Buckling my seatbelt in the 2018 BMW X3 xDrive30i offered a surprise I couldn’t dismiss no matter how many times I sat in the seat. Once I hit the start button, the seat belt tightened in a comfy snug kind of way, signaling to me that this was not going to be an ordinary driving experience.
Armed with the historical title, “The Ultimate Driving Machine,” this all-new third generation sport activity vehicle did not disappoint. My inner speed demon loved the 248 horsepower produced by the 2.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder engine. Running late or not, this agile and lightweight X3 on 19-inch light alloy wheels and runflat tires wanted me to be where I was going, pronto.
Confidently snug in the power sport front seat, I was tickled by the ease in which I could transition to the next level of speed using the 8-speed sport automatic transmission with sport and manual shift modes and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The drive modes range from eco pro, comfort, sport to sport+.
The fully-loaded model that I was driving came with a Dark Olive Metallic exterior with satin aluminum roof rails and exterior trim and was topped off with BMW’s signature kidney grille, but with 3-D treatment. Its Canberra Beige Vernasca leather interior with Dark Oak Wood trim was loaded with a well-designed dash, wireless charging, an array of ambience lighting choices and a head-up display projecting the speed limit on the windshield and the driver’s speed in relation to it.
Security wise, great detail was revealed in the surround 3D view accompanying the rear view camera, and the flood lighting outside the door tells a thief to think twice about a sneak attack. The iDrive 6.0 touchscreen technology with controller button facilitates a seamless link to smartphones and smartwatches. Loads of information at your voices command or fingertips.
The sophisticated SAV, with 8 inches of ground clearance, has a fully finished cargo area with velour carpeting and remote trunk release. Did I mention the 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats actually recline?
Like the snug seatbelt, the lane departure technology is serious about protecting the driver and keeping them alert. Veering out of my lane with properly signaling prompted the 3-spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel to vibrate in my hands. It can be an intense alert, but nothing about the performance of this X3 is subtle.
The 2018 BWM X3 xDrive30i MSRP: $42,450; Combined City/Highway MPG: 25.
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