In the European midsize SUV segment, the trend is increasingly shifting toward gasoline engines—ideally with electric assistance—or even fully electric models. Yet there is another way; diesel engines remain hugely popular in this segment, and not just in Europe. We took the BMW X3 40d for a more than 1.000-miles-drive in Australia.
Electric mobility hasn’t gained much traction in Down Under just yet. However, rising energy costs and proactive regional governments mean that models with electric or at least hybrid powertrains are increasingly on Australians’ minds. Diesel engines are even more popular, accounting for just under 30 percent of sales. Pickups and off-roaders are a big deal amidst the kangaroos, the Sydney Opera House, and Ayers Rock; alongside rugged, high-volume models—with or without cargo beds—from manufacturers like Mazda, Toyota, Isuzu, and Ford, European premium brands also enjoy great popularity. It is no surprise, then, that the 4.76-meter-long BMW X3—featuring a top-tier 3.0-liter engine delivering 223 kW (303 hp)—became available in Australia well before it hit home markets in Europe or the USA. The X3 40d is manufactured at the Rosslyn plant in South Africa, ensuring a relatively short journey to Australia.
While the 2.0-liter diesel engine (producing just under 200 hp) is a solid choice for this two-ton all-wheel-drive crossover, true power and effortless performance require six cylinders. In this regard, the inline-six engine of the 40d xDrive is an excellent choice—arguably the best currently available in the lineup—delivering a massive peak torque of 670 Nm starting from a low 1,500 rpm. Thanks to a respectable real-world fuel consumption of barely more than 38 mpg, the driver can easily live with the fuel tank—a capacity that might otherwise feel a bit on the small side. Yet, on long stretches along Australia’s east coast—even with extended stops in bustling metropolises like Sydney or Brisbane—a range of 500 miles or more between refueling stops is certainly achievable.
The powerful diesel engine with power, torque, smooth running and power delivery from lower speeds is one thing – but it is the package that simply fits perfectly in everyday use. Ideal weight distribution, the tightly tuned chassis, the precise steering and the symbiosis of the beefy diesel engine with the eight-speed automatic transmission – that’s hard to get better in this segment. The fact that the mid-range SUV pushes hard at all conceivable speeds, imposing its power on the road in an impressively unobtrusive manner and thereby outpacing many sports cars, is not only impressive because the white paint makes it roll along in everyday traffic as pale as a basic version. If you like it sportier, you can change the driving program largely unnecessarily, enjoy a higher-revving six-cylinder, bolder gear changes with more revs and a thrust that is simply powerful, while the sound is discreetly restrained.
Whether taking curves briskly on the highway toward the Gold Coast or briefly darting into a gap between the massive road trains that supply this vast region with every conceivable type of goods, everything works beautifully; the precise road feedback felt through the steering wheel is just as impressive as the body control on narrow, winding country roads. This is precisely where the BMW X3 40d xDrive shines, effectively erasing memories of the solid X3 20 Diesel or the punchy plug-in hybrid—which offered similar power (220 kW / 299 hp) but came with electric range and a disappointing top speed of 133 mph.
As much splendor as the BMW X3 offers with its balanced drive package, it looks pale inside. The seats are comfortable, but could be adjusted in more ways and the plastic charm in the center console and strange door elements with creaking control modules and superfluous type designations do not belong in a vehicle that – now also available in Europe, starts at 71,000 euros – with rather mediocre standard equipment. This therefore has to be really hyped up and a befitting BMW X3 with the magnificent power diesel quickly costs well over 80,000 euros. Who in this league wants to do without air-conditioned leather seats, LED matrix headlights, panoramic roof, 20/21-inch model, sound system or automatic parking system? Australia makes no difference to Europe or the USA.
Stefan Grundhoff; press-inform
