2022 BMW X3 (facelift) review: Should you buy it?
BMW has been extremely successful with its SUV range in India and the X3 is a hugely popular model for them. To continue the momentum, the German automaker recently launched the updated version with numerous tweaks to its design, interiors and equipment list. The luxury SUV is also available with both petrol and diesel powertrain options. Here's our review.
Why does this story matter?
SUVs have become the leading choice for many luxury car buyers due to their versatility, ground clearance, and commanding driving position. The new X3 also lands in a competitive segment space with numerous other SUVs jostling for market share. This is a heavily updated version of the X3 launched way back in 2018 and it is also locally produced in India alongside other BMWs.
The car has a bigger grille
Like all new BMW designs, the kidney grille is now larger than before but here it fits in well with the persona of the X3. There are also new adaptive LED headlights along with a new front bumper. The rear styling is also a lot more aggressive looking with a striking new taillamp design while elsewhere, 19-inch alloy wheels are now standard.
The interior design is focused on the driver
The interior design is typically BMW with the way the controls are placed while the focus is on the driver. Space on offer is also quite good. The quality of materials is very high and the use of leather, wood finish, and chrome lends the cabin a premium feel. New to the X3 (facelift) is a larger touchscreen with a crisp touch response.
From 3-zone climate control to a 360-degree-view camera
The X3 (facelift) now gets a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with gesture control and smartphone connectivity. The instrument cluster is also a 12.3-inch digital unit with reconfigured graphics. You get a 360-degree-view camera, electrically adjustable front seats, 3-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and gesture control. A 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system is also present which delivers good sound quality.
The engine has a strong power delivery
The X3 (facelift) has a 2.0-liter diesel engine which develops 190hp/400Nm. Standard is an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Performance is brisk with a strong power delivery as the diesel motor provides a lot of torque. The gearbox is also very responsive which further makes the driving experience quite sporty. The X3 (facelift) can sprint from 0-100km/h in 7.9 seconds.
The car offers excellent high speed stability
The BMW X3 (facelift) offers excellent high speed stability while body roll is very well controlled. The steering offers the correct amount of weight and gives the driver the confidence to push for more. That said, we found the ride quality to be a bit on the firm side with the suspension tuned more for outright dynamics. In terms of fuel efficiency, expect 14-16km/l.
Is it worth your money?
The BMW X3 (facelift) in its diesel form is priced at Rs. 65.5 lakh (ex-showroom). We feel the X3 continues to appeal to the driving-focused luxury SUV buyer with its excellent dynamics and that ultimately makes it stand out amongst its rivals. Add in the luxurious cabin and a long equipment list and the X3 (facelift) presents a strong proposition.
