BMW X3 4x4 xDrive20d SE 5dr Reader reviews

My car

My X3 was finally delivered on April 15th - 3 months later than anticipated when ordered in November. Main options were the auto transmission, dynamic package, heated front seats and a few other bits and bobs. Build quality and finish seem much better than on the previous model there's plenty of standard kit. I traded in a 120D and found it remarkably easy to move to this much larger beast, such is the ease of driving this car and the excellent all round visibility helped by the large door mirrors.The engine is as quiet and BMW's other diesel offerings and performance is strong and lively. The car handles remarkably nimbly for such a large tall vehicle and the grip on winding roads is reassuring. It drives much more like a car than the Freelander I drove recently. The steering feels almost too light at times though I suspect this is something I will get used to. There is plenty of storage space in the cabin with large door bins though the centre console storage is rendered almost unusable to due the location of one of the two 12v power sockets. The boot space with rear seats in place is adequate rather than generous though there is plenty of concealed under-floor storage for more valuable items. Fuel economy following around 500 miles of mixed driving conditions is currently around 36mpg which is far short of the claimed figures and I hope this improves as the car is 'run in'. All in all I am very pleased with the car and would recommend the X3 to anyone considering a 4x4.

My car

I bought my new X3 just before christmas 2010. I had previously had an X3 2.0d SE.

The new car is a big improvement over the old one. Much more refined to drive and much better finished inside, more like an X5.

I spec'd Mineral Silver, auto box, cold climate pack, sport seats, prof media and a tow bar.

The sport seats are a big improvement on the standard SE seats and worth the extra I think. The kids love the heated seats in the back that come with the cold climate pack. The media system takes a bit of getting used to but it is able to store songs on a hard drive meaning no more CDs rattling around. It can also play DVDs.

The auto box is 8 speed and does a good job at keeping revs down when driving along but will kick down well when overtaking or making a climb.

The car is (and feels) a bit bigger than the old one and two booster seats plus an adult can now comfortably sit in the back.

My one gripe so far is the economy. I have been returning around 34mpg around town. I returned 40 on a recent motorway run. Both well short of the claimed figures.

I like the car a lot and would recommend it without hesitation.