BMW X3

Best-selling midsize luxury SUV is comfier and techier than ever before

- ABHAY VERMA

It wouldn't be wrong to say the X3 has been an important cornerstone for BMW in India. The midsize luxury SUV has had a significant share in helping the German luxury car maker achieve excellent sales numbers year on year, besides being a sweet spot in the luxury SUV scene with its size, powertrain options and trademark BMW dynamics. The latest, fourth-generation X3 though aims to broaden the nameplate’s appeal with an added focus on comfort. I spent a couple of days driving it in the city and on highways, and came back impressed.

First things first, the design grows on you. We've seen BMW launch some very polarising looking cars, but like the 7 Series and XM, I started appreciating the X3’s design as I spent time with it. The overall design and sharp lines help it look smaller, though fact is the X3 has gotten bigger and is larger than rivals like the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. The new grille looks more appealing and I also like its diagonal slats and the gloss black plastic in the ‘kidneys’. The grille is also illuminated, and overall, there’s a very taut feel to the front end now given the new grille and headlamp design. BMW is offering the X3 only in the sportier M Sport trim in India and the 19-inch wheels add to its stance. Door handles are flush units similar to the iX1’s. The new X3 features a diffuser-esque panel on the rear bumper along with a roof-mounted spoiler, while the tailgate looks clean, devoid of too many lines or creases. Effectively, the new design is radical but with a more universal appeal, which should make it more endearing to a wide audience.