[itwasntme]

Originally Posted by Axe77

I really hope they still have or bring back the X3 M40i at a palatable price.

Mobike008 tested the M50i (40i moniker dropped I believe) and came away disappointed.

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/test-...ml#post5916946 (All-New 2025 BMW X3 M50 Review | Initial Driving Impressions)

Force Motors anyway assembles the B58 in India itself. May not be a hugely challenging task to mate the same to an imported X3 chassis thereby enjoying SKD duties. But BMW have always had the (similar) opportunity to roll out the older X3M40i or a G30 540i, and never did.

[sunikkat]

Honestly I feel 3GL is a better buy - better petrol engine, more fun to drive, real leather interiors over vegan in x3, spacious and saves few lakhs. Also 3 GL looks better, personal opinion. I know it’s not a right comparison of sedan to SUV, but other than the GC of X3, I don’t see any reason of going for it.

But I am very confident that this will sell better numbers than previous X3’s. X1 is a hit, 5 series is selling better than previous gens and X3 will not be an exception.

[Axe77]

Originally Posted by sunikkat

Honestly I feel 3GL is a better buy - better petrol engine, more fun to drive, real leather interiors over vegan in x3, spacious and saves few lakhs. Also 3 GL looks better, personal opinion. I know it’s not a right comparison of sedan to SUV, but other than the GC of X3, I don’t see any reason of going for it.

This is a great point actually - didn’t think of it this way. The 3GL has decent enough ground clearance, it has a far better back seat than any of these SUVs like the GLC and X3 and a respectable boot as well for practicality. Most of all, it’s got a segment appropriate gem of an engine with that B48 petrol churning ~250+ bhp.

You can choose the 3GL over a GLC / X3 etc and even tag on a little Jimny on top of it with the money saved for those rare outings when you are particularly concerned about going off the beaten path once in a way.

[AnkitShroff]

Originally Posted by sunikkat

Honestly I feel 3GL is a better buy - better petrol engine, more fun to drive, real leather interiors over vegan in x3, spacious and saves few lakhs. Also 3 GL looks better, personal opinion. I know it’s not a right comparison of sedan to SUV, but other than the GC of X3, I don’t see any reason of going for it.

I echo the same sentiments. SUV as a body style, owing to the customer preference in our country, demands a much higher premium than the mechanical changes command (anti-roll bar, material cost, xDrive ability etc.). In fact, for this price, I would much rather go for something like a 5-er/ E-class.

I am, although, not so sure about the leather vs Vegan seats comparison. ‘Veganza’ is their best synthetic seat material (much better than Sensafin and Sensatec). If I am not wrong, even the 5-series provides Veganza (internationally, Merino leather is provided as an option). While checking out the 3GL and 5-er few months back, I found the 5-series’ seats to be way superior. Am I missing something here, are there other elements too such as thickness, cushioning etc. that could have made me feel so? Asking to understand if the seats of X3 is genuinely inferior to that of 3GL.

[Santoshbhat]

Disappointing car. I have an X3 from 2 generations back (F25 30d) and absolutely love it for its all round capabilities - Fun + Fast + comfortable. This latest model gives me no compelling reason to trade in my car for it. Except for the large touch screen and associated tech like Android Auto, there is nothing in it that represents advancement. The design, the garish interiors, low rent plastics esp on touch parts like the door handles inside and outside are all cringeworthy! One may forgive them for all of this if they at least gave us half decent engines!

My "Classic" X3

[sunikkat]

Originally Posted by AnkitShroff

Am I missing something here, are there other elements too such as thickness, cushioning etc. that could have made me feel so? Asking to understand if the seats of X3 is genuinely inferior to that of 3GL.

Sorry, this might be a personal bias. I have a thing for real leather seats, it’s feel, texture, smell and luxury which cannot be explained. I am yet to experience a vegan leather or leatherette which gives that feeling. However as said I might be biased here and if someone, without telling the material, ask me to differentiate between 2, I might not be able to.

[arindambasu13]

BMWs are becoming uglier with each passing generation and design iteration. The X3 is (very) slightly better than several others in the BMW lineup, but the design edge of classy, aggressive and proportionate lines are more or less gone. Add to that the high prices and very ordinary engines for this price range - and there is nothing really appealing about the X3 any more. Its become another "also ran" model. Really disappointed, since at one time the X3 seemed to be the perfect mid size SUV to me - that is no longer the case.

[Omkar]

Originally Posted by Xpresstrainfast

Two questions, both silly.

#1 What are the functions that you can adjust through the Personal mode. You can adjust the brake, chasis, engine, gearbox, suspension in the new M5. Same here? (Does this one retain the adaptive dampers)

#2 Is the location of the photoshoot the same as the iX1?

Excellent review though.

#1 Yes, it has adaptive dampers. 4 factors can be tweaked -









#2 Haha. I'm glad you're paying attention to the location. But no, both cars were shot at different locations (iX1 had buildings in the background ).

[Axe77]

Originally Posted by Omkar

#1 Yes, it has adaptive dampers. 4 factors can be tweaked -

Ah that's good to know. This is the one big PLUS over the GLC I guess, which I feel still has a slightly stiffness to its ride quality, specially at low speeds. Good on BMW to not skimp on this aspect at least.

[somersault]

I am forced to compare this launch with Tiguan R line or Kodiaq. Apart from the brand logo, Kodiaq is a much better choice compared to current X3. Gone are the days where X3 had a desire quotient

[Utopian]

I would personally go with the outgoing gen X3, some of the elements are too maverick and out of place. And with that hefty price tag and tame 2.0L engines, it might be a tough sell. IMO, X1 now appears to be a more VFM proposition.

[sachin_cs]

2 weeks back I happen to check out the new X3 diesel in Mumbai and overall as a package, it’s not that bad as it’s made out to be, I don’t know how many of the BHPians have actually seen the car in person. From the photos, it definitely looks weird from certain angles but in person, it’s a beautiful looking car, I saw the dune grey one, the squatted stance is imposing. Compared to the last gen, what we gain is the better rear seat experience, new tech, the thigh support is improved and so has the ride quality because of the addition of dynamic suspension. On the other hand we unfortunately lose on the engine performance for what BMW is or rather was known for.

Sad note: Today, the diesel cars costing even 1cr are plonked with puny 2 litre diesels producing ~200PS e.g. F-Pace, Velar have 201PS diesel, GLC has 194PS motor and now this X3 joins the bandwagon. Volvo & Audi have left the diesel game sadly.

[XDriver]

I have the G01 X3 M40i. The design and appeal is just classy and timeless ! It looks aggressive, has perfect proportions and looks a fast sporty SUV (even while standing still)
The iDrive 7 is the best there was. I need not even talk about the legendary B58 in the car. A true gem! 360ps and 500nm! I just did another 1000km road trip last week. Effortless, smooth, super fast and practical !!

Did not like the new design. Looks like a wagon from some angles. And the head lights and grill of the new version are just weird looking.

[sgmuser]

50 lakhs X1 previous gen and this has similar hp which itself is turn off for me, for almost twice the price. Sadly GLC has similar tune but at least it feels more premium inside compared to the even newer X3. For this range I would not touch anything less than 260 or so hp simply or the GLC Petrol is another option, even though it is less economical, it is buttery smooth. Previous X3 M40i should be the new X3 (power output) for me if at all I am considering an upgrade to the X1. My '22 X1 is a steal still with 190hp and I don't there is anything close to this in this budget, which looks proportionate and easy on eyes. If I feel like burning some oil, switch to sport and I disappear!

[100Kmphormore]

I glance at these luxury car reviews from time to time, and BMWs hold a special place in my heart, being an aspiring owner myself. But I was done when the 190 hp diesel figure came up (even ignored that weird front carried over from the X1) - the 30d guise should have been mandatory given the price point of 1 crore. Though a decade away to even consider these, the current prices of 2016-19 30ds in the preowned market are quite high just due to the exclusivity and preference by driving enthusiasts. Adaptive dampers seem a welcome addition.