BMW X3 2018 Review

The compact luxury SUV market has always been a fiercely competitive segment locally, as consumers desire the refinement brought by luxury brands while also demanding practicality for everyday use. The 2018 BMW X3 public is designed precisely to cater to this demand. As a mid-cycle facelift of the BMW X3 family, it not only continues BMW's sporty genes but also upgrades its configuration and comfort features. We have received a test car to see how it performs on Malaysian roads and whether it can meet the core needs of local family users.

In terms of appearance, the overall style of the 2018 X3 public looks tougher than the previous version. The front still features the iconic kidney grille, but its size has been increased, complemented by sharp LED headlight units on both sides for high recognizability. The headlights incorporate daytime running lights, which provide a clear visual effect when lit. The side profile has smooth lines, with a waistline stretching from the front fender to the rear, enhancing the muscular feel. The 19-inch multi-spoke aluminum alloy wheels boost the sporty vibe. At the rear, the LED taillights adopt an L-shaped design that echoes the headlights, and the silver skid plate below the rear bumper along with the dual exhaust layout lend a multi-layered look to the rear. The overall design retains BMW's family characteristics while incorporating younger and trendier elements, catering to contemporary consumer aesthetics.

Sitting inside, the sense of luxury and technology is immediately perceivable. The central console is wrapped in a large amount of soft-touch materials, with a refined texture, complemented by metal trims and piano-black finish panels, enhancing the quality of the interior. The instrument panel features a traditional mechanical design, but the center is equipped with a 4.2-inch LCD screen that displays driving computer, navigation, and other information. The 10.25-inch touchscreen display atop the central console is a core feature, equipped with BMW’s iDrive 6.0 system, supporting gesture control, voice recognition, and CarPlay connectivity, offering smooth operation and responsive performance. The seats are wrapped in genuine leather, providing excellent support and comfort. The front seats also come with electric adjustment and lumbar support functions, ensuring a comfortable ride even on long drives.

In terms of space, the 2018 X3 public measures 4717mm×1891mm×1689mm, with a wheelbase of 2864mm, which is considered standard for compact luxury SUVs. The front-row seating space is spacious, and a passenger of 180cm can enjoy sufficient headroom and legroom. Rear-row space is equally impressive, with over two fists of legroom and approximately one fist of headroom, ensuring comfort even for three adult passengers in the back. The rear is equipped with independent air-conditioning vents and USB charging ports, enhancing the comfort of rear-seat passengers. The trunk offers a standard capacity of 550L, which can be expanded to 1600L by folding down the rear seats. It can easily accommodate several suitcases or a baby stroller, meeting the storage needs of family trips.

In terms of power, the test model is equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 184 horsepower and a peak torque of 290 Nm, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. During daily driving, the power delivery is smooth and linear, with no noticeable turbo lag during takeoff. Switching to Sport mode makes the throttle response more sensitive, and the transmission shifts much faster. The acceleration provides a notable push-back sensation, giving drivers confidence when overtaking. The performance of this powertrain aligns with BMW's tuning style, balancing everyday driving with the ability for occasional spirited driving.

Handling is BMW's strong suit, and the 2018 X3 public is no exception. The steering is precise, with minimal play, and offers a steady feel, providing great confidence to the driver. The chassis features a front double-joint spring strut suspension and a rear multi-link independent suspension, tuned for sportiness while retaining a certain level of comfort. When tackling bumpy roads, the suspension effectively absorbs most of the vibrations, preventing noticeable body movement. During cornering, body roll is well controlled, and the tires provide good grip, resulting in stable overall performance.

In terms of fuel consumption, our tests on mixed road conditions showed a fuel consumption of around 8.5L per 100 km, which is fairly good for a 2.0T luxury SUV. If mainly driving in city conditions, fuel consumption might be slightly higher but still within an acceptable range. Regarding noise control, the vehicle performs well at high speeds, with wind and tire noise effectively suppressed. The interior remains pleasantly quiet, without affecting conversations or music listening.

In summary, the core highlight of the 2018 BMW X3 public lies in its balanced product strength—it not only delivers BMW's signature handling performance but also meets the space and comfort needs of family users, with a relatively rich set of features. Compared to competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLC and the Audi Q5L, the X3 public stands out with superior handling and a price advantage, offering good value for money. This car is ideal for those who prioritize driving experience while needing to consider family usage. Be it daily commuting or weekend family outings, it does the job well. If you are looking for a balanced, fun-to-drive luxury SUV, the 2018 X3 public is worth considering.