BMW covers all the bases with all-new X3

In January, BMW rolled out the all-new Rosslyn-built X3. The Citizen's Mark Jones sampled the latest generation of the popular SUV to discover why the three-model line-up caters for everyone.

- Mark Jones

The roads were an absolute mess, with flooding adding to the chaos of large potholes all over the place. So, it was probably for the best that the first BMW X3 derivative we got to drive was the ever-popular 20d. We could just sit back and enjoy the easy-going nature of the tried-and-tested four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine.

In this latest iteration, you have 145kW of power and 400Nm on tap. Thanks to the addition of a 48V mild hybrid system, there’s an extra 8kW and 25Nm available for around 10 seconds at a time when you pull the downshift paddle and activate the ‘boost’ function, which is included with the optional M Sport package.

This power is driven down to the wheels via an eight-speed Steptronic auto box courtesy of BMW’s on-demand xDrive system fitted to all the models, resulting in a claimed 0 to 100km/h time of 7,7 seconds and a top speed of 215km/h.

FRUGAL SIPPER