BMW X3 M Sport: Review, Test Drive

By Deepankar Sadekar • 8 years ago

Jun
2016

The 3.0 litre inline six cylinder diesel motor that powers the BMW X3 M Sport is much loved by enthusiasts all over. It develops an impressive 258 horsepower at 4000 rpm and 560 Nm torque between 1500 to 3000 rpm. BMW claims a 0 to 100 kph timing of 5.9 seconds going on to a top speed of 232 kph. The engine has good punch especially in the mid range, but it is certainly not the quietest of the lot. The eight speed auto box is well suited to the engine. Shifts are quick and there are four drive modes just as we saw in the X Line version we reviewed earlier. What’s more, the BMW X3 M Sport comes with paddles shifters on the steering too, something we missed in the former. So Sport + mode along with manual shifting maker for some fun driving. The X3 also comes with HUD but somehow the placement seems wrong. One cannot see the display even with the seat height adjusted to the highest point. The X3 handles like a typical BMW, steering is well weighted and feedback is good. Yes, there is slight body roll but it is very enthusiastic to go into corners. BMW’s xDrive all wheel drive system is standard. The ride does feel a tad bumpy at low speeds especially at the rear. Things get better as speeds increase. Safety features on the BMW X3 include airbags: front and side for driver and co passenger, head airbags for front and rear, ABS with Brake Assist, Cornering Brake Control, Dynamic Stability Control including Dynamic Traction Control, side impact protection, three point seats belts for all seats including pyrotechnic belt tensioners and belt force limiters at the front.

We were already impressed with the BMW X3 when we reviewed the 2.0 litre version. The introduction of the 3.0 diesel with the M Sport kit has added to the appeal giving it the much needed performance boost which enthusiasts look for. It also comes with more equipment too. The X3 is better than ever before, and if you don’t want to spend more for the X5, the BMW X3 M Sport fits the bill perfectly. And it gets the engine from its elder sibling as well.