New BMW X3

R.O.R

While there probably is a thread on this Vehicle already, I can't find it with a search becuase the terms are too short



Will be in your local BMW dealer today and tomorrow. No big fancy launch, due to the times we are in (I miss BMW's proper launches )

While it looks like a bit of a pointless crossover for today's world, it's actually very good value compared to the competition from the like of the Volvo XC60 - and it's an actual 4x4 rather than a 4x2 as a lot are going nowadays.

Haven't seen it in the flesh, and unlikely to bother heading to a BMW dealer specifically over the weekend, but might pop in on Monday.

TestTransmission

His bike is awful clean

R.O.R

TestTransmission wrote: »

His bike is awful clean

Hopefully he's just arriving rather than leaving

veetwin

Saw one last week in the flesh. Have to say it looks good. I originally thought it was the X5. It seems to have a bit more presence than the old model and is much nicer than the pig ugly X1.

VolvoMan

Why do BMW have to ruin their designs these days with either a droopy nose or a sharp crease down the side?

I'd never buy an SUV, but I'd much rather have an XC60 over this. It will likely be more comfortable and is far better looking imo.

R.O.R

VolvoMan wrote: »

Why do BMW have to ruin their designs these days with either a droopy nose or a sharp crease down the side?

I'd never buy an SUV, but I'd much rather have an XC60 over this. It will likely be more comfortable and is far better looking imo.

Unfortunately, the XC60 is more expensive (even with Volvo's discount), and is only 2wd - and therefore, won't pull a big ass boat up a wet slip road (which is a current requirement for a customer looking to replace her XC70).

RedorDead

Looks like a vast improvement on the older version. Looks well from the outside - the inside has been cheapened a la X1 though apparently. Nevertheless it should still sell well.

VolvoMan

R.O.R wrote: »

Unfortunately, the XC60 is more expensive (even with Volvo's discount), and is only 2wd - and therefore, won't pull a big ass boat up a wet slip road (which is a current requirement for a customer looking to replace her XC70).

Is it not only the DRIVe that is 2WD though?

copacetic

R.O.R wrote: »

Unfortunately, the XC60 is more expensive (even with Volvo's discount), and is only 2wd - and therefore, won't pull a big ass boat up a wet slip road (which is a current requirement for a customer looking to replace her XC70).

I think in Ireland the D3 is 2WD only, the D5 is AWD from 49k. There is a D3 AWD manual available, but sure if it's here though.

The volvo is nicer looking but the new X3 is a big step up for BMW from current one. Can't see why anyone would go for the volvo with average engines, average handling, expensive price and poorer resale values.

Leonard Hofstadter

RedorDead wrote: »

Looks like a vast improvement on the older version. Looks well from the outside - the inside has been cheapened a la X1 though apparently. Nevertheless it should still sell well.

I think you're getting a bit mixed up there.

It was the old X3 had the cheaply built interior(and it was dreadful). The new car is apparently much better made inside.

Also, the new car is meant to be softer than the old one, plus it has electric power steering, so that means it won't drive terribly well.

And if a BMW doesn't drive well, then what's the point of buying one over one of its competitors?

The XC60 is available with 4WD, the D5 model has it as standard.

VolvoMan

copacetic wrote: »

Can't see why anyone would go for the volvo with average engines, average handling, expensive price and poorer resale values.

The XC60 has an all new 5 cylinder diesel engine that is vastly better than the old one. The handling is also supposed to be quite good and traditionally Volvo SUV's have always had strong resale values too.

R.O.R

D5 AWD XC60's are quite a bit more expensive than the D3 2WD models, and the road tax (think it takes them in to the 1050 bracket) is going to kill them used.

Manual and Auto X3 cost 320 a year to tax. Them shift Germans and their oil burning trickery!

O/T, but the Volvo XC90 is also now available in 2WD with the D3 engine. Will still cost 1050 a year to tax and isn't that much cheaper than the 4WD models, so I'm not quite sure what the point is.

Berty

I like it in the same way I like the XC60.

There is always a middle market for those who although like the X5 and XC90 do not either want the massive beast or cannot afford it.

I think the styling is much better than the previous model. There is a much more defined effort on the front end styling. The black ABS plastic has been replaced by a lot more CAR.

The shame about it is that the Xenon headlights do not fit with the vehicle styling. Ah well.

BTW ITS A BIG X1

copacetic

VolvoMan wrote: »

The XC60 has an all new 5 cylinder diesel engine that is vastly better than the old one. The handling is also supposed to be quite good and traditionally Volvo SUV's have always had strong resale values too.

hmm, a volvo engine being 'vastly better than the old one' only brings it up to average. As noted above their 'all new' engines have average performance and poor emissions, especially when combined with their old style slushbox. It's handling and resale will be fine too probably, but nowhere near the X3s for sure. Which is fine, except when they are charging a premium for a poorer overall package.

PARKHEAD67

TestTransmission wrote: »

His bike is awful clean

hes a solicitor who works 88 hour weeks.In his spare time he rubs his bmw and his bike.Cool lifestyle.:D

machu

what other competitors has the new X3 ? would the audi Q5 be considered one or is it in a different price range ?

RedorDead

captainspeed wrote: »

I think you're getting a bit mixed up there.

It was the old X3 had the cheaply built interior(and it was dreadful). The new car is apparently much better made inside.

Also, the new car is meant to be softer than the old one, plus it has electric power steering, so that means it won't drive terribly well.

And if a BMW doesn't drive well, then what's the point of buying one over one of its competitors?

The XC60 is available with 4WD, the D5 model has it as standard.

Pretty sure i read a review of the new X3 recently that said the interior was cheaper than should be expected. Will try and dig it out.

RedorDead

machu wrote: »

what other competitors has the new X3 ? would the audi Q5 be considered one or is it in a different price range ?

Main competitors would be the Audi Q5, Landrover Freelander and Volvo XC60. In size terms the Hyundai Santa Fe would be pretty close to it. Mercedes also build a GLK in LHD only which competes with all the above in Europe but not in UK and Ireland.

copacetic

RedorDead wrote: »

Pretty sure i read a review of the new X3 recently that said the interior was cheaper than should be expected. Will try and dig it out.

this is from a bmw blog but I thought about the same

http://www.bmwblog.com/2010/10/16/bmwblog-exclusive-driving-impressions-of-the-new-bmw-x3/

First impressions formed from the passenger seat on the drive from the Fulton County Airport to Painted Rock Farm is one of quiet comfort. The optional sports seat with power adjustments should be familiar to any BMW owner. The interior is significantly more upscale that the previous X3’s and could tempt shoppers of competitors’ vehicles into looking at the new X3.

The new X3 is immediately recognizable as a BMW from the inside. There is the common theme of gauge placement, fonts on gauges, and location of controls. This commonality of design aesthetic and ergonomics from one vehicle to another (from the top to bottom of BMW’s lineup) helps focus the brand’s image.

similar here:
http://theage.drive.com.au/motor-news/first-drive-bmw-x3-20101109-17kx1.html

Up front, the X3 mimics the driver’s cockpit of late models with tactile and rubberised steering wheel-mounted buttons, quality, soft-touch materials, the now- intuitive iteration of the iDrive multi-function controller and a handy electric park brake.

Thankfully, the new model eschews its predecessor’s flimsy and awkwardly positioned cupholders for conventionally located cup and bottle holders and ample storage cubbies.

Other interior features include Bluetooth compatibility with smart phones for music and file sharing, head-up display, reversing and top-view cameras and internet access when stationary – most of which likely to be on the 20d’s options list.

PARKHEAD67

R.O.R wrote: »

While there probably is a thread on this Vehicle already, I can't find it with a search becuase the terms are too short



Will be in your local BMW dealer today and tomorrow. No big fancy launch, due to the times we are in (I miss BMW's proper launches )

While it looks like a bit of a pointless crossover for today's world, it's actually very good value compared to the competition from the like of the Volvo XC60 - and it's an actual 4x4 rather than a 4x2 as a lot are going nowadays.

Haven't seen it in the flesh, and unlikely to bother heading to a BMW dealer specifically over the weekend, but might pop in on Monday.

The only people bothered with this machine are yummy mummy, soccer mom , desperate housewive wannabee plonkerwomen. It just screams "Recession doesnt bother me. Im a sexy cool BEE em driver.Now where did I put my co-co chanel glasses so I can look like an even bigger knobpuss?"

Gophur

R.O.R wrote: »

While there probably is a thread on this Vehicle already, I can't find it with a search becuase the terms are too short



Will be in your local BMW dealer today and tomorrow. No big fancy launch, due to the times we are in (I miss BMW's proper launches )

While it looks like a bit of a pointless crossover for today's world, it's actually very good value compared to the competition from the like of the Volvo XC60 - and it's an actual 4x4 rather than a 4x2 as a lot are going nowadays.

Haven't seen it in the flesh, and unlikely to bother heading to a BMW dealer specifically over the weekend, but might pop in on Monday.

:eek: Now you tell me?

R.O.R

Gophur wrote: »

:eek: Now you tell me?

Literally launched this past weekend, only got info on it last week.

I can't imagine there is anywhere near as much space in one of them as a Superb Combi, nor the level of toys.

Still think you have the best option on order for Jan (but I would say that wouldn't I?)

Zubeneschamali

PARKHEAD67 wrote: »

The only people bothered with this machine are yummy mummy, soccer mom , desperate housewive wannabee plonkerwomen.

Sadly, these ridiculous vehicles are still fashionable for no discernable reason. It's a bit like nose piercing: I mean why? Just why?