The BMW X3 Overview

In 2004, BMW launched the X3, and with it an entirely new segment of vehicle was born – the compact premium SUV. The X3 quickly became a best seller – both in the United States and in Europe – as evidenced by sales of more than 600,000 global units. Not surprisingly, in the seven years since the X3 debuted, nearly every other premium nameplate has entered the now hotly contested segment.

In redesigning the all-new, second-generation X3, no stone was left unturned. Perhaps most noticeably, the presence of the X3 has been updated with modern design language that maintains its familial ties to the original X3, but in a package that is now similar in size to the original X5 (E53) SAV. In the end, both the X3 xDrive28i and X3 xDrive35i achieve a seemingly impossible task – delivering the most dynamic acceleration and handling in their categories, while also providing the most favorable fuel consumption and emission levels within their class.

The X3's advantages are not limited strictly to performance. The interior cabin has been upgraded in every way imaginable. Passenger and cargo space have grown considerably, and the use of premium materials is evident throughout. The cabin design language is equal parts modern, sporty and elegant, and the X3 is now available with a host of new creature comforts that place it at the head of the pack.

The Volvo XC60 Overview

In 2009, Volvo entered the compact premium SUV segment with the first-generation XC60. This crossover is built in Belgium, and shares its basic architecture with the Volvo S80 sedan and XC70 wagon. Globally, the XC60 was Volvo's best selling vehicle in 2009.

The XC60 3.2 is available in both FWD and AWD configurations. In normal driving, the available AWD system sends 90% of its power to the front wheels, resulting in an inherent tendency to understeer. The problem is made worse by the fact the vehicle suffers from a 59% nose-heavy bias. The additional 740 lbs. of excess weight over the front two tires is the equivalent of driving with a cow on the hood.

The XC60 is powered by a 3.2-liter V-6 that produces horsepower and torque statistics that are nearly identical to the X3 xDrive28i, but the Volvo's 6-speed automatic can only propel it to 60 mph in a snail-like 8.6 seconds. That's two seconds slower than the X3. The automotive press has also criticized the XC60 for significant body roll, a brittle chassis, and heavily damped steering feedback.

Volvo has staked its reputation on safety. How, then, do they explain the absence of standard X3 features like Brake Drying, Start-off Assistant and run-flat tires? How do they explain the absence of X3 options, including Head-up Display, Automatic High Beams, a Top View Camera and BMW Assist? And how do they explain the fact Car and Driver found the XC60 required 177 ft. to stop from 70 mph, a full 8 ft. more than needed by the first-generation X3?

What BMW offers…

• 3.0-liter 24-valve inline 6-cylinder engine
• Lightweight magnesium-aluminum engine block with Valvetronic (stepless variable valve lift)
• Peak torque available at 2,600 rpm
• Innovative 8-speed STEPTRONIC automatic improves acceleration while reducing fuel consumption and emissions
• 0 – 60 mph in 6.7 seconds
• xDrive – 40:60 torque split during normal driving. Can send up to 100% of the available power to either axle
• Standard B rake Drying, Brake Stand-by, Brake Fade Compensation, Start-off Assistant and Automatic Hold
• Brake Energy Regeneration only charges the battery when coasting or braking, saving 1-2% on fuel consumption
• 49.9 / 50.1 weight bias provides superior handling and braking
• 12.9-inch front brake rotors and 13.0-inch ventilated rear disc brakes provide superior braking
• 110.6-inch wheelbase is 6.3-inches longer than the RDX, despite an overall vehicle length that is nearly identical
• 3,500 pound towing capability
• Standard Hill Descent Control
• Standard LED Adaptive Brake Lights
• Standard run-flat tires and rain-sensing wipers
• Noticeably more front and rear head room
• 63.3 cu-ft. of maximum cargo space
• Standard rear air vents
• Standard iDrive minimizes driver distraction by reducing dash clutter and positioning the controller where the driver's hand would naturally rest . Six Programmable Memory Keys are also included
• Standard Integrated Owner's Manual
• Standard 8-way power passenger seat
• Standard HD Radio
• Standard 12-speaker audio system
• Standard Bluetooth includes full phonebook download capability
• Optional Navigation features an 8.8-inch screen
• 12 year Corrosion Warranty speaks to the high level of detail and quality craftsmanship that goes into every BMW
• Every BMW is supported by the BMW Maintenance Program for 4 years / 50,000 miles
• Maintenance intervals at approximately 15,000 miles or 12 months (whichever occurs first)

 

What Volvo doesn’t…

• 3.2-liter 24-valve V-6 engine
• Heavier aluminum engine block contributes to a heavier overall curb weight and reduced 0 – 60 mph time
• A variable valve lift system is not available
• Peak torque available at 3,200 rpm
• 6-speed Geartronic automatic transmission fails to match the X3's acceleration and efficiency
• 0 – 60 mph in 8.6 seconds
• SH-AWD – 90:10 torque split during normal driving. Can only send 90% to the front axle; 50% to the rear axle
• Brake Drying and Start-off Assistant are not available
• The XC60's alternator constantly charges the battery, thereby wasting fuel
• Electric Power Steering is not available
• 58.9 / 41.1 weight bias places an additional 742 pounds over the front wheels
• 11.9-inch rear disc brakes
• 3,300 pound towing capability
• Run-flat tires and rain-sensing wipers are not available
• Lack of head room and shoulder room leads to a cramped interior cabin
• Start/Stop button is not available
• The XC60 does not feature an iDrive-type driver interface with centralized controller. Programmable Memory Keys are not available
• Integrated Owner's Manual is not available
• Standard fabric seat trim
• Optional 8-way power passenger seat
• Standard 8-speaker audio system
• Privacy glass is optional
• 10 year Corrosion Warranty speaks to a paint process that is substandard compared to BMW
• Volvo's complimentary service plan is limited to 3 years / 36,000 miles
• Maintenance intervals at 7,500 miles or 12-months (whichever occurs first)
• Optional Navigation is DVD-based and features a 6.5-inch screen. The system is operated via wireless remote or buttons on the back of the steering wheel
• Head-up Display is not available
• Automatic High Beams are not available

 

With new-found suppleness to its suspension set-up, greater agility, stronger performance, reduced thirst and expanded

roominess, the new X3 feels much more like something conceived in Munich should. Motor Trend

 

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