The new BMW X3 - one of the best SUVs out there

The BMW X3 sits below the X5 in the BMW line-up and is an attempt to offer a mid-size SUV yet it is still pretty expensive. The range kicks-off with the X3 2.0D priced at €45,900 however the subject of this weeks test is the top of the range 3.0 D M-Sport which is powered by a new and mighty 3 litre twin-turbocharged 6 cylinder diesel. The style of the new BMW X3 range answers all my criticism of its predecessor. The new car looks fantastic with bold swoops and curves and a solid purposeful stance on the road. In fact it rather looks like a smaller version of the attractive X5. So top marks from the outside anyway. The M-Sport model has an aerodynamic package and in this case huge optional 19 inch alloys making this particular X3 which incidentally was finished in high gloss metallic white look superb! The cabin is typically BMW, functional, and somewhat minimalist in its style. The driver gets the usual instruments housed in a neatly shaped instrument binnacle, and the large open expanse of dashboard houses the centre console with the heating, ventilation and audio controls. There are plenty of storage areas with large door pockets, a decent sized glove box and a very handy centre storage box between both front seats. Overall the cabin which in this version is leather trimmed does feel of very high quality indeed. The driving position is perfect, though you sit lower than you would expect for an SUV, and standard equipment includes a host of safety features with multiple airbags, ABS, EBD, DSC, Hill Descent Control, permanent four wheel drive, climate control, a BMW audio system with CD, the usual electric windows, locking and so forth, an on-board computer and multifunction steering wheel with controls for cruise control, audio system and if fitted the car phone. My test car had a host of options too numerous to list really but highlights included, sports suspension, heated seats, aero kit, xenon lights, run flat tyres, much more. extras which totalled close to €6,100! The M-Sport package includes 18inch M-Sport alloys as standard, chrome door finishers, high gloss paint, M-Sport sports multi function steering wheel, sports seats and anthracite headlining. The engine powering this version of the 2011 model year X3 is a big powerful 3.0 litre diesel which uses not one but two turbochargers to boost performance. This mighty engine delivers 258 bhp and has a max torque of a whopping 560Nm, giving the new X3 a top speed of 245kph and a zero to 100kph of just 6.2 seconds. This truly wonderful engine is mated to a fabulous fully automatic 8-speed gearbox with steptronic clutchless manual shift also. I must confess that this has to be one of the very best diesel engines available. Performance is superb, the engine is refined and it delivers masses of mid-range punch. Furthermore its economical, burning just 6.3 litres of diesel per 100km over my road test. Emissions are just 159g/km putting it into tax band D. The suspension set-up in the X3 is pretty firm indeed at times it proves a little harsh particularly over poorer road surfaces. The great upside of the firm suspension set-up is the agile handling and greatly reduced body roll. The X3 delivers from a driver's point of view. The steering is nicely weighted giving plenty of driver feedback, the brakes are powerful and the car feels really sure-footed whether on wet or dry roads thanks in some part to the clever X-Drive system. Overall the new X3 is certainly one of the best mid-sized SUV's to drive. Accommodation is generally good indeed it's not a whole lot smaller than the X5. The load area is easily accessed via the large rear tailgate. The latest BMW X3 has improved in many areas. Many of my earlier criticisms of the previous model seem to have been addressed. Overall it does offer the benefits of an SUV with enough driver involvement and responsiveness to please the most demanding of motorists, accomadation is good and standard equipment levels have improved. There is no doubt that it is one of the most agile SUV's around. I loved every minute behind the wheel. In short the highest praise I could give it is that I would buy one myself if I were in the market for an SUV. The BMW X3 3.0 d starts at €57,710, while the M-Sport version costs €61,480. In short the new BMW X3 3.0D is without doubt the best luxury SUV on the market!