For enthusiasts like us who have been disappointed in the most recent batch of BMWs, which have seemingly forsaken driving verve, we've got good news: The verve is back! Surprisingly, it's back not in the form of a BMW sedan but in the X3 crossover. Poised for success with a dual-purpose nature, it should appeal to luxury-crossover shoppers and enthusiast drivers alike. The standard model comes with a sweet turbocharged four-cylinder and a premium interior. Power-hungry buyers will want to try the X3 M40i, which utilizes BMW's brilliant turbocharged inline-six to muscle its way down the road. Technologically speaking, the new X3 is head and shoulders above the model that it replaces, offering both a modernized iDrive infotainment system and a host of driver-assistance features.Not many changes are in store for the 2019 X3 since it was completely redesigned in 2018. BMW now offers automated emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and parking sensors as standard equipment; M40i models now come with a sport steering wheel. The Premium package now includes a heated steering wheel, 19-inch wheels, heated front seats, navigation with real-time traffic updates, a head-up display, and Apple CarPlay capability. However, navigation with traffic updates and Apple CarPlay is also offered as a standalone option for those seeking to keep costs down.As much as we'd love to spring for the X3 M40i with its 355-hp turbocharged inline-six, the X3 xDrive30i is the better value and will still appeal to enthusiast drivers with its playful demeanor. We'd start with the midrange Luxury Design trim and add the aforementioned Premium package. We'd also add the optional adaptive suspension—called Dynamic Damper Control—which provides three different modes to tailor the X3's ride to driving conditions. |
