BMW’s model line up is more than XXX rated, what with an X1, X5, X6 and this, the new and improved version of the X3, the Bavarian manufacturer should provide all the superlative ‘X’periences you heart could desire. Add to that the range of engines available, from sensible 2.0-litre units through to a tarmac-terrorising 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 and you are just plain spoilt for choice. Admittedly unconvinced upon hearing news that the latest BMW X3 had grown in size and was now closer to the larger X5 than ever before, one-on-one time with the new X3 revealed it to be the thinking man’s ‘X’.

Compared with the previous model, the new BMW X3 is characterised by a noticeable increase in dimensions and corresponding comfort. Exterior length has increased by 83 mm to 4 648 mm, with width increasing by 28 mm to 1 881 mm and height by 12 mm to 1 661 mm. With these dimensions it is in fact positioned precisely between the BMW X5 and the compact BMW X1. Styled around these new dimensions, the BMW X3 looks more ‘mature’ and less awkward than before. The xDrive35i is the range-topper and as such, features 18-inch light alloy wheels, while an M-Sport kit with 19-inch wheels and a unique bodykit is also available.

The larger dimensions mean no shortage of interior space. All passengers have ample leg-, head- and shoulder-room and are carried in comfort in supportive leather-covered seats. The front seats are available with electronic adjustment and programmable memory function, but, as you don’t often need to adjust your seat once you’ve found a comfortable position, I wouldn’t class this R10 800 option as essential. A good few hours behind the wheel proved the seats are comfortable and the interior ergonomics well executed, as is typical of BMW with their driver-oriented layout. The BMW X3 has a generous 550-litre boot area, expandable to 1 600-litres with the rear seats folded flat in their 40:20:40 split configuration. The boot also features fold-away hooks to keep shopping bags upright, a cargo net, as well as various tie-down points. In terms of luxuries and conveniences, the X3 is well equipped, with the likes of BMW’s iDrive system and 6.5-inch colour display, sports leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles, dual-zone climate control, cruise control with brake function, park distance control (front and rear) and more. An optional extra on the test unit was the Head-Up Display (HUD) system, which indicates speed, the selected gear, as well as navigation commands from the sat-nav system when in use, at the base of the windscreen. The BMW X3 is currently the only vehicle in its class to feature such a system.

The 3.0-litre straight six-cylinder, ‘TwinPower’ petrol engine beneath the bonnet is, quite simply, a gem. It is BMW’s first production engine to use high precision injection and variable ‘Valvetronic’ valve management combined with a single twin-scroll turbocharger. It’s a firm favourite of mine and endows the Sport Activity Vehicle (SAV) with sportscar-like performance. With 225 kW of peak power available at 5 800 r/min and, just as importantly, 400 N.m of torque between 1 200 – 5 000 r/min, the X3 xDrive35i is capable of reaching 100 km/h from standstill in 5.7 seconds, on par with the BMW 335i Convertible. In conjunction with the 8-speed transmission, brake-energy regeneration and start/stop technology, the X3 xDrive35i also manages respectable economy figures in relation to its performance. BMW claim average fuel consumption of 8.8 L/100km with CO2 emissions of 204 g/km. On the open road I managed 7.8 L/100km versus BMW’s claimed 7.4 L/100km – pretty good for real-world conditions. Around town the start/stop system proved a little intrusive, taking a smidgen too long to fire the engine into life, plus, with all that torque and the automatic gearbox, the X3 tended to lurch slightly in gear as the engine resumed operation. Thankfully the system can be turned off if desired.

The new BMW X3 comes with permanent four-wheel drive technology, ‘xDrive’, as standard. Its electronic control unit, which is interlinked with the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), counters any tendency to oversteer or understeer. Together with a completely redeveloped suspension, comprising of a double-joint spring-strut axle at the front, a five-link rear axle and a 92 mm wider track than before, the X3 is capable of cornering at higher speeds than one might imagine. The Electric Power Steering (EPS) forms part of BMW’s EfficientDynamics efficiency measures and whereas conventional steering uses a hydraulic/mechanical setup to turn the front wheels, EPS relies on an electric motor to achieve the same results. Despite the mechanical disconnect, the X3 steers precisely and the steering wheel accurately reproduces the solid feel and weight of the mid-sized SAV. On dirt roads the X3 rides surprisingly well and, while on the firm side, is never going to rattle your fillings. The X3 is also available with Dynamic Damper Control, which electronically adjusts the dampers according to the driver’s selection of either Normal, Sport or Sport+ modes.

To dismiss the X3′s off-road abilities as only being good enough for the occasional dirt road or a bout of pavement hopping at your local shopping mall, would be naive. With a 212 mm ride height, just 8 mm less than the Toyota Prado and Fortuner as examples, the X3 offers enough clearance to navigate more than just speed bumps. The xDrive system is also up to the task as I found out when forcing it to deal with some cross-axle situations. The electronic four-wheel drive system takes a moment to analyse the situation you’ve managed to get yourself into and then goes about distributing power between the axles and wheels to send you on your way. If you need further confirmation that the X3 is more than a soft-roader, consider that it’s just won the “Four-Wheel Drive Car of the Year 2011″ title, awarded by specialist car magazine “Auto Bild Allrad”.

Great on-road performance coupled with acceptable off-road ability, a practical interior with ample cargo volume, all wrapped in manageable exterior dimensions for the urban jungle, together with BMW’s latest technology and efficiency measures, means that this ‘X’ marks the spot within the range.

What we like…

• Have your cake and it eat. Performance, efficiency and handling on tarmac and dirt.
• New styling steers the X3 away from the awkward angles of old.

What we would like…

• A slicker stop/start system.