What is it? BMW’s X3 has always been a car to break new ground. Back when the first generation model arrived in the early 2000s, it became the first ‘Sports Activity Vehicle’ of its type, blending the off-road-inspired look of a proper four-wheel-drive with the on-road dynamics that would help it to be easier to live with day-to-day. Across three generations, it has grown and evolved, developing a key role in the BMW’s line-up.
Now, the fourth-generation X3 is with us, bringing some of BMW’s latest technology alongside a slight growth spurt which should help to make it even more practical than the car it replaces. We’ve been driving it out in Germany to see just what it’s like. What’s new? From the outside, this new X3 looks significantly different to the car it takes over from.
It’s a far more rounded affair, with a bonnet which stretches right over the nose of the car to create quite an impactful-looking car. It’s certainly not the most controversial of designs that we’ve seen from the Bavarian brand in the last few years, but it’s a look which will definitely get people talking all the same. It’s a physically bigger car than before, too, having been stretched by 34mm and widened by 29mm yet because it’s lower, the whole effect is to make a car which looks sleeker overall.
The good news is that the increase in size means it’s more practical than before; boot space has risen by 20 litres to a decent 570 litres, or 1,700 with the rear seats folde.