BMW X3 (Parallel Imported)

Large and good road presence but not overwhelming, adequately powered for its size. Excellent NVH, and of course superb handling. Sound system acceptable and can be better. 360 camera is superb and useful for a car this size. Gesture control is quite gimmicky.. Comes with quite little driving assistance feature sadly, but some dislikes these anyway.... Read More

Having been switching in between SUVS and sedans over the past decades, I was contemplating whether I should switch back to an SUV for a(nother) change. There are pros and cons of driving an SUV vs a sedan which I shall not dwell on it here. But anyhow, I am now back to driving another SUV - the BMW X3. Among the variety of SUVs here, the X3 is one of the better looking ones around. Granted that beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder, I just love how the X3 looks - from the design and shape, to the size and height. Internally, the stylish design and build quality are equally impressive. You can immediately feel the genuine plushness and luxurious ambience of the cabin once you stepped into the vehicle. At the same time, there is a generous amount of legroom and headroom, spatially comfortable for passengers and driver. I am impressed with the more-than-adequate tech features for safety and efficiency, though I find it a little overwhelming initially. Nevertheless, the new iDrive7 infotainment system is easy to pick up, easy to use. This X3 G01 model seems like a 'raised-up' 5 Series. What is more impressive about the X3 is the feel of the drive, handling and engine performance. I was apprehensive and thought that I would have to sacrifice certain aspects of a sedan-drive feel. But surprisingly, the nimbleness and agility of the X3 are not far off from a sedan. Not to the extent of calling the sizeable and heavier X3 'zippy', but it is certainly responsive, engaging and smooth. Despite its 19-inch rims and stock RFTs, the X3 is impressively quiet and comfortable. Now already in my fifth tank of fuel, and my 50-city-50-highway drive pattern, I was relieved to observe an average fuel consumption (FC) of 11km/l. An impressive start on a BMW ownership.... Read More