The Diesel Driver published a new review of the new BMW X3. This time, the diesel-centric publication went to Europe to test one of BMW’s most efficient SUVs: the X3 xDrive20d.
As a quick background info on the car, the BMW X3 xDrive20d receives the maximum output of 184 horsepower from a 2-liter diesel engine turbo four-cylinder with aluminum crankcase and direct injection. The engine produces 280 lb-ft of torque between 1750 and 2,750 rpm. 0 to 62 mph is achieved in 8.5 seconds.
Let’s have a look at the driving experience.
Driving the BMW X3 to Berchtesgaden
The drive to Berchtesgaden took about four hours including one break and the X3 diesel used 6.3 l/100 km (38 mpg). Our average speed (thanks to traffic and lots of non-Autobahn driving) was 59.5 km/h (37 mph).
Driving the X3 on snowy roads is fun because the handling is excellent and its grip, thanks to the latest generation xDrive, is peerless. With the electronic damping control, I was able to easily switch between a sporty suspension setting on the Autobahn and a more comfortable setting for city streets. Changing from Normal, Sport, and Sport+ adjusts throttle response, power-steering weight, stability control, gearshifts and damper responses for a perfect ride.
The new X3 is far more spacious than its predecessor; indeed, it’s almost the same size as the previous generation X5. The Nevada leather seats were extremely comfortable and supportive and there is plenty of leg and head room to comfortably fit five passengers.
The fuel consumption for a four-wheel drive vehicle of this size (the new X3 has nearly the dimensions of the older X5) seems quite good even though we didn’t hit the EU highway consumption figure of 5.0 l/100 km (47 mpg).”
Full review at The Diesel Driver
Author: Horatiu B.
Source: http://www.bmwblog.com/2011/01/25/the-d ... xdrive20d/