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X3 4x4

BMW X3 4x4 xDrive35d M Sport 5dr Review

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What Car? says

4 out of 5 stars

We're yet to drive the BMW X3 xDrive35d M Sport, but as soon as we do, our verdict will appear here online.

What Car? readers say

4.166667

Key facts

0–60mph: 5.8 secs
Top speed: 149 mph
Average mpg: 46.3
Tank range: 681 miles

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Features

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View the whole BMW X3 4x4 range

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The full BMW X3 review

Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Engines provide plenty of go
Ride & Handling
4 out of 5 stars
Great with the optional VDC system
Refinement
4 out of 5 stars
Reasonably quiet; awkward manual shift
Buying & Owning
5 out of 5 stars
Competitively priced; excellent fuel economy
Quality & Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
A match for anything in the class
Safety & Security
5 out of 5 stars
Gets everything buyers expect
Behind The Wheel
4 out of 5 stars
Good driving position; user-friendly dash
Space & Practicality
4 out of 5 stars
Roomy for four and boot is well shaped
Equipment
3 out of 5 stars
SE is well equipped, M Sport adds more at a cost

Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

We haven’t driven the entry-level X3 (18d sDrive) yet, and until we do, the next one up (xDrive20d SE) is our favourite. It provides all the performance you need and comes with lots of luxuries, including leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors and cruise control.

There are two other diesel engines available, both 3.0-litre units with either 255bhp or 309bhp. They're both fast, but cost thousands more that the perfectly-adequate 20d.

There's also an M Sport trim available, but we'd resist the temptation. It looks great, with a sporty body kit, but again, it costs thousands more than the SE.

BMW also offers numerous cost options, and we’d be tempted to specify the eight-speed automatic gearbox because the standard six-speed manual has a stiff action that makes it a bit too much like hard work.