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Journalism of Courage
If it8217;s about fine dynamics, good packaging and versatility, it has to be the BMW8217;s X3. It is the German luxury carmaker8217;s uber-cute, premium, compact sports utility vehicle8212;or in Beemer language, a sports activity vehicle SAV. The X3 was recently given a facelift and now comes with improved interiors, new dashboard functions and more gadgets and gizmos to make driving pleasurable and safe. It, of course, takes after big brother X5.
The SAV is a jacked-up version of the 3-Series station wagon with all-wheel-drive, which the Bavarian carmaker refers to as the four-wheel drive. There is no option for two-wheel-drive, and to be honest, with X38217;s technology, it8217;s not even required. Sadly, a diesel variant is not available in India, but the X3 has come out with a new generation 2.5-litre petrol heart, which pumps outs 218 bhp.
Exterior
The X3 sits on standard 17-inch alloy wheels, a rugged, off-road look and a purposeful on-road stance. After the facelift, the trademark BMW kidney-shaped grille has become larger, making it a distinctive feature. With the new circular headlights and the front fog lights integrated into the main bodywork, it looks aggressive, fresh and youthful. The rear lights are covered with clear glass to ensure striking visibility at night and make it eye-catching during daytime. Unless you are an X3 buff, at a glance, there is very little that has changed in the rear, which is not a bad thing at all.
The cabin has been revamped extensively and looks upscale in sand beige leather. The dashboard uses a high quality plastic and features a new broad, horizontal swath of trim aluminium or wood that is bisected by the central console. If you are accustomed to the little electronic slot to insert the car key and push start, which all the new Beemers have, then here is a rude awakening: the X3 has the normal twist-key-in-hole-on-steering-column design.
The seats are very supportive and can be adjusted electrically. There is sufficient legroom for the rear passengers and a large boot space to swallow your luggage.
The XDrive, the all-wheel-drive system in the X3, also deserves mention. The computerised system tries to predict the required power that needs to go to either the front or rear axle using data from the Dynamic Stability Control and engine management. This ensures faster response to any changes in driving conditions, be it off or on road. Another BMW invention is Hill Descent, a button on the lower part of the central console, which takes care of the ideal speed required to negotiate off-road inclines. All the driver has to do is press the button and control the steering wheel, and the SAV does a slow 8-10 km. The scary part is that if you use the brake, the Hill Descent mode is disengaged. While most X3s may never see anything treacherous than a dirt road, BMW took us to a specially made track in Aamby Valley, near Mumbai, to prove that technology can do wonders. With the Hill Descent activated, the little SAV comes down a slope with ease.
Engine
The X3 gets a refined aluminium/magnesium, six-cylinder, 2.5-litre engine. It8217;s a lightweight engine and churns out a powerful 218 bhp. It8217;s all about getting involved in driving to get X-rated pleasure, and the smooth, free revving engine allows you to do exactly that. It comes with a standard six-speed automatic transmission. We clocked a high of 150 kmph, but the X3 can easily go over 200 kmph given the space and road quality. Despite its size, the vehicle is agile, a BMW trait, and can easily be parked in crowded areas. The handling is very crisp, perfect for beating the rush-hour traffic.
Economy
Luxury vehicles are never bought for high fuel averages and if it8217;s an SUV, sorry an SAV, which is powered by a petrol engine, then the mileage dips further. But keeping in mind the X38217;s size, it returns a decent average: in city it gives 7 kmpl and on highways, 9 kmpl.
Last word
Buying anything luxurious is a matter of pride and a BMW is a statement in itself. If you can fork out Rs 31.9 lakh ex-showroom across India, this is the ideal vehicle. It8217;s perfect for an urban family as there is enough space, and if you are an adventure freak, look no further. BMW does not claim its SAVs are the ultimate offroaders, but take that with a pinch of salt since the German automaker is never satisfied with its own achievements. As for everyone else, the X-Series can go almost anywhere.
