2011 BMW X3 xDrive20d Review by AutoExpress

AutoExpress takes the most efficient and best-selling model of the X3 fleet to the test. The BMW X3 xDrive20d has a maximum output of 184 horsepower from a 2-liter diesel engine turbo four-cylinder with aluminum crankcase and direct injection. Torque is at 280 lb-ft of between 1750 and 2,750 rpm. It accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 8.5 seconds. The fuel consumption is just 42 mpg. Here is an excerpt from their review:

Only one engine is available at launch for the diesel-loving UK market. But the xDrive 20d is a cracker. It has four per cent more power and consumes 15 per cent less fuel than the outgoing 20d. The power delivery is surprisingly linear for a diesel, while refinement is impressive at motorway speeds.

A six-speed manual gearbox is standard, but it disappointed us with its rubbery feel and lack of precision. Fortunately, buyers can specify a superb optional eight-speed auto, which comes with a stop-start system – a first in this segment.

And on the move the emphasis is on comfort – the car rides beautifully, rounding off any imperfections in the road. Three modes – Normal, Sport and Sport+ – offer a variety of settings for the throttle response, power-steering weight, stability control, gearshifts and damper responses, so the car is a capable cruiser and fun on country lanes, too.

BMW is keeping it simple for UK customers, offering only one spec at launch, alongside the single engine – although there’s plenty of kit as standard, such as leather trim and dual-zone air-con. The price is £115 cheaper than for the equivalent previous-generation car, but with costly options such as a panoramic sunroof, head-up display and sat-nav, the bill soon rises.

Source: AutoExpress