BMW X3

The Philippines-spec BMW X3 is being offered with multiple leather upholstery options, including Sensatec perforated Canberra Beige, Sensatec perforated Tacora Red, Sensatec perforated Cognac, Sensatec perforated Black, Leather ‘Vernasca’ Black décor stitching with Black, Leather ‘Vernasca’ Black with contrast red stitching, Leather ‘Vernasca’ Mocha décor stitching, Leather ‘Vernasca’ Black with contrast blue stitching, Leather ‘Vernasca’ Oyster décor stitching and Leather ‘Vernasca’ Cognac décor stitching with Black

These leather upholstery options can be further combined with the choices of trim options like black high-gloss with highlight trim finisher Pearl Chrome, Aluminium fine cutting with highlight trim finisher Pearl Chrome, Fine-wood trim, ash trunkwood open-pored with highlight trim finisher Pearl Chrome, Fine-wood trim oak dark high-gloss with highlight trim finisher Pearl Chrome, Fine-wood trim oak dark high-gloss with highlight trim finisher Pearl Chrome and Aluminium Rhombicle dark with highlight trim finisher Pearl Chrome.

The BMW X3 comes with a leather-wrapped, multi-functional steering wheel, which is both tilt and telescopic adjustable and has a full-TFT 12.3-inch instrument console behind it. To the right of the steering wheel is a 12.3-inch standalone touchscreen infotainment system, which is a part of the BMW Live Cockpit Professional along with the instrument console. The lower centre console includes a hexagonal panel with satin chrome surrounds for the dual-zone automatic climate control and a trapezoidal panel with a gloss black finish below it for the premium audio system controls.

The BMW X3 is packed with basic features for its price, such as a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated seats, M headliner anthracite, ambient lighting, and Harman Kardon loudspeaker sound system. However, for its high asking price, the BMW X3 could have been equipped with an even longer list of features.

The BMW X3 follows its stable members, the X1 and X5, in terms of design. The overall looks and design language of the X3 is unmistakably BMW, with the traditional design elements of the German carmaker taking a modern form here to make the X3 look modern and appealing.

The front profile of the BMW X3 has the traditional double kidney grille, which looks new-age with chrome surrounds and vertical chrome slats. The double kidneys of the grille here are in an attached form, giving it the shape of a butterfly. The sweptback, horizontally-laid headlamp clusters of the BMW X3 have all-LED projectors and double L-shaped LED DRLs within them, with the clusters also having tapered edges on both inner and outer corners. The M Sport configuration here adds sporty-looking air dams on the corners of the front bumper. 

From the side, the BMW X3 looks well-proportioned, with this midsize SUV being offered with multiple choices of 18, 19, and 20-inch alloy wheels with varying patterns and finishes. The smooth contours over the front bonnet and the sharp crease flowing through the door panels further add dynamism to the appearance of the SUV. Here, the window surrounds and slim roof rails come with a gloss black finish, while there are slanted air curtains on the front fenders with M badges over them.

The LED tail lamps on the rear profile of the BMW X3 are sharp-looking, with them having a wide appearance towards their outer edges and three-dimensional LED inserts with dynamic lighting patterns. The lower part of the rear bumper is fully covered in a silver skid plate finish with it having exhaust ports on both corners. 

With variable sport steering and BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive on offer as standard, along with the slightly stiffer and sport-tuned suspension, the BMW X3 feels spirited to drive with precise steering inputs and traction at varying surfaces. While it is not a hardcore off-roader, the drive modes on offer – comfort, eco pro, and sport, make sure that there isn’t a dull moment behind the steering wheel of the BMW X3. 

The only engine option offered in the Philippines-spec BMW X3 is a 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. With a maximum power output of 286 bhp and a peak torque output of 650 Nm, this engine enables the BMW X3 to attain a top speed of 245 kmph, a 0-100 kmph sprint in 5.7 seconds and a fuel efficiency of 16.1 kmpl.

The comprehensive list of safety features on offer in the BMW X3 as standard are eight airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, attentiveness assistant, crash sensors, side impact protection, dynamic traction control, active protection, dynamic stability control, tyre pressure monitoring system and acoustic and passive protection for pedestrians.

For its asking price, the BMW X3 can do with a longer equipment list, but very few SUVs come close to the sheer driving pleasure of it. Adding to it, the supremely premium interior and a bold-looking exterior make the X3 a choice for those who value the word ‘luxury’.