mileage was highway on a long road trip. If I was doing it again, I would take the run flat tires and not lose space with the spare tire; also I would not get a trailer hitch, in two minds about Apple Play - like some aspects, not others. Comfort and handling is top notch. Very roomy passenger compartment but luggage space is not that great.
reply
Rich X
Really enjoying my new X3. I agree with the assessment. Not necessarily the best in any category, but very good in all areas. It is a really well rounded vehicle. I agree too with many comments regarding add ons - they add up quickly and if more were inclusive the BMW would be a real stand out. The BMW idrive with the touch screen is absolutely best in class and that in itself could sway a buyer to buy this over competitors.
reply
Really enjoying my new X3. I agree with the assessment. Not necessarily the best in any category, but very good in all areas. It is a really well rounded vehicle. I agree too with many comments regarding add ons - they add up quickly and if more were inclusive the BMW would be a real stand out. The BMW idrive with the touch screen is absolutely best in class and that in itself could sway a buyer to buy this over competitors.
reply
Bill
Alex, I need some clarification on your rating system for noise. Both the 2017 CRV and the 2017 CX-5 measured 70 decibels at 50 mph in your testing. Yet, the CRV scored an A while the CX5 scored an A-. Was this an oversight or is there an explanation? Further, if the CRV and the CX5 score A and A-, respectively, should the X3 be scoring an A for noise, considering it is an entry luxury/luxury vehicle?
reply
Alex, I need some clarification on your rating system for noise. Both the 2017 CRV and the 2017 CX-5 measured 70 decibels at 50 mph in your testing. Yet, the CRV scored an A while the CX5 scored an A-. Was this an oversight or is there an explanation? Further, if the CRV and the CX5 score A and A-, respectively, should the X3 be scoring an A for noise, considering it is an entry luxury/luxury vehicle?
reply
Add a review, comment
Other channel videos
