BMW India is set to launch a new range-topping variant for the X3, dubbed the ‘30 xDrive M Sport Pro’, in the coming days. It includes a stronger state of tune for the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol mild hybrid engine found in the existing X3 20 xDrive variant, as well as some sporty cosmetic enhancements. If you’re in the market for a BMW X3, we highlight the 30 xDrive M Sport Pro’s strengths and weaknesses to help guide your buying decision.
BMW X3 30 xDrive pros
Enhanced performance
Among the notable pain points of the X3 20 xDrive was its 190hp and 310Nm output, which paled in comparison to its key rival, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300. To address that, the X3 30 xDrive M Sport Pro increases the output to 258hp and 400Nm – 68hp and 90Nm up over the 20 xDrive and perfectly matches that of the GLC 300. This engine also packs a 48V mild hybrid system that assists torque delivery at lower speeds.
As our X3 30 xDrive M Sport Pro review states, the power bump makes this SUV feel much punchier and more enthusiastic to drive, especially in the middle and upper bounds of the rev range. Toggling to Sport mode further sharpens throttle responses and even amplifies the engine note via the speakers. We recorded a 0-100kph time of 6.11 seconds in our preliminary testing, which is over 1.5 seconds quicker than the X3 20 xDrive.
Nimble handling
The X3 30 xDrive M Sport Pro comes equipped with 20-inch alloys – an inch larger than the 20 xDrive’s wheels – shod in 255-section front and 285-section rear tyres. Thanks to the slimmer sidewalls and wide contact patch of the tyres, the X3 30 xDrive M Sport Pro provides excellent grip while cornering.
Steering response is direct and immediate, and the X3 30 xDrive M Sport Pro also comes equipped with adaptive dampers, which firm up in Sport mode and allow you to take corners with even more speed and confidence.
Loaded with features
Equipment levels were already a highlight on the X3, and the 30 xDrive M Sport Pro makes no changes on this front. You get goodies such as a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, a fixed panoramic glass roof, a 15-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, a head-up display, a powered tailgate, ambient lighting, ventilated and powered front seats, 3-zone climate control, rear sunblinds, and more.
Safety features in the X3 30 xDrive M Sport Pro include 8 airbags, ADAS, traction control, ABS with EBD, ESC, a tyre-pressure monitoring system and a 360-degree camera.
BMW X3 30 xDrive cons
Interior quality falls short in some areas
The X3 30 xDrive M Sport Pro swaps out the lower variants’ mesh-like recycled polyester trim with ‘Veganza’ leatherette on the dashboard, affording a more premium feel to the cabin. However, hard plastics are still used in certain areas, which don’t quite befit a car that’s expected to be priced around Rs 75 lakh (ex-showroom).
Touchscreen functionality
Much like the existing X3 variants, the 30 xDrive M Sport Pro’s central touchscreen integrates the climate control functions with no physical shortcut buttons. While the screen is quite responsive, it can be rather distracting to adjust the climate control settings through it while driving.
Moreover, the touchscreen’s iDrive user interface can appear a bit confusing initially, and the haptic sliders for operating the AC vents and directional controls are pretty fiddly to use.
Saumil Shah
Saptarshi Mondal
Dipan Sur
Uday Singh
