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BMW X3 18d xDrive SE: Test Drive Review

Date: 14 December 2009   |   Author:

Category: Small 4x4
P11D price: £27,665
Key rival: Audi Q5

This is the new price entry point of BMW's X3 small 4x4 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.

BMW X3 18d xDrive SE
P11D price£27,665
Model price range£27,665-£39,170
Fuel consumption45.6mpg
CO2 (tax) 165g/km (24%)
BIK 20/40% per month£111/£221
Service intervalvariable mls
Insurancegroup 116
Warranty3yrs/60,000mls
Boot space (min/max)480/1560 litres
Engine size/power1995cc/143PS
Top speed/0-62mph121mph/10.3secs
On sale Summer 2009
Score7/10
VerdictOver 160g/km of CO2, but the
most sensible business
proposition in the X3 line-up


Verdict


Over 160g/km of CO2, but the most sensible business proposition in the X3 line-up
7/10

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