Review: BMW F25 X3 (2011-17)

Review: BMW F25 X3 (2011-14)

Overview

Released in March 2011, the BMW F25 X3 was a mid-size SUV. Manufactured in South Carolina, USA, the F25 X3 range initially consisted of the xDrive20d and xDrive28i, with the xDrive30d following in July 2011. In December 2011, the xDrive20i was released. From May 2012, the xDrive28i was fitted with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine.

EfficientDynamics

To reduce fuel consumption, all F25 X3 models had BMW’s ‘Brake Energy Regeneration’ system which regulated alternator output to charge the battery when the vehicle was braking or coasting. Furthermore, the xDrive20i, four-cylinder xDrive28i, xDrive20d and xDrive30d were also fitted with BMW’s ‘Auto Start-Stop’ system which could shut down the engine when the vehicle was stationary.

xDrive all-wheel drive system

The BMW F25 X3 was fitted with BMW’s permanent ‘xDrive’ four-wheel drive system which had an electronically controlled, multi-plate clutch in the transfer case. Generally, the clutch was partially engaged and provided a 40:60 front/rear torque split. In addition to partial engagement, however, the clutch could also be fully engaged (50:50 front/rear torque split) or completely open (all torque to the rear wheels) – the latter would occur when driving at high speed or when parking.

The xDrive system interacted with the electronic stability control system such that torque distribution could be varied in response to oversteer or understeer, and individual wheels could be braked to transfer torque to the opposing wheel (i.e. cross-axle torque transfer). The X3 was also fitted with an automatic brake differential and hill descent control.

Dimensions and suspension

Compared to the E83 X3 , the F25 X3 was 119 mm longer (at 4684 mm), 28 mm wider (1881 mm), 1 mm taller (1675 mm) and had a 15 mm longer wheelbase (2810 mm). The F25 X3 had double-joint spring-strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension with electro-hydraulic shock absorbers; an optional ‘Dynamic Damper Control’ system also enabled the driver mode to select from ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Sport+’ drive modes.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the BMW F25 X3 included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control, active front seat head restraints and front and outer rear seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP testing , the BMW F25 X3 xDrive20d received a five star safety rating which included an 88 per cent adult occupant protection rating and an 83 per cent child occupant protection rating. Under ANCAP’s methodology, this testing resulted in a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 34.58 out of 37.

Features: BMW F25 X3

Standard features for the BMW F25 X3 xDrive20i and xDrive20d included 17-inch alloy wheels with low resistance tyres, a six speaker stereo with CD player, MP3-compatibility and auxiliary inputs (including USB), dual-zone climate control air conditioning, cruise control, a 6.5-inch colour monitor with reversing camera, front and rear fog lights, Bluetooth connectivity, front and rear parking sensors, rear view camera, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, 40/20/40 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking with keyless start, power windows and mirrors, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable front seats, power-operated park brake, 12 volt power outlets, cargo net, ski bag, roof rails and an immobiliser.

The BMW X3 xDrive28i was further equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, leather seats and power adjustable front seats with driver’s seat memory settings. Beyond this, the xDrive30d added a power-operated tailgate and was visually differentiated by its ‘X Line’ chrome and aluminium exterior highlights.

M Sport package

An optional M Sport package added ‘M’ alloy wheels, contoured seats, a sports steering wheel and bodykit.

May 2012: X3 update

From May 2012, the BMW X3 xDrive28i and xDrive30d featured a satellite navigation system as standard. Furthermore, a ‘Driving Experience Control’ function – which provided selectable ‘Comfort’, ‘Sport’, ‘Sport+’ and ‘Eco Pro’ drive modes – was also fitted across the range as standard.

April 2013: X3 update

In April 2013, standard features for the BMW F25 X3 were extended to include 18-inch alloy wheels, BMW’s ‘Business’ navigation system, power adjustable front seats (with memory settings) and a power-operated tailgate.

Standard features for the BMW X3 xDrive28i and xDrive30d were also extended to include BMW’s ‘Professional’ navigation system, bi-xenon headlights, Smartphone connectivity (with extended Bluetooth functionality and Voice Controle), electrochromatic door mirrors with a power folding function, BMW’s ‘Top View’ surround camera system and ‘X Line’ chrome highlights (the latter previously omitted from the xDrive28i).

Related links

• Press Kit: BMW F25 X3 (July 2010)

BMW F25 LCI X3 (2014-17)

Overview

Released in Australia in April 2014, the BMW F25 LCI X3 could be identified by its twin circular headlights, ‘bolder’ kidney grille, new bumpers and door mirrors with integrated LED indicator lights.

Inside, the BMW F25 LCI X3 featured new upholstery designs (in black, mocha and ivory white), high-gloss black panels surrounding the climate control system, new cup holders in the centre console with a sliding cover, a stainless steel finisher to protect the luggage compartment entry sill and a ‘BMW xLine’ designation on the door sills.

The xDrive20d variants were also powered by BMW’s B47 D20 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine – replacing the N47 D20 – which had all-aluminium construction and common-rail direct injection (operating at 2000 bar).

Features: BMW F25 LCI X3

Compared to their F25 predecessors, standard features for the BMW F25 LCI X3 were extended to include BMW’s ConnectedDrive system (which included a permanent SIM card for BMW Teleservices and Intelligent emergency call activated), extended smartphone connectivity including audio streaming, bi-xenon headlights, steering wheel gearshift paddles and BMW’s lights package which consisted of footwell lights, ambient lighting and proximity lights in the exterior door handles.

Relative to their predecessors, the X3 xDrive28i and xDrive30d were further equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, a twelve speaker HiFi sound system and Nevada leather upholstery with specific stitching and ‘X’ embossing on the front seat headrests.

2016 X3: Sports Innovations Package and M Sport package

From February 2016, the BMW X3 was fitted with a ‘Sport Innovation’ package as standard which included BMW’s ‘Professional’ navigation system with an 8.8-inch display, Surround View camera system, ‘Comfort Access’ (i.e. proximity key for keyless entry) and anti-dazzle rear view door mirrors.

From February 2016, the BMW X3 could also be specified with the ‘M Sport’ package as a no-cost option. The M Sport package included 19-inch double spoke alloy wheels, sports suspension, Nevada leather upholstery, ‘M aerodynamics’ bodykit and an M leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles. The M Sport package also included ‘Performance Control’ which improved torque distribution through selective brake application.

Specifications

• Specifications: BMW F25 LCI X3 (February 2017)

Related links

• Press Kit: BMW F25 LCI X3 (February 2014)
• Wikipedia.org: BMW F25 X3