BMW X3. Both a city car and an off-roader
BMW X3 is a compact crossover from the German ‘BMW’ company that has been in production since 2003. Nowadays, the Israel market offers third generation BMW X3 SUV models of the 2017 model year.
First generation
First-generation BMW X3 vehicles were first introduced in 2003 and manufactured up until 2010, having undergone a restyling in 2006. The concept behind the first X3 vehicle was to create a more affordable alternative to a then-flagship car – BMW X5. Big wheelbase, short overhangs, a sloping roofline, stamped out details of the body, and widened wheel arches – the first BMW X3 certainly got the brutality to its appearance. Of course, X3 has always been first and foremost a road crossover, with its good off-road capabilities being just a nice additional feature of the vehicle. However, it was the BMW X3 model that first got that ‘intelligent’ four-wheel drive system called xDrive – the purpose of which is constant redistribution of the engine linkage between the wheels, with the front axle connecting automatically. Despite some criticism on the matter of comfort level that is not matching its price, the X3 model has won several prestigious awards and more than 600 K cars were sold.
Second generation
Second generation BMW X3 models were in production from 2010 to 2017, having undergone some restyling in 2014. Second X3 models were wider and a little lower than before, now looking like a smaller version of the full-size BMW X5 model. On the front bumper of the second X3 model, there appeared sharp textured lines and prominent air inlets. Front headlights became more slanted and on them, there were now some additional LED lights. In general, the body of the second-generation X3 model turned out to be somewhat bigger in comparison to its predecessor, and its shape became more dynamic. According to the German Off-Road car magazine, the second X3 also received the title of the Off-roader of the year.
In the process of 2014 restyling, the X3 model got slanted headlights so long as to reach the radiator grille. This stylish detail was what gave the crossover that powerful and aggressive appearance, and all this almost without changing the real size of the X3 vehicle at all. Another new external feature of the restyled 2014 version is the more prominent radiator grille ‘nostrils’ of the front bumper.
Third generation
Third generation BMW X3 models were born in 2017 and are still being manufactured to this day. Third X3 crossovers got a new design of both its exterior and its interior, as well as new motor options and a new car frame. The new X3 model changed its platform to the CLAR, while also having grown in height and having lost some weight. It also looks much more sporty and aggressive in comparison to its predecessors. The interior of the new BMW X3 has changed considerably, now everything inside works solely for the comfort of the driver.
As for the off-road performance, the new X3 crossover now has a road clearence of 20 cm and the fording ability for water levels of up to half a meter – thanks to the departure angles.
Rear-wheel drive sDrive modification is only available for the standard 20i version, while all the other modifications of the vehicle are 4WD by default. As for the off-road performance, the new X3 crossover now has a road clearence of 20 cm and the fording ability for water levels of up to half a meter – thanks to the departure angles. The design of the suspension has been readjusted and the electromechanical power steering system has been improved as well.
