This is the new price entry point of BMW‘s X3 small 4×4 range.
The 143PS 2.0-litre diesel engine is the best part of £2000 cheaper than the next model up in the range, and offers the best economy of any X3 at a combined 45.6mpg. It doesn’t feel underpowered against the more potent engines in the BMW range, either. The bad news is that the CO2 emissions are at 165g/km, still over the capital allowance tipping point, while Volvo has an XC60 that gets below at 159g/km.
The X3 18d will, however, rival Audi‘s newer and better-looking Q5. The X3 is a few hundred pounds cheaper, slightly quicker and marginally cleaner than an entry-level diesel Q5 emitting 172g/km, but neither is especially rewarding to drive with both suffering from an over-firm ride.
Good residual value and service cost predictions keep running costs below 60p per mile, which makes the 18d the most sensible X3 for business.
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