BMW X3 2011 xDrive30d

The BMW X3 xDrive30d model sits at the top of the local range above the X3 xDrive20d and the X3 xDrive28i. It is powered by a six-cylinder diesel engine with 190kW of power and 560Nm of torque, representing a 30kW/60Nm increase over the previous model. Fuel consumption and emissions have fallen by more than 22 per cent, with combined cycle figures down from 7.7 litres/100km to 6.0 litres/100km, and CO2 from 206g/km to 159g/km.

The savings are the result of a range of BMW EfficientDynamics technologies, including brake energy regeneration, automatic start/stop, electric power steering and other engine revisions. Additional features over the X3 xDrive20d include 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic tailgate, leather upholstery, electric seat adjustment and the X-Line package, which adds aluminium and titanium-look exterior highlights.

BMW’s new range-topping X3, the xDrive30d M Sport, which is now on sale throughout UK showrooms. Combining generous standard equipment levels and advanced chassis technology with class-leading performance and genuinely sporting handling, it’s a car that gives real credibility to BMW’s claim of making the most driver-focused SUVs in the world. A very impressive, fast and desirable family car. If this X3’s armour has a chink, it’s mechanical refinement.

Fire the engine up and you’ll find it a little more vocal than the bigger-selling four-pot diesel; significantly less well isolated than it is in a 5-series. It’s far from noisy though, and combined with the eight-speed automatic gearbox that comes as standard, drives the X3 forward with enough mid-range pace to really concentrate the mind. Equipped with BMW’s optional adaptive dampers, our test car rode fluently enough in ‘Normal’ mode so as not to compromise on comfort, and yet had tighter body control and precise and predictable handling in ‘Sport’ mode. It felt grippy and tautly controlled on turn-in, and much more agile and responsive to drive than most cars of its size.