Certified CenterI was a decided nonfan of the last generation X3--I thought it was far too unrefined to be a BMW.
I do like this 2012 BMW X3 xDrive 28i better. It's not a bad little scooter, though I submit that this car, like other BMWs that I've driven, is let down by its run-flat tires, which make it ride too harshly in my opinion and leads to an unrefined feeling. As I said, it's better than the outgoing model but it isn't a BMW to me.
The interior of this new car is way better than that of the outgoing car, and even with run-flats, the ride is a little better.
This is a smooth-enough engine, and the transmission is super nice. Power is adequate-no more no less. But to update to the bigger engine the price bumps, and this sucker costs way too much money to begin with. Speaking of price, you have got to be kidding me.
EXECUTIVE EDITOR ROGER HART: This generation of the X3 is so much better from a ride, driving and comfort level that it's hard to think they are the same basic vehicle. I would agree with Wes on the run-flats--they are a bad answer to a question few people were asking. And BMW has jumped in with both feet. The compromising ride is simply not worth the benefits, in my mind. Someday, hopefully, run-flats will perform closer to radials when it comes to ride and handling. But they are not yet there, and the price to replace these things is ridiculous.
I do like the eight-speed automatic and, with its programming, it tries to keep the 3.0-liter right in the power sweet spot and does a good job. Acceleration is decent, with enough power to safely pass on two-lanes and to make merging onto the freeway less stressful.
On the inside, the interior is what you would expect from a luxury vehicle. Soft-touch features abound, a nice, thick, leather wrapped steering wheel is a treat and simple, straightforward controls are a delight.
Wes noted the major downside here: the $50,000 price. The base price is a steal, but when you start adding equipment, the total heads to the stratosphere for a car this size. I like the X3, and, in fact, I like it a lot. I could see owning one, actually. But I couldn't see owning one at this price and with run-flats.
It's interesting that we have 2012 BMW X3 xDrive 28i in the office, when on the consumer site you can build the 2013 version that has the turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Compared with the inline six-cylinder that saw duty in the xDrive 28i before, the new force-induced four provides the same amount of horsepower but delivers a little more torque-39 lb-ft more. Anyway, my guess is that some 2012 models are still sitting on some dealer lots, so maybe there is a chance to get a decent deal on them.
And getting a 2012 model with the old engine wouldn't be a terrible thing. There's serviceable power here to get all 4,100 pounds of the X3 around fine. Of course, the 300 hp in the turbocharged inline six-cylinder in the xDrive 35i would my preferred powerplant under the hood to make things interesting. The ZF eight-speed transmission is among the best automatic gearboxes in the business, with quick shifts and well-timed downshifts when extra power is needed.
As others have mentioned, this generation of the X3 is such a big step forward over the old car, which was basically a disappointment in all areas. It looked dull, and the cabin didn't live up to BMW standards, but it handled well. Now the cabin is up to snuff with nice materials and quality-looking trim pieces, and it's a nice place to be with comfortable front bucket seats. It's also well isolated from wind noise, but the run-flat rubber does transmit a fair amount of tire noise into the interior.
The car handles well, with good steering response (especially with sport mode activated), strong brakes and a suspension that keeps things under control. The ride is a little rougher-you can place some blame on the run-flat tires again for the stiff side walls. Personally, if I ever purchased a BMW with run-flat tires, the first thing I would do is replace them with normal tires.
And the other guys are also right about the as-tested price being out of hand, but this car is optioned out to the max, with $13,200 worth of extras slapped on. But as I said, with the new engine coming for the 2013 model year, maybe there are some deals to be had on the leftover 2012s out there.
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