BMW X3 30d M Sport
Car review: SAM HARDY
What is it?
The BMW X3 30d M Sport is the flagship model in the X3 range. It has a 254bhp 3.0-litre straight six diesel engine which makes it extremely fast – but this performance does not come at the expense of fuel economy or CO2 emissions. M Sport specification brings lots of extras and is expected to be the most popular trim. The downside is the list price tag of £40,275.
What’s hot?
- The sheer punch of the 254bhp 3.0-litre diesel…
- …which rockets the X3 from 0-60mph in six seconds
- And with 560Nm of torque and a peppy eight-speed auto overtaking is easy
- It’s very quiet and refined too, settling to a hush on the motorway
- Stop-start and regenerative braking mean you can get 47mpg and 159g/km.
- By comparison a Range Rover Evoque SD4 does 174g/km. An Audi Q5 3.0TDI does 199g/km.
- The handling is precise and the steering is full of feel
- There’s plenty of room in the back and the boot is vast.
- M Sport brings stiffened suspension, 18-inch wheels, a bodykit…
- …and a sports steering wheel on the inside
- There’s enough four-wheel drive ability to cope with mild off-roading.
What’s not?
- At nearly £40,000, it costs as much as its rivals but £5,790 more than the 20d M Sport …
- …which still feels fast and does 50mpg and 147g/km.
- Some of the M Sport exterior extras don’t work well with the X3’s shape
- The ride can be firm unless you specify £930 optional Variable Damper Control
- Cabin quality is great but the design is a bit sombre.
Business Car Manager Road Test Verdict
Business Motoring Award Winners 2024
Business Motoring Award Winners 2024
Business Motoring Award Winners 2024
Business Motoring Award Winners 2024
Business Motoring Award Winners 2024
Business Motoring Award Winners 2024
The X3 30d is a worthy flagship. It’s great fun to drive with precise handling, a comfortable ride and, of course, that incredibly punchy 3.0-litre diesel engine. It’s got lots of space inside, is very flexible (with enough off-road ability for most buyers) and in M Sport guise, has all the extras you’ll ever need.
However, while it’s fast, we reckon the 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel version is not short of pulling power, and with a lower price and lower pence per mile costs, it’s still the X3 to go for in a business car comparison.
The low down
P11D Value | £40,050 |
Monthly business rental (ex VAT) | From £513 (3yrs/30,000 miles) |
Tax Bands 2012/13 to 2014/15 | 25%, 26%, 27% |
Benefit in kind 2012/13 to 2014/15 | £10,013, £10,413, £10,814 |
Engine | 3.0 litre 6 cyl turbocharged diesel |
CO2 Emissions | 159g/km |
Power/torque | 258HP/560Nm |
0-62mph/top speed | 6.2secs/130mph |
Economy | 47.1mpg |