BMW is taking the fight to the intense pressure from Chinese automotive rivals by keeping abreast in features and outlook, while retaining its iconic profile.
The latest X3 30 xDrive M Sport sports activity vehicle (SAV) looks distinctly BMW with its long nose styling bearing the double kidney logo on the grille; we feel the size of this kidney logo is about right although the latest X5 now comes with the smaller version that used to front the BMW range in much earlier years.
The X3 kidney grille is quite subdued with its chrome borders and black grilles but the surrounds light up during night driving to make a rather flashy impression.
On the flanks are the M Sport badge to highlight its sportier stance although there are no aggressive or sporty overtones to support this, other than the fairly striking 20-inch M Sport bicolour alloy wheels of different rim widths between front and rear.
M Sport brake callipers in a comparatively subtle blue against brighter colours adopted by rivals probably served to underline its performance character in a subtle, but no less promising, manner.
Given this approach, one could easily drive the X3 30 xDrive M Sport without drawing undue attention from those seeking to match you on acceleration performance.
Not that this X3 30 M Sport is slow; it gobbles up the road quick enough clocking 6.3 seconds in the 0-100kph sprint acceleration.
And while it would putter along at an easy pace, if you put your foot down on the accelerator pedal, the digital readout on the driver’s instrument panel would flash a quick increase in road speed; BMW says its top speed is 240kph.
Providing all that oomph is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged mild hybrid engine that means it has a small battery to power an electric motor for additional boost when needed.
There is little mention of the battery capacity or electric motor power and an orange power cable in the engine compartment betrays its mild hybrid orientation.
BMW describes the power characteristics as a peak output of 190kW (258hp) and strong torque of 400Nm that develops early at 1,600rpm and plateaus till 4,500rpm.
This engine output is distributed to all four wheels as per the traction and grip requirement via the BMW xDrive, which is an all-wheel drive (AWD) system.
BMW describes the suspension system of the X3 30 M Sport as “standard” with which we understand to mean a MacPherson strut front and a multi-link rear.
As expected, we found the xDrive all-wheel drive (AWD) system to provide more of an understeering handling performance.
Nevertheless, we found the understeer less prominent than in many AWDs we have driven for the given speed that we take through our favourite winding stretches in our own front-wheel drive sports utility vehicle (SUV).
Generally, the X3 30 M Sport is easy to live with given the features it is endowed with, such the auto opening and locking of the doors as we approach and walk away from the vehicle.
It is right up there with the welcome light beamed onto the floor from the door mirrors and we like how the kidney logo with LEDs (light emitting diodes) light up for night driving.
Electronic adjustments for the front seats add to the convenience though we were somewhat bemused at the non-power adjustment of the steering column.
A trendy part is combining all the drive elements into a small space on the central console; start/stop button, gear engagement with a knob and parking brake.
Steering paddle shifts still come standard for those who want to drive in a more engaging way through winding roads.
The combined infotainment system and driver instrument panel has been a standard item since 2020 or earlier but in an updated form.
We also like the global positioning system (GPS) that come part and parcel of the BMW system, in particular the visuals from the camera feed on the turning point, with flashing arrow to boot.
That made our drive to Bentong, Pahang and looking for places to eat a lot more pleasant although we still turned in too early a few times.
When the GPS is activated, there is added guidance on the driver’s instrument panel and the head-up display (HUD) that covers a big area.
The only thing with HUDs is that the noon sun could affect its definition somewhat, forcing us to rely more on the route guidance via the instrument panel.
What is interesting is that the correct road speed for the respective area is always displayed, even when the GPS is not actively used.
The downside is that we never knew that there were so many different speed limits for the respective stretch or area and keeping within the correct one was quite a chore.
Another useful feature was the visual indication via camera capture of how close we were to the vehicle in front and if a motorcyclist passed us, a graphic outline was also indicated.
The X3 30 M Sport ran as quietly as we had expected with its good body aerodynamics and insulation and it also took easily to the winding Karak Highway at normal speeds.
We also like the suspension damping over all manner of road surfaces; the stiffness typical of German cars was there but the damping rate was softer as the Continental EcoContact 6 Q tyres rolled over the uneven road surfaces, be there speedbumps, rumble strips, dips or bumps.
There was no jarring effect and all on board could enjoy good ride comfort when the uneven roads were taken at sensible speeds.
At a price of RM358,800 on the road without insurance, the X3 30 xDrive M Sport would appeal to the BMW enthusiasts who value its sporty, though somewhat subdued in this model orientation.
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine: 1,998cc, 16-valve, DOHC, 4-cylinder turbocharged mild hybrid engine
Maximum power: 190kW/258hp from 4,700 to 6,500rpm
Maximum torque: 400Nm from 1,600 to 4,500rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed Steptronic automatic
Acceleration (0-100kph): 6.3 seconds
Top speed: 240kph
Features: Veganza perforated and quilted upholstery, BMW Individual Magnolia fine wood-trim with fine print, M leather steering wheel, Sports seats for driver and front passenger, M anthracite headliner, Driving Assistance Plus, BMW Drive Recorder, Active Park Distance Control with Pedestrian Detection when reversing, Anti-Theft Recorder, Active front seats ventilation, Wireless Charging Tray, Harman Kardon surround sound system with 15 speakers, interior camera
Suspension: Front MacPherson struts; rear multi-link
Price (OTR without insurance): RM358,800; (RM396,700 with extended warranty and service package)
