2013 BMW X3 Review

Considered a staple vehicle in the US crossover SUV market today, the 2013 BMW X3 is a remarkable feat of German engineering.  Achieving scores that far surpass those of other, less reliable compact SUVs, the BMW X3 ranked 4^th place in the top eight luxury compact SUVs in 2012.  Performance wise, the car lacks practically nothing as a whole, however, the car is not without its flaws, as there have been some remarks that the powertrain could use a bit of improvement.

If you’re looking for a sports oriented luxury SUV, the X3 is definitely the way to go.  However, the vehicle does have its shortcomings on this account, seeing as to how the car is somewhat choppy when it gets going from a complete stop, and doesn’t have manual transmission.  Nonetheless, the vehicle has numerous adjustable drive settings that can help you get a better feel for the road.  These include adjusting the tune of the suspension, the intensity of steering transmission, and the throttle response.  Most people have remarked that the standard tuning that the car comes in is just fine, however, and surpasses any possible tweaking that you could do yourself.

Although the vehicle is sporty, it is not without its fair share of practical features.  With things such as ample cargo space and a wide cabin that will seat up to five people comfortably, the car is definitely a family-oriented ride.  The X3’s navigation system is capable of keeping you updated with things such as calendar updates for the entire family schedule.  You can also get an iPod holder put into the back seats to allow your children to enjoy themselves on the road by playing video games or watching movies.  Another excellent luxury features that the iPad holder is detachable, allowing you to remove it once you have reached your destination.  Because of these numerous and unique luxury features, the X3 was ranked one of the best luxury vehicles for families in 2012 by a large number of vehicle critics.

Currently in its second generation, the X3 features all-wheel drive traction and an admirable a performance-oriented engine.  The standard 3 L in-line six engine is capable of producing 240 hp and 221 foot-pounds of torque.   Meanwhile, the high performance trim has a turbocharged 3 L in-line six cylinder engine that is capable of outputting 300 hp and 300 foot-pounds of torque.  The transmission is an eight speed automatic with no ability to switch to manual as we mentioned before.

Although it is smaller than its elder sister the X5, the X3 definitely cannot be considered cheap per se.  The same kind of German manufacturing quality that goes into some of the higher class vehicles went into the X3, the same attention to detail is notable, with luxury features such as heated rear seats and a  heated steering wheel are also present in the X3.

Entertainment wise, the vehicle also has numerous other traditional features besides the ones that we mentioned above such as the detachable iPad holder.  These include things such as Bluetooth streaming audio, parking cameras that assist you with their multiview, and a high-quality audio system.  The car also features a heads up display that makes it so that you do not have to glance down in order to see your current driving stats.  People who are big on safety are sure to appreciate the gesture.