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
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 |
