PLEASANT X-FACTOR

The X3 delivers a thrilling driving experience without sacrificing comfort, making it the ideal SUV for the discerning driver

- Kurt Morris

The insatiable urge for bigger and faster seems to be an unwritten rule for most car manufacturers with each new generation. This holds true for SUVs as well. The BMW X3 is a prime example — a testament to its growth spurt over the years.

Imagine my surprise when picking up the new X3 at the service centre. Parked innocently beside it was a first-generation X3. The size difference was staggering! But unlike a bulky sedan, this growth spurt feels entirely appropriate for an SUV. After all, who wouldn’t welcome more space and comfort in a vehicle designed for adventure? BMW’s gamble on SUVs, starting with the iconic X5 in the late ’90s, has proven to be a golden touch. Today, their SUV lineup, including the X3, consistently outsells their sedans, offering the perfect blend of car-like handling and SUV practicality. Let’s delve deeper and see if the X3 lives up to its reputation.

The new X3 sheds its skin and emerges with a bolder, more assertive exterior. Gone are the slightly rounded edges; the new design language embraces a muscular stance with a focus on chiselled lines and a prominent grille. While undeniably an SUV, the X3’s profile retains a hint of sportiness, achieved through a lower roofline compared to some of its boxier competitors. This design choice gives the X3 a more dynamic look, like a sprinter crouched in the starting blocks,

The X3’s muscularity extends to the fenders, which have been noticeably flared to emphasise its width and road presence. This, combined with the increased use of chrome accents around the windows and along the beltline, creates a more upscale and imposing appearance. The overall impression is one of a refined yet rugged SUV, perfectly suited for navigating the urban jungle or venturing off the beaten path.