BY HAITHAM RAZAGUI | 26th Jul 2018
BMW’S third-generation X3, designated G01, felt like a long time coming even though the second-generation F25 had served a typical seven-year product cycle following its unveiling at the 2010 Paris motor show.
This was perhaps because BMW SUVs never felt quite like proper BMWs until you reached the X5. Still, probably by virtue of Australians ditching their sedans and wagons in favour of high-riders, the X3 has become the brand’s most popular model.
Until the performance-oriented, six-cylinder petrol X3 M40i arrived in July, the 30d tested here served as range-topper. As with most BMWs, you are paying for a breathtakingly good drivetrain at this level – and some impressive tech.
But in areas that truly matter more to most Australian buyers, the new X3 is not objectively superior to its best rivals.