BMW X3 is indeed the 'Ultimate Driving Machine'

The BMW X3 M-Sport comes across as an incredible package offering the best of all worlds, finds out Indian automobile website MotorBeam.com

The BMW range of SUVs are very practical and spacious and the best part is that they still have fun driving dynamics. With the launch of M-Sport versions of their diesel cars, BMW is incorporating a sporty appeal in these cars and these trims are purchased by people who love the looks of the real M cars but cannot spend so much at the moment.

The BMW X3 M-Sport produces a lot of power and does 0-100 km/hr in less than 6 seconds. Moreover, it is practical enough for daily usage and even though it's an SUV, it definitely has an immense fun-to-drive factor.

The BMW X3 is quite a familiar sight on our roads considering the fact that the automaker has sold this car in decent numbers. However, almost all cars that you see are 20d models which look premium enough but lack that sporty appeal.

BMW's answer to that is the X3 M-Sport. What differentiates the X3 M-Sport from the others is obviously the M-Sport body kit which adds a lot of flair to the styling and makes the X3 quite a looker.

The interiors are again typical BMW fare with the usual neat layout for the dashboard and centre console. Nothing feels out of place and you are greeted by the familiar stuff. While the regular X3 comes with black and beige or brown interiors, the M-Sport version comes with all-black insides.

There are again a couple of small M badges, including one on the steering. The instrument cluster is easy and clear while the HUD is a nice feature but the positioning is a bit odd because one just can't read it properly without tilting their head up, even when the seats are positioned at the highest position.

The X3 also gets the same i-Drive system which offers a variety of functions. The screen is large enough and the sound quality from the audio system is super crisp.

The BMW X3 is an extremely practical SUV. There are tons of storage spaces and cubbyholes all around the cabin and the X3 really has a lot of space to store all your nitty-gritties.

Talking about the seats, the front seats are really large and the cushioning is just about perfect for brilliant lower back and under thigh support. The side bolstering can be adjusted since well-built people will find it a bit tight. The rear seats are again spacious and comfortable.

The large windows make the car look odd from the outside, as I said earlier, but it is on the inside that you realise the pros of the large windows. Outward visibility is excellent and the interiors have a very airy feel, which is further amplified by the large panoramic roof.

It comes with an inline-6-cylinder diesel engine which is a favourite with enthusiasts and this oil-burner really makes the car a complete package. I am so smitten by this engine that I can just go on and on. The 3.0-litre unit produces 248 horses at 4000 RPM and 560 Nm of twist right from 1500-3000 RPM.

The engine gets the same 8-speed gearbox that is found on many other BMWs. While top speed is just about 232 km/hr, the engine makes the car sprint from 0-100 km/hr in just 5.9 seconds which is stupendously impressive.

Turbo lag is well-contained and the car has oodles of punch right from the lower end of the RPM spectrum. Step on the gas and you will see that the car responds very quickly to throttle dabs and you can immediately feel a sense of urgency.

Once the RPM needle crosses 1500 RPM, the X3 shoots ahead with blistering pace and the quick gearbox only complements this. 100 km/hr comes up in 3rd gear and the X3 reaches the double ton in no time. The engine's mid-range is strong but it loses some steam once the car crosses 4000 RPM. In top gear, 100 km/hr comes up at around 1500 RPM.

The dynamics of the X3 M-Sport are typical BMW with the steering offering oodles of feel and feedback. Handling is predictable and while there is some body roll, the X3 feels very eager to dive into corners.

The suspension can be made stiffer in Sport mode and that really helps matters while driving aggressively. The suspension does a nice job on our roads and even though it is a bit stiff, Comfort mode should be fine for most people. Grip from the tyres is excellent and even the brakes have nice performance.

The X3 stays true to the old BMW tagline 'Ultimate Driving Machine' as it's immensely fun to drive with engaging handling and a splendid engine, which in spite of being a diesel, still pulls strongly, making you forget high revving petrol engines. The BMW X3 offers fun both on and off the road.

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