BMW X3 2014-2022 xDrive30d M Sport

X3 2014-2022 xDrive30d M Sport Review

BMW India has added one more trim in its X3 SUV lineup, which is named as BMW X3 xDrive30d M Sport . Like other trims in this series, it also locally assembled and available at the price tag of Rs 59.9 Lakh (Ex Showroom – New Delhi). This latest version has a M Aerodynamic package, which includes beefed up front and rear bumpers, dark shadow metallic color diffusers along with body colored wheel arches and door trims. This sports utility vehicle being sold in six exterior paint options, which includes an exclusive color that is Carbon Black Metallic. This variant is powered by a 3.0-litre diesel engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 2993cc. This twin-turbo, six cylinder based engine is coupled with an eight speed steptronic sport automatic transmission gear box. However, one of the most important aspect is its super select 4WD system, which enables the driver to switch between four wheel and two wheel drive option easily. The braking and suspension mechanism is quite quite proficient and helps in keeping it well balanced on all road conditions. Its robust body structure and decent ground clearance makes it perfect for off-roading. This SUV will lock horns with the likes of Audi Q5, Mercedes Benz ML Class, Volvo XC60 and others in this segment. It comes with a two year standard warranty regardless of its mileage. At the same time, it also has twelve years warranty period for its body work and three years for paint.

Exteriors:

The external appearance is captivating owing to its beautifully designed cosmetics. It comes with sportiness as standard, thanks to the reinforced bumpers and metallic diffusers. The front fascia is designed with a typical kidney shaped grille, which has a lot of chrome treatment on it. It is flanked by a translucent headlight cluster that is equipped with refined twin circular Bi-xenon headlamps. It has four LED illuminated rings for side lights and daytime running lights also. The muscular bumper is accompanied by cladding for preventing it from minor damages. It houses a large air intake section for cooling the powerful engine. The company has designed its side profile very sleekly with body colored outside rear view mirrors, which are electrically adjustable as well as foldable along with anti dazzle function. Its door handles are chrome finished and roof rails are in aluminum satin finish, which gives the sides a decent look. The elegance of side profile is further enhanced by high gloss black embellishments on B and C pillars. Moreover, this variant runs on brand new set of M-light alloy wheels and also features M-logo on the sides. The rear end gets a luminous taillight cluster that is equipped with a new lighting pattern. The dual tone rear bumper is further equipped with protective cladding along with a pair of reflectors and tailpipes. Its large windshield has a defogger along with wash and wipe function. It also has a sporty rear spoiler, which is integrated with LED high mounted stop lamp. 

Interiors:

This variant has a spacious internal cabin, which comes with extensive use of Sensatec leather upholstery and further emphasized by fineline wood inlays. It is complemented by ambient lighting and a lot of chrome inserts. The company has incorporated it with ergonomically designed seats. The front seats are electrically adjustable with proper lumbar support, while driver's seat comes with memory function as well. Its first and second row gets center armrest featuring storage compartment along with drink holders. Its rear cabin has bench seat with 60:40 split folding facility, which contributes towards improving the boot capacity. At the same time, its high end trim is bestowed with an improved Nevada leather upholstery featuring 'X' stamp on its head restraints. The cockpit section is furnished with a sleek dashboard that gives it an attractive look. There is a three spoke multi-functional steering wheel that is covered with leather upholstery and embossed with M-logo. The center fascia houses several advanced equipments like an AC unit, infotainment system with touchscreen display and several ergonomically positioned control switches for convenience of the driver. The instrument cluster has an integrated color screen along with two round shaped meters, which displays various informatics for keeping the driver updated. 

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, this variant is fitted with a powerful 3.0-litre, in-line diesel engine that comes with a displacement capacity of 2993cc. It is integrated with six cylinders and twenty four valves. This mill is incorporated with a high pressure common rail based direct injection fuel supply system. The car maker has also installed the a twin-power turbocharger, which helps this motor to unleash a maximum power of 258bhp at 4000rpm and generates a commanding torque output of 560Nm between 1500 to 3000rpm. This refined diesel engine is paired with an advanced 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission gearbox that works in collaboration with xDrive intelligent 4WD system to deliver torque output to all four wheels. 

Braking and Handling:

All its four wheels have been fitted with set of internally vented disc brakes. It is further augmented by anti lock braking system and brake assist that works in collaboration with cornering brake control. In addition to these, it also has dynamic stability including traction control, which reduces the loss of traction. Both axles are coupled with dynamic damper control with infinite and independent damping function. The cabin is incorporated with an electromechanical steering system featuring Servotronic assistance that activates only when needed and helps in improving the efficiency.  

Comfort Features:

The cabin is bestowed with a 2-zone automatic air conditioning system including active carbon micro-filter and rear air con vents. The BMW ConnectDrive is equipped with a lot of advanced features like BMW apps, Bluetooth with handsfree and USB interface, extended Bluetooth with audio streaming, voice control, office functions and contact photo display. It has a rear view camera along with display on central console, which makes the parking quite easy. Not to forget, its BMW Driving Experience control is the most advanced feature that provides desired driving style with the help of ECOPRO, Comfort and Sport modes. Apart from these, it also has sophisticated feature like a panoramic glass roof, which adds to the plushness of its interiors. 

Safety Features:

This variant is incorporated with several sophisticated features that safeguard the vehicle and its occupants. Its cabin is equipped with active head restraints along with six airbags, which minimizes the damage caused in case of any collision. There are three point seat belts given to all seats with pyrotechnic belt tensioner and load limiter facility. In addition to these, it comes integrated with first aid kit including warning triangle, three point seat belts featuring belt tensioner including force limiter, runflat tyres with reinforced side walls and ISOFIX child seat mounting. It also has an electronic vehicle immobilizer for preventing the vehicle from unauthorized entry, which includes a crash sensor as well. 

Pros:

1. Attractive exteriors with M-Aerodynamic package.
2. High ground clearance allows it to deal with any terrain.

Cons:

1. High cost of maintenance and spare parts.
2. Music system can be upgraded.