7 reasons to buy a BMW X3
The BMW X3 is one of our favourite large SUVs, with a high quality interior and low running costs compared to key rivals...
The BMW X3 is a premium SUV that's one of the best in its class. That's praise indeed when you consider that the Audi Q5, Land Rover Discovery Sport and Mercedes-Benz GLC are among its rivals.
Sitting between the X1 and X5 in BMW's range, the X3 is a plush SUV that's great to drive.
Here are seven reasons why the X3 should be on your SUV shortlist.
7. Premium feel
Even in a class that contains high-quality rivals like the Audi Q5 and the Land Rover Discovery Sport, the X3’s excellent interior helps it stand out. Not only is there plenty of adjustment to get comfortable, but the quality is first rate.
6. Infotainment
One of the best things about the interior is BMW’s excellent iDrive infotainment system. It comes with sat-nav as standard, as well as DAB radio and Bluetooth, and it’s all logically laid out and crisp.
5. Handling
If you go for the optional variable damper control suspension, the X3's ride is great, and offers a surprising amount of involvement for an SUV. It's one of the best cars to drive in the class, but you’re better off avoiding SE and M Sport suspension.
4. Performance
The diesel-only lineup for the X3 is packed with impressive engines. Our favourite one is the entry-level 187bhp 2.0-litre diesel xDrive20d, which pulls well from low revs and offers impressively low CO2 emissions.
3. Space in the back
There’s no seven-seat option for the X3 but rear passengers get plenty of room in this five-seater, and two adults will travel in comfort on longer journeys.
2. Practical boot
The rear seats are easily dropped to increase the boot space, which is larger in the X3 than it is in the Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60. Getting big, bulky items in is easy thanks to the boot's wide opening, plus there's no loading lip.
1. Deals
While its list price may be similar to its closest rivals, those with a keen eye for a bargain will find plenty of savings on the SUV through online broker sites. Keep checking back on our weekly deals list, because the X3 is often there.
What about buying used?
There are X3s on the used car market, and because it doesn't hold its value as well as some of its rivals there are some good deals around. The SUV received its latest update in 2014, and used examples of that version cost from around £20,000.
What next?
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