One of the most appealing things about BMWs is the consistency of the cabin between vehicles. The lay out in the X3 is classic and functional. The cabin is a very comfortable place. The X3 is a really well rounded vehicle and the 30i engine is quiet and smooth and torque is excellent. More than enough power for everyday drivers both in the city or on the open road. If you have run flat tyres the load space is completely flat.
The new x3 isn't something I'd lust after or stare at on the street. But it just seems to do everything so well, that its the new car I'd most like to live with. BMW seems content with quiet evolution and refinement, and for a car that I actually have to drive every day, I think I prefer that approach.
Premium brand of Vehicles doesn't need to change their designs over and over.. what more important is the quality that they can give to its user.. thats why its so funny to read some annoying bad comments about thos SUV 😂 they even can't afford it.. anyway.
The reason why the floor is like that in the trunk is because that specific X3 may be optioned with a spare tire. If you have run flats that floor becomes completely flat.
YES! that spare tire is a joke! W(hy)TF they even go back to putting the POS in there (even as an option)...it's like putting a tape-player back in - 99% of american mortals would never (know how) to put on that stupid donut anyway.
I have a 2011 x3 without a spare tire and I will option for the spare(tape player)tire on my next x3.Run flat tires are expensive to replace and negatively affect handling and ride comfort.
@@vcader 99.99% of American mortals also never collect their life and house insurance ... If you only go about grocery shopping, then run-flat is a great option
Not a lot of reason to go for the much more expensive X5 unless you absolutely have to have the small amount of added space. The lighter chassis and better fuel economy and better handling, plus the fact you can get a faster X3 for the same price as a slower X5.
I’m absolutely considering buying one of these used with 18,000 miles on it for $25,000. Great car for that price. Yes I’m one of those people who NEVER wasted money buying new
Many have stated this car is bland or boring in its appearance. While it’s not as aggressive as an RX 350 in terms of styling, IMHO, it is refined. Classic. But when you step up to the X3 M40i, you have a sleeper(I plan on removing the X3 M40i badging when my car is delivered to make it even more of a sleeper). This will be my last gas powered car. In 5-10 years, the electric cars will be amazing.
4:28 This extra bump in the cargo area is probably because this was the plug-in hybrid version of the X3. The non-hybrid models don't have that raised floor
Mark, your reviews are getting much better, and is quickly becoming one of my favorites How quiet is this? Is it the quietest in the class? I am looking for the quietest CUV, but I’m afraid it will be a very loud car based on my 2014 BMW 328 experience. It was the loudest and stiffest running car I ever had, I suspect was mainly due to the runflat tires.
wasabi9111 I drove it and I s surprised at the noise level.far below what I expected. Pleasantly surprised. See for yourself. Planning to order an X3 M40i.
Dave Hicks thanks for the feedback. I actually had a chance to test drive the four cylinder x3 last week and I loved it. The ride was much quieter and smoother than expected. I tested a bunch of other cars in the mid 50s price range including the RX 350. XC 60, Q5, MDX, QX 60, etc. the X3 was by far my favorite. My only problem is justifying the high 50s price for a loaded version with all the active safety features while I could all the other ones for $7-$9k less after discount.
Actually the reason i'm watching this, is to maybe downsize from a 2011 X5, but after driving it I feel it would be a strach to have 2 kids and a 70lb dog in that back seat.
“I’m 5 foot 10, an average size adult “ ?? Ok I am from Europe, but I thought that Americans are taller that THAT?? Average American 5,1 ??? Really I’m just wondering if someone can tell me?
With all respect to struggles of modern journalism I must say that this is too UNPROFESSIONAL for a review, I'll rather unsubscribe. @0:10 built from a ground up ... on a new platform (the one used for latest 7-series & 5-series) probably it was worth mentioning. @0:13 grill is the most apparent difference, but all major exterior elements have different shapes (front: headlights not connected to grill, different air intakes, no more halogen lamps; side: one less bend in Hofmeister kink, wheel arches are not round anymore, new side grill; back is similar, but new stop lights won't let one mix up old & new) @0:20 it doesn't build on X3 legacy - it was developed by a different team on a new platform, has a different ride and is more expensive @0:50 it is a complete redesign compared to previous X3 and in line with current design language of BMW. Again, each element looks unmistakably different - main control zones switched places (climate control has it's own display and is on the bottom, vents are different, even central lock button is in a different place) and every element is in different alignment then before - infotainment screen is not integrated into the panel anymore, glovebox opening is different, color schemes have different separation zones. @1:00 same overall shape ... really? I literally can't find any similar part to previous X3! @5:30 coming from someone who liked previous X3 (or even had a glimpse at it) this review is really incomprehensive
Completely agree with your design analysis. There's a lot different and unmistakably noticeable with the exterior design over the old one, and the interior has many design elements that make it different and better than the outgoing model. There are a lot of other changes under the hood too with the platform and such, as you said, much of which deserves highlighting. All things considered, the review was probably what most folks might notice when they look at the car, whereas those of us who think from a design standpoint are more readily able to notice the details quickly. To that effect, I was surprised with the glowing recommendation in the conclusion given the weak impact the car made on the reviewer throughout the video. I felt it to be a... strange review, personally.
Stanly ok agree, also important on ANY review: list price as tested. He talks about prices of the 4 and 6 cyl but not how much THIS one is. Also, what packages and options this is equipped with...
“X3’s legacy.... plenty of refinement on the inside” Lol ok. If we’re talking refinement a loaded CX-5 can make an X3 blush. With the exception of the 5 and 7 Series, BMW as a while have very dull and uninspiring interiors. And on models like the 3, X1, and 2 Series, the material quality isn’t always there. But hey! You’re driving a BMW right? Enjoy
Cecil L we own both and the bmw blows the Mazda away. Power - Bmw. Handling - Bmw Infotainment - Bmw Materials - Bmw Options - Bmw Price - Mazda ... enough said.
Extremely knowledgeable. Presentation just seemed bland. Trunk is higher due to the inclusion of the spare tire option. Digital display is only partial and looks better full. The exterior is about the same for the last 7 years, interior is still boring even though it's much improved. Still a great vehicle with more features, but the new model just looks the same every year...
The Fault in Our Cutie Marks I think it’s a victim of its own success. They kept their recipe the same, but it’s tougher and tougher to differentiate itself from the pack without potentially compromising its original design.
It's extremely difficult to hit all the right notes when developing a new car. If you take too big of a risk, then you divide the market. If the design is too conservative, you dilute the market. That's why so many manufacturers play it safe and evolve the existing platform rather than revolutionize it. A prime example of a manufacturer that took it too far is Lexus. Some people love the new faces on their recent cars but many hate it. In my opinion Mazda and Volvo really hit the nail on the head when it comes to exterior design, but too bad neither of them really offer a performance SAV. But if you look at the new X3 M40i, it does a good job at differentiating itself from the run of the mill X3. Until the new X3M comes out next year, for now if you want a performance compact crossover from BMW, the M40i is it. Check out some reviews on it.
plz tell me which interior does tickle your pickle? ...i agree that bimmers a bit of a borefast but it works well over time cuz eventually every interior will get boring when you see it for a few years down the road.
I appreciate its simple understated design. It will hold up better over time and isn't trying too hard to be new and edgy like so many others. Sometimes less is more.
One of the most appealing things about BMWs is the consistency of the cabin between vehicles. The lay out in the X3 is classic and functional. The cabin is a very comfortable place. The X3 is a really well rounded vehicle and the 30i engine is quiet and smooth and torque is excellent. More than enough power for everyday drivers both in the city or on the open road. If you have run flat tyres the load space is completely flat.
Charging ports in the back?
interior is look like a cheap car all the time
This X3 seems a little more premium than old X3, or even some current BMWs.
I like Mark's review, Lots of honesty and Personal input.
The new x3 isn't something I'd lust after or stare at on the street. But it just seems to do everything so well, that its the new car I'd most like to live with. BMW seems content with quiet evolution and refinement, and for a car that I actually have to drive every day, I think I prefer that approach.
Premium brand of Vehicles doesn't need to change their designs over and over.. what more important is the quality that they can give to its user.. thats why its so funny to read some annoying bad comments about thos SUV 😂 they even can't afford it.. anyway.
The reason why the floor is like that in the trunk is because that specific X3 may be optioned with a spare tire. If you have run flats that floor becomes completely flat.
YES! that spare tire is a joke! W(hy)TF they even go back to putting the POS in there (even as an option)...it's like putting a tape-player back in - 99% of american mortals would never (know how) to put on that stupid donut anyway.
Good. I thought the one I saw didn't look like that!
I have a 2011 x3 without a spare tire and I will option for the spare(tape player)tire on my next x3.Run flat tires are expensive to replace and negatively affect handling and ride comfort.
dave4708 If you want, you can actually opt to get regular tires on the new X3.
@@vcader 99.99% of American mortals also never collect their life and house insurance ... If you only go about grocery shopping, then run-flat is a great option
Not a lot of reason to go for the much more expensive X5 unless you absolutely have to have the small amount of added space. The lighter chassis and better fuel economy and better handling, plus the fact you can get a faster X3 for the same price as a slower X5.
Excellent review. I really like the X3
I’m absolutely considering buying one of these used with 18,000 miles on it for $25,000. Great car for that price. Yes I’m one of those people who NEVER wasted money buying new
I just bought one for 21 with 23000 miles great deal
Many have stated this car is bland or boring in its appearance. While it’s not as aggressive as an RX 350 in terms of styling, IMHO, it is refined. Classic. But when you step up to the X3 M40i, you have a sleeper(I plan on removing the X3 M40i badging when my car is delivered to make it even more of a sleeper). This will be my last gas powered car. In 5-10 years, the electric cars will be amazing.
4:28 This extra bump in the cargo area is probably because this was the plug-in hybrid version of the X3. The non-hybrid models don't have that raised floor
IMO Volvo is owning the Germans in the suv segment. Looks so much better inside and out than any Audi, BMW or Merc.
Mark, your reviews are getting much better, and is quickly becoming one of my favorites
How quiet is this? Is it the quietest in the class? I am looking for the quietest CUV, but I’m afraid it will be a very loud car based on my 2014 BMW 328 experience. It was the loudest and stiffest running car I ever had, I suspect was mainly due to the runflat tires.
wasabi9111 I drove it and I s surprised at the noise level.far below what I expected. Pleasantly surprised. See for yourself. Planning to order an X3 M40i.
Dave Hicks thanks for the feedback. I actually had a chance to test drive the four cylinder x3 last week and I loved it. The ride was much quieter and smoother than expected. I tested a bunch of other cars in the mid 50s price range including the RX 350. XC 60, Q5, MDX, QX 60, etc. the X3 was by far my favorite. My only problem is justifying the high 50s price for a loaded version with all the active safety features while I could all the other ones for $7-$9k less after discount.
wasabi9111 so spend the extra $4-5K and dial up the M40i!!!! 😁😁😁
Crazy to think that over the past couple of generations, the X3 has outgrown the size of the first gen X5.
Actually the reason i'm watching this, is to maybe downsize from a 2011 X5, but after driving it I feel it would be a strach to have 2 kids and a 70lb dog in that back seat.
Test drove a CPO two days ago, worse than our 12 year old Corolla. 😅
Some say 6.1 to 60, this says 7.0. Quite a spread. You need to get down to around 6 seconds to feel really sporty, I think. 5.0 is exilarating.
great review -I appreciate the emphasis on the interior features
“I’m 5 foot 10, an average size adult “ ??
Ok I am from Europe, but I thought that Americans are taller that THAT?? Average American 5,1 ???
Really I’m just wondering if someone can tell me?
How can a guy doing car review gathering 140K following without even knowing what's under the trunk? Is he stupid, or are we stupider
The dashboard is damn ugly.
Not one of these reviews broke down the packages / options offered by BMW, why is that???
Hi. Only thing I am worried about is the turbo engine. How good is the turbo? How long will it last? How much to replace? How reliable is it? (turbo)
Way overpriced.
That dash is the ugliest thing I’ve ever seen... how can you say you like it !
That M40i is impressive. I've seen a couple of UA-cam reviews and that is one high performance SUV (or SAV in Bimmer lingo).
I think you need the m sport pkg , .81 g isn't great for a sporty crossover.
Nice review! I like x3
Why BMW doesn't offer BSM feature?
Is there room for a child seat in the backseat
How about child seat for infants
One of the best SUVs ever made.
he is still bending his knees. can someone ask him to distract me?
Had a Hangover movie deja vu
They really need to change the style of the vents imo.
This X3 was equipped with sport suspension ?
Great review
vs glc300?
spare tire?
With all respect to struggles of modern journalism I must say that this is too UNPROFESSIONAL for a review, I'll rather unsubscribe.
@0:10 built from a ground up ... on a new platform (the one used for latest 7-series & 5-series) probably it was worth mentioning.
@0:13 grill is the most apparent difference, but all major exterior elements have different shapes (front: headlights not connected to grill, different air intakes, no more halogen lamps; side: one less bend in Hofmeister kink, wheel arches are not round anymore, new side grill; back is similar, but new stop lights won't let one mix up old & new)
@0:20 it doesn't build on X3 legacy - it was developed by a different team on a new platform, has a different ride and is more expensive
@0:50 it is a complete redesign compared to previous X3 and in line with current design language of BMW. Again, each element looks unmistakably different - main control zones switched places (climate control has it's own display and is on the bottom, vents are different, even central lock button is in a different place) and every element is in different alignment then before - infotainment screen is not integrated into the panel anymore, glovebox opening is different, color schemes have different separation zones.
@1:00 same overall shape ... really? I literally can't find any similar part to previous X3!
@5:30 coming from someone who liked previous X3 (or even had a glimpse at it) this review is really incomprehensive
Completely agree with your design analysis. There's a lot different and unmistakably noticeable with the exterior design over the old one, and the interior has many design elements that make it different and better than the outgoing model. There are a lot of other changes under the hood too with the platform and such, as you said, much of which deserves highlighting.
All things considered, the review was probably what most folks might notice when they look at the car, whereas those of us who think from a design standpoint are more readily able to notice the details quickly. To that effect, I was surprised with the glowing recommendation in the conclusion given the weak impact the car made on the reviewer throughout the video. I felt it to be a... strange review, personally.
Stanly ok agree, also important on ANY review: list price as tested. He talks about prices of the 4 and 6 cyl but not how much THIS one is. Also, what packages and options this is equipped with...
“X3’s legacy.... plenty of refinement on the inside”
Lol ok. If we’re talking refinement a loaded CX-5 can make an X3 blush. With the exception of the 5 and 7 Series, BMW as a while have very dull and uninspiring interiors. And on models like the 3, X1, and 2 Series, the material quality isn’t always there. But hey! You’re driving a BMW right? Enjoy
Cecil L we own both and the bmw blows the Mazda away.
Power - Bmw.
Handling - Bmw
Infotainment - Bmw
Materials - Bmw
Options - Bmw
Price - Mazda
... enough said.
Anybody else is kinda getting tired of BMW design not that I hate it but it's just all look the same
hackenely laurent yes the been the same for more or less a Decade
Todd Medium Wellington III it's honestly a little confusing to tell the difference between them all on the road
hackenely laurent Yes, I'm loving the new Audi interiors
Shane Nelson Audi' s winning the interior game right now Mercedes second I think BMW is just trying to play catch up at this point
LOL Audi's interiors are garbage with parts being shared or recycled from VW! 😂
no android auto? that's a deal breaker for me, if i had the money!
Asian
Extremely knowledgeable. Presentation just seemed bland. Trunk is higher due to the inclusion of the spare tire option. Digital display is only partial and looks better full. The exterior is about the same for the last 7 years, interior is still boring even though it's much improved. Still a great vehicle with more features, but the new model just looks the same every year...
YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING! You need a can opener to get in, and its the size of a car not an SUV....Paaaleeeze...
Same boring interior. For the same money I rather get the Q5. Much better.
Is is really that much better than the Q5 or XC60?
ill wait for the new rdx
Yes, although the exterior doesn’t look as good as the Q5 in my opinion
you pay for the badge, the rest of the car looks generic as heck. it is beautiful though, just no personality
The Fault in Our Cutie Marks I think it’s a victim of its own success. They kept their recipe the same, but it’s tougher and tougher to differentiate itself from the pack without potentially compromising its original design.
The way the wood trim stops makes it look gay
This car already looks old.
For some reason, it looks bland and dated. I'll take the new Mazda CX-5 over this any day of the week and save myself tens of thousands of dollars.
boring same BMW of 2008 just with added safety nannies.
2nd
Holy snoozefest. The exterior and interior is so boring/ generic
It's extremely difficult to hit all the right notes when developing a new car. If you take too big of a risk, then you divide the market. If the design is too conservative, you dilute the market. That's why so many manufacturers play it safe and evolve the existing platform rather than revolutionize it. A prime example of a manufacturer that took it too far is Lexus. Some people love the new faces on their recent cars but many hate it. In my opinion Mazda and Volvo really hit the nail on the head when it comes to exterior design, but too bad neither of them really offer a performance SAV. But if you look at the new X3 M40i, it does a good job at differentiating itself from the run of the mill X3. Until the new X3M comes out next year, for now if you want a performance compact crossover from BMW, the M40i is it. Check out some reviews on it.
You are boring.
Bobby 17597 nice
plz tell me which interior does tickle your pickle? ...i agree that bimmers a bit of a borefast but it works well over time cuz eventually every interior will get boring when you see it for a few years down the road.
I appreciate its simple understated design. It will hold up better over time and isn't trying too hard to be new and edgy like so many others. Sometimes less is more.
This is a horrible review and I always smile when an asian driver does car reviews.