2018 BMW X3

For 2018, BMW completely redesigned the X3 compact crossover, and in doing so, condensed the lineup to two trim levels, each with a different engine. We've already experienced one, the M40i with its 355-horsepower turbocharged straight-6 engine. While the engine is a charmer, and the vehicle a snappy handler, we found it to be a bit uncomfortable when the pavement got punishing, and it generally felt a bit conflicted between being a tall practical crossover and a sporty machine. As such, we got a hold of the other X3 iteration, the xDrive30i, to see how it fares. Engine and Powertrain On paper, the biggest difference is under the hood. Instead of the inline-6, the xDrive30i gets by with just a turbocharged inline-4 making 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. That seems like a big downgrade in performance, and in a way, it is. But the thing is, this engine provides more than enough power for keeping up with and dusting off traffic. The fact it makes its torque so low in the rev band makes a big difference, making it feel spritely in normal driving conditions. The engine is quiet, and the power delivery is smooth and undramatic, which means that it picks up speed deceptively quickly. Video ID: 9a6f86de-9599-36da-9458-c0700c1338ac Playlist ID: Autoplay: false Mute: false Continuous: false Ad Key: Ad Value: Where the little four-cylinder loses out to the bigger brother is in character. Though quiet, it does start to make some clatter when matting the throttle, and the resultant noise is a generic, almost artificial engine note. It's not particularly unpleasant, but it's not something you'll go out of your way to experience like you might with the M40i's six. It also runs out of puff as the revs increase, so it's a much less willing partner when winding it all the way out. But most of the time, the four-cylinder is a very nice powerplant that most people will appreciate more than a boisterous sportscar engine. Also worth noting is that the BMW's 8-speed automatic transmission works quite nicely in this application. It changes gears very smoothly, and it picks gears reasonably well. Manual mode is fun, since it shifts pretty quickly for an automatic, and the paddles have a quick action without feeling too clicky. Ride and Handling Another area in which the X3 xDrive30i (which we want to go on record saying it's a terrible name for a trim level) differs is in suspension tuning. Naturally, the M40i, being an M-badged machine, has stiff, performance-oriented suspension. The plain ol' xDrive30i does not, though our example came with the $1,400 Dynamic Handling Package that adds adjustable damping, steering and throttle and shifting response. And after spending a weekend with it, we would highly recommend the package; it allows the X3 to be both a comfortable commuter and a sporty crossover. In Comfort mode, rough pavement turns smooth from the perspective of the driver, though the engine and transmission response is gentler, arguably sluggish, steering is …
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