Overview Diesel technology in a compact luxury crossover
Pros Great fuel economy, nicely made
Cons Cramped rear seat
Value for money Dependent upon diesel pricing
What would I change? Add paddle shifters
How would I spec it? Base X3 xDrive 28d features plenty of standard equipment
Every once in a while, I’m asked if I find myself changing in order to suit whichever vehicle I happen to be driving that week, a sort of man-to-machine anthropomorphic transference of personality characteristics. Well, sure – sometimes it’s inevitable. While I’ll never be able to pull off the sort of casual entitlement necessary to look at home in a Mercedes-Benz S-Class, there’s a sense of well-being that comes over me when comfortably ensconced in a luxurious vehicle. Imagining I’m part of its fortunate demographic, if only temporarily, is irresistible.
And so it goes with this week’s tester, the 2015 BMW X3 xDrive28d.
2015 BMW X3 28d
Lesley WImbush, Driving
Understated in pristine white, the X3 eschews the usual swoops and curves of its segment for knife-sharp lines and clean edges. Refreshed for 2015, the X3 wears a somewhat angrier face featuring a more chiseled jawline, and wider headlights framing a re-worked version of the twin-kidney grille.
It’s a good-looking vehicle, although nothing to inspire envious second looks. But I can’t help the sigh of contentment that escapes every time I climb into its well-crafted cabin. It’s the same feeling that came from being able to afford my first well-made pair of shoes – that satisfactory sense of being well cared-for.
Although it debuted as a compact SUV, the X3 has grown nearly to the size of the original X5, its larger sibling.
2015 BMW X3 28d
Lesley WImbush, Driving
Past X3s had cabins that were a little on the drab side, but for 2015 it has received a slathering of interior richness. What was previously armoured in hard plastics is now clad in high-quality, soft-touch surfaces.
It’s not an overtly luxurious setting, but there’s an elevated sense of quality in the fragrant, stitched leather and brushed aluminum pieces. Front seating is comfortable and high, with great visibility and decent leg and headroom. The intrusion of the driveline tunnel restricts rear space to two comfortable seats, or three in a pinch. Cargo space of 550 litres expands to 1,600 L when the 40/20/40 split rear seats are folded down. That space is easily accessed by a liftgate that opens and closes automatically when the keyholder waves a foot under the rear bumper.
There’s a host of on-board safety equipment included in my tester’s optional Technology Package, which includes Lane Departure, Blind Spot and Collision Warning and a Highbeam Assistant, which courteously dims the high beams when other vehicles approach.
2015 BMW X3 28d
Lesley WImbush, Driving
But of course, one of the most important features of this particular vehicle lies under the hood. Like the Mercedes-Benz GLK and Audi Q5 before it, the BMW X3 has joined the ranks of Teutonic luxury SUVs to offer an optional engine. Oil burners, once reviled for their stink and clatter, have steadily gained favour as they’ve grown increasingly refined. And of course, with the current emphasis on low emissions and fuel efficiency, the new diesels have gained a certain cachet among the more eco-conscientious.
While not as powerful as either of its closest German competitors, the X3’s 2.0L turbocharged four’s output of 181 horsepower and respectable 280 pound-feet of torque move it along briskly enough. It’s mated to an eight-speed transmission whose smooth operation is largely responsible for the X3’s quick responsiveness, while keeping the rpms in a sweet spot low enough to maximize fuel efficiency. Maximum torque is available as low as 1,750 rpm, and the diesel’s 7.2-second zero to 100 km/h time is only marginally slower than the gasoline-powered model’s 6.2.
2015 BMW X3 28d
Lesley WImbush, Driving
Very little of the typical diesel clatter makes its way into the cabin, it’s only with the window down that one is reminded that this is, indeed, an oil-burner.
The X3 is one of the sportier vehicles in its segment, with firm and tight handling. BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system is standard, varying the torque from front to rear, or to outside wheels to provide more stability during tight turns.
Surprisingly, there are no paddle shifters, although there’s a manual setting for the gear selector. I tend to use those only during the winter months, when the ability to manually downshift is a boon on slippery descents. This particular shifter takes a bit of getting used to: initially I found myself uselessly revving in Neutral until its rather unique operation became more intuitive.
2015 BMW X3 28d
Lesley WImbush, Driving
There are three selectable drive modes: Sport: which quickens both steering and transmission shifts but also cancels the Start/Stop function; Normal, and Eco Pro – which features an encouraging display showing the amount of fuel saved.
BMW claims best in segment fuel consumption numbers over their diesel competitors, with official ratings of 8.6 L/100 km city/6.9 L highway with an overall 7.9 L/100 km combined – compared to the X3 XDrive28i with ratings of 11.1/8.4/9.9. Over a week of mixed driving, I averaged 8.1 L/100 km, while mostly operating in “Normal” mode.
The price for the diesel engine is an extra $1,700 over a similarly configured gasoline model. Whether it’s worth it or not depends on whether you drive enough to make up the difference – and whether gasoline continues to dip while diesel rises.
2015 BMW X3 28d
Lesley WImbush, Driving
The Specs
Type of Vehicle AWD compact luxury sport utility vehicle
Engine Turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder
Power 181 hp @4,000 rpm; 280 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1,750 rpm
Transmission Eight-speed automatic
Brakes 4-wheel disc with ABS
Natural Resources Canada fuel economy (L/100 km) 8.6 city,6.9 highway
Price (base/as tested) $47,690/57,295
PDI $2,095
Standard Dynamic Stability Control, Auto start/stop engine function, traction control, all-wheel drive, CD/MP3/USB/Bluetooth, BMW assist emergency call and BMW TeleServices, cruise, heated steering wheel, heated windshield washer jets, ambient lighting, remote keyless entry, 8-way passenger driver and passenger seating, driver info centre (iDrive) cargo tie-downs and more
2015 BMW X3 28d
Lesley WImbush, Driving
