BMW 330i Test Drive Review
New BMW X3 Review
The new BMW X3 is both longer and wider than the outgoing model, it feels like a barely scaled down version of the X5. Although it does look far more attractive than the earlier X3, the design isn’t jaw-dropping. The details of the car look attractive and the sections are nicely designed, however it does take time to get used to looking at the tucked-in waistline, the pitch forward belt-line and the very upright bonnet. Despite all that, you can’t help but marvel at the new X3.
As one would expect, there’s more than a bit of the X5 in the X3’s details. The kidney grille looks very similar, the heavy looking bumper is there on this car too and look at it from the rear and you’ll swear this is BMW’s full-sized SUV. The new X3’s footprint is actually almost the same as the original X5 – BMW’s iconic first SUV – which means this car is both longer and wider than the outgoing X3. But the increase in size hasn’t brought a corresponding increase in mass. This new car actually weighs 15kg less than the earlier car with the same specification.
The X3 is actually based on the estate or Touring version of the 3-series, and so what you get is a monocoque or ‘frame-in-body’ construction, a longitudinally placed engine in the nose and independent car-like suspension for all four wheels. X in BMW terminology stands for four-wheel drive, and this car uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch to distribute torque between front and rear axles. To improve efficiency, this version comes with auto start-stop that switches the car off at signals, and this BMW, like recent examples, comes with an electric steering for greater efficiency too.
On the road, a heavy 1.8-tonne kerb weight, an upright SUV stance and a two-litre 181bhp diesel don’t exactly spell performance. But generous torque from the motor and the presence of the eight-speed gearbox improve things considerably. There is considerable grunt in the midrange, the gearbox is quick to downshift, and this allows it to keep up with traffic quite easily.
However, the X3 lacks the ability to suddenly up the pace at these speeds. The motor constantly has to work hard and performance is only really good in the midrange. Stability at speed is far more impressive. The X3 tracks faithfully even at very high speeds, there is absolutely no hint of nervousness and the BMW feels glued to the road even at speeds in excess of 180kph. A light but firm touch is all you need on the wheel, there is no sloppiness in the way the X3 changes lanes, and the brakes have plenty of bite and stopping power as well. The X3 is also well insulated and feels quite refined at speed. There is very little tyre roar, the car rides silently over expansion joints. In fact so silent is the rest of the car, you sometimes hear wind swishing over the mirror and the ‘A’ pillar.
On smaller roads I decide to switch back to ‘Normal’ mode to soften the dampers. And the effect is immediate. Despite having large 18-inch wheels, the X3 simply glides over many of the rough patches and holding onto a particular line is no problem either. The X3 also feels easy to punt around and navigate through the centre of some small towns. The light, electric steering and compact dimensions of the car make it quite easy to thread through narrow cobblestone streets and parking with the electronic driver aids is quite easy too.
In ‘Sport’ mode, the dampers firm up nicely and body control is much tighter and the steering feels weightier too. Unfortunately, this feels a bit artificial and odd and I miss the light but very precise feel of the system in Normal.
On smaller roads, the X3 also feels substantially quicker than out on the open roads. Performance for these roads is more than adequate and using the strong mid-range delivers a decent kick. You do need to place the gearbox into S if you want to drive in a spirited manner though. This motor doesn’t have the strongest bottom end and looking for performance when the eight-speed ’box is shifting up as often as it can for greater efficiency does get a bit frustrating.
What’s vastly improved however are the interiors of the X3. This one feels as big and as airy as Audi’s Q5 on the inside. The width of the cabin is impressive, the wide dashboard makes this feel like a full-sized SUV and BMW has used first-rate materials too. The design of the soft-feel dash is full of attractive curves and swoops, a smart looking metallic strip has been used on the bottom of the central console and this and other metallic insets help lift the mood of the cabin.
The instrument panel is nearly identical to that of a 5-series, the air-con and audio system controls are like the 3-series, and the seats are identical to the 3-series as well. BMW has used sumptuous double-stitched leather to cloak the insides, door pads included, and you get the full bells and whistles iDrive too. Also on this car, is BMW’s Dynamic Drive Control that allows you to toggle between Normal, Sport and Sport + at the touch of a button.
At the rear, you sit a bit low but legroom is surprisingly good and the backrest is very supportive too. The seats can be folded and flipped for additional luggage space but with the standard 550 litres available, we doubt you’ll ever feel the need to make use of this feature.
The new X3 is on much more solid ground than the outgoing model. It is more spacious on the inside, is both beautifully crafted and built, and it looks larger on the outside too. It may not be as much fun to drive as the earlier car and performance from the 2.0 motor isn’t spectacular either. But the new X3 delivers almost everything Indian luxury SUV buyers seem to be looking for. All BMW needs to do now is deliver this SUV at a competitive price, from somewhere around Rs 40 lakh, and watch the order books fill up.
As one would expect, there’s more than a bit of the X5 in the X3’s details. The kidney grille looks very similar, the heavy looking bumper is there on this car too and look at it from the rear and you’ll swear this is BMW’s full-sized SUV. The new X3’s footprint is actually almost the same as the original X5 – BMW’s iconic first SUV – which means this car is both longer and wider than the outgoing X3. But the increase in size hasn’t brought a corresponding increase in mass. This new car actually weighs 15kg less than the earlier car with the same specification.
The X3 is actually based on the estate or Touring version of the 3-series, and so what you get is a monocoque or ‘frame-in-body’ construction, a longitudinally placed engine in the nose and independent car-like suspension for all four wheels. X in BMW terminology stands for four-wheel drive, and this car uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch to distribute torque between front and rear axles. To improve efficiency, this version comes with auto start-stop that switches the car off at signals, and this BMW, like recent examples, comes with an electric steering for greater efficiency too.
On the road, a heavy 1.8-tonne kerb weight, an upright SUV stance and a two-litre 181bhp diesel don’t exactly spell performance. But generous torque from the motor and the presence of the eight-speed gearbox improve things considerably. There is considerable grunt in the midrange, the gearbox is quick to downshift, and this allows it to keep up with traffic quite easily.
However, the X3 lacks the ability to suddenly up the pace at these speeds. The motor constantly has to work hard and performance is only really good in the midrange. Stability at speed is far more impressive. The X3 tracks faithfully even at very high speeds, there is absolutely no hint of nervousness and the BMW feels glued to the road even at speeds in excess of 180kph. A light but firm touch is all you need on the wheel, there is no sloppiness in the way the X3 changes lanes, and the brakes have plenty of bite and stopping power as well. The X3 is also well insulated and feels quite refined at speed. There is very little tyre roar, the car rides silently over expansion joints. In fact so silent is the rest of the car, you sometimes hear wind swishing over the mirror and the ‘A’ pillar.
On smaller roads I decide to switch back to ‘Normal’ mode to soften the dampers. And the effect is immediate. Despite having large 18-inch wheels, the X3 simply glides over many of the rough patches and holding onto a particular line is no problem either. The X3 also feels easy to punt around and navigate through the centre of some small towns. The light, electric steering and compact dimensions of the car make it quite easy to thread through narrow cobblestone streets and parking with the electronic driver aids is quite easy too.
In ‘Sport’ mode, the dampers firm up nicely and body control is much tighter and the steering feels weightier too. Unfortunately, this feels a bit artificial and odd and I miss the light but very precise feel of the system in Normal.
On smaller roads, the X3 also feels substantially quicker than out on the open roads. Performance for these roads is more than adequate and using the strong mid-range delivers a decent kick. You do need to place the gearbox into S if you want to drive in a spirited manner though. This motor doesn’t have the strongest bottom end and looking for performance when the eight-speed ’box is shifting up as often as it can for greater efficiency does get a bit frustrating.
What’s vastly improved however are the interiors of the X3. This one feels as big and as airy as Audi’s Q5 on the inside. The width of the cabin is impressive, the wide dashboard makes this feel like a full-sized SUV and BMW has used first-rate materials too. The design of the soft-feel dash is full of attractive curves and swoops, a smart looking metallic strip has been used on the bottom of the central console and this and other metallic insets help lift the mood of the cabin.
The instrument panel is nearly identical to that of a 5-series, the air-con and audio system controls are like the 3-series, and the seats are identical to the 3-series as well. BMW has used sumptuous double-stitched leather to cloak the insides, door pads included, and you get the full bells and whistles iDrive too. Also on this car, is BMW’s Dynamic Drive Control that allows you to toggle between Normal, Sport and Sport + at the touch of a button.
At the rear, you sit a bit low but legroom is surprisingly good and the backrest is very supportive too. The seats can be folded and flipped for additional luggage space but with the standard 550 litres available, we doubt you’ll ever feel the need to make use of this feature.
The new X3 is on much more solid ground than the outgoing model. It is more spacious on the inside, is both beautifully crafted and built, and it looks larger on the outside too. It may not be as much fun to drive as the earlier car and performance from the 2.0 motor isn’t spectacular either. But the new X3 delivers almost everything Indian luxury SUV buyers seem to be looking for. All BMW needs to do now is deliver this SUV at a competitive price, from somewhere around Rs 40 lakh, and watch the order books fill up.
BMW X1 Diesel Test Drive Review
Car tested: 2011 BMW X1 sDrive20d Exclusive
Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 35,76,622/-
BMW launched the X1 at the end of 2010 and it was greeted by customers with much anticipation. The X1 sits at the entry point of BMW’s range in India and is competitively priced and therefore attracts good sale figures, further cementing BMW’s position as the number one luxury car manufacturer in India. Based on the 3 Series platform, the X1 looks to be just as promising as any BMW is. We take the BMW X1 for a drive to find out how it performs in the real world.
Exteriors –The X1 is designed to woo the young and is aggressively styled. Its looks pretty similar to the X3 except for the steep windscreen angle and the larger signature BMW kidney grille. The top of the line variant comes with projector headlamps with washers which add an appeal of its own to complement the looks of the car. Deeply embedded fog lamps are housed in the front bumper and are effective too.
Roof rails add to the SUV character and the alloy wheels looks stunning. The side profile shows the glass sloping up towards the rear, large wheel arches and the sloping boot add more muscle to this machine. From the rear aspect, the X1 exudes typical BMW SUV design.
Interiors –
Step in and the interiors are similar to the ones seen in the 3-Series sedan. Two-tone beige and black interiors go well with the car and build quality is top notch with great fit and finish, not to mention the high quality of plastics used. Dual zone climate control chills the car effectively and efficiently. Though, there are no vents for the rear passengers, there are vents below the front passenger seats to cool the rear as quickly as the front. A dash of wood paneling in the front and side inserts adds a touch of class. Steering wheel has buttons for phone connectivity and other functions.
Seating is comfortable with adequate thigh support for both front and rear seats, though we will admit the X1 looks more spacious from the outside than it actually is. Inspite of that, legroom is sufficient for both the row of seats. Headroom is abundant and the driving position, a bit lower than a full size SUV, gives a commanding view of the road. The front seats are electrically adjusted for forward, backward and tilt motions.
The X1 features the latest generation of BMW iDrive including a controller and direct selection buttons on the center console which are displayed on the 8.8 inch display. The same screen also doubles up as the rear parking sensor display when the car is engaged into reverse. Integrated Bluetooth allows for pairing of one’s mobile phone with the car and can be toggled from the same controller.
Large panoramic sunroof is electrically operated and adds to the overall ambiance.
Boot space is abundant and if you are still hungry for more the rear seats can be folded 40-20-40 to accommodate a small sized bed.
The battery sits where the spare wheel was supposed to be. Thanks to Runflat Technology, there is no need for a spare tyre. This technology is the way forward in terms of safety but in a price conscious market like ours, it has come under fire for expensive tyre repairs which need to be done only at an authorized BMW service station.
Audio system sounds itself with eight speaker with Aux and USB input provided for greater convenience. Sound quality better than average. 8 CD changer houses itself in the boot.
On the Move –Like most modern vehicles, the X1 uses push button start/stop technology. Step on the gas and the 6-speed automatic transmission gears upto the job with an option to shift manually but there is a some time lag under manual shifting. One would expect paddle shifts for a car in this price range, but they were conspicuous by their absence. The X1 stands out with its sharp handling and makes for a perfect drivers car.
Ride, Handling and Braking –
When it comes to handling, its tough to beat a BMW and the X1 is no different. At most speeds the X1 turns in with utmost obedience, almost as if riding on rails. A hint of body roll exists but is barely noticed and sharp handling characteristics make it fun to drive. Try and be enthusiastic and the DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) will ensure you are not going sideways, it can be turned off but automatically turns on once it detects that the car is moving in an unintentional direction. Steering, though a tad bit heavy, gives excellent feedback at high speeds.
Riding on 225/50/R17 runflat tyres, the X1′s ride is on the softer side as compared to its sibling, the 320d. With most of the bumps being absorbed with relative easy, the X1 proves to be good in the urban jungle. In India, the X1 is available in rear wheel drive configuration and hence is not a pure offroader, though in certain countries BMW does sell the all wheel drive version. Ground clearance has been raised for the Indian market and at 194 mm, the X1 sails over the worst of bumps with ease.
All 4-disc brakes coupled with ABS ensure that braking distances are kept to a minimum.
Powered by a 1995 cc, 4 cylinder diesel engine coupled with a VGT, the X1 churns 177 bhp at 4000 RPM and 350 Nm of torque at 1750 – 3000 rpm. The X1 and the 3-Series share the same engine which exhibits superb refinement and is extremely silent too. The X1 does not believe in turbo lag, with the power coming in good numbers through the mid and high end of the rev meter. On the Mumbai – Pune expressway, we stretched its legs and the X1 brought in the 100kmph in exactly 8.45 seconds. With such performance, the fuel efficiency was a healthy 10.2 kmpl in the city and reached upto 13.5 kmpl under highway running. What really amazed us was the drive ability and crisp handling characteristics.
Conclusion –The BMW X1 fares out to be great package. Great road manners, decently spaced interiors and sporty design coupled with the “BMW” badge makes it a desirable prospect. Starting from Rs. 22.4 lakhs (ex-showroom) for the entry level petrol version, the X1 is aggressively priced for the ever growing Indian market. The top end diesel is a bit expensive, but how many people with find faults with that as long as it comes with the ‘BMW’ badge. Moreover the diesel model delivers a truly power packed performance and just as BMW like to call it, the X1 does provide some ‘Sheer Driving Pleasure’.
Whats Cool
* Handling
* Build Quality
* Engine Performance
Whats Not So Cool
* Runflat Tyres expensive to repair
* Paddle shifts missing
* Heavy Steering
BMW X1 Specifications : -
* Engine: 1995 cc, 4 Cylinder, 16V, Common Rail Diesel with VGT
* Power: 177 Bhp @ 4000 rpm
* Torque: 350 Nm @ 1750 – 3000 rpm
* Transmission: 6 Speed Automatic
* Top Speed: 205 kmph
* 0-100kmph: 8.45 seconds
* Fuel Consumption: 10.2 kmpl (City), 13.5 kmpl (highway), ARAI -15.2 kmpl
* Fuel Type: Diesel
* Suspension: Aluminium double-joint tiebar axle in conjunction with the five-arm rear axle incorporating separated double wishbones.
* Tires: 225/50/R17 Runflat tyres
* Brakes: All 4 Discs
* Safety: ABS, EBD, DTC, 6 Airbags
BMW X1 Dimensions : -
* Overall length x width x height: 4454 mm X 1798 mm X 1545 mm
* Wheelbase: 2760 mm
* Front/Rear Track: 1500/1529 mm
* Ground clearance: 194 mm
* Boot Volume: 420 liters, 1350 liters (with rear seats folded)
* Fuel Tank Capacity: 61 litres
* Kerb Weight: 1575 kgs
Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 35,76,622/-
BMW launched the X1 at the end of 2010 and it was greeted by customers with much anticipation. The X1 sits at the entry point of BMW’s range in India and is competitively priced and therefore attracts good sale figures, further cementing BMW’s position as the number one luxury car manufacturer in India. Based on the 3 Series platform, the X1 looks to be just as promising as any BMW is. We take the BMW X1 for a drive to find out how it performs in the real world.
Exteriors –The X1 is designed to woo the young and is aggressively styled. Its looks pretty similar to the X3 except for the steep windscreen angle and the larger signature BMW kidney grille. The top of the line variant comes with projector headlamps with washers which add an appeal of its own to complement the looks of the car. Deeply embedded fog lamps are housed in the front bumper and are effective too.
Roof rails add to the SUV character and the alloy wheels looks stunning. The side profile shows the glass sloping up towards the rear, large wheel arches and the sloping boot add more muscle to this machine. From the rear aspect, the X1 exudes typical BMW SUV design.
Interiors –
Step in and the interiors are similar to the ones seen in the 3-Series sedan. Two-tone beige and black interiors go well with the car and build quality is top notch with great fit and finish, not to mention the high quality of plastics used. Dual zone climate control chills the car effectively and efficiently. Though, there are no vents for the rear passengers, there are vents below the front passenger seats to cool the rear as quickly as the front. A dash of wood paneling in the front and side inserts adds a touch of class. Steering wheel has buttons for phone connectivity and other functions.
Seating is comfortable with adequate thigh support for both front and rear seats, though we will admit the X1 looks more spacious from the outside than it actually is. Inspite of that, legroom is sufficient for both the row of seats. Headroom is abundant and the driving position, a bit lower than a full size SUV, gives a commanding view of the road. The front seats are electrically adjusted for forward, backward and tilt motions.
The X1 features the latest generation of BMW iDrive including a controller and direct selection buttons on the center console which are displayed on the 8.8 inch display. The same screen also doubles up as the rear parking sensor display when the car is engaged into reverse. Integrated Bluetooth allows for pairing of one’s mobile phone with the car and can be toggled from the same controller.
Large panoramic sunroof is electrically operated and adds to the overall ambiance.
Boot space is abundant and if you are still hungry for more the rear seats can be folded 40-20-40 to accommodate a small sized bed.
The battery sits where the spare wheel was supposed to be. Thanks to Runflat Technology, there is no need for a spare tyre. This technology is the way forward in terms of safety but in a price conscious market like ours, it has come under fire for expensive tyre repairs which need to be done only at an authorized BMW service station.
Audio system sounds itself with eight speaker with Aux and USB input provided for greater convenience. Sound quality better than average. 8 CD changer houses itself in the boot.
On the Move –Like most modern vehicles, the X1 uses push button start/stop technology. Step on the gas and the 6-speed automatic transmission gears upto the job with an option to shift manually but there is a some time lag under manual shifting. One would expect paddle shifts for a car in this price range, but they were conspicuous by their absence. The X1 stands out with its sharp handling and makes for a perfect drivers car.
Ride, Handling and Braking –
When it comes to handling, its tough to beat a BMW and the X1 is no different. At most speeds the X1 turns in with utmost obedience, almost as if riding on rails. A hint of body roll exists but is barely noticed and sharp handling characteristics make it fun to drive. Try and be enthusiastic and the DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) will ensure you are not going sideways, it can be turned off but automatically turns on once it detects that the car is moving in an unintentional direction. Steering, though a tad bit heavy, gives excellent feedback at high speeds.
Riding on 225/50/R17 runflat tyres, the X1′s ride is on the softer side as compared to its sibling, the 320d. With most of the bumps being absorbed with relative easy, the X1 proves to be good in the urban jungle. In India, the X1 is available in rear wheel drive configuration and hence is not a pure offroader, though in certain countries BMW does sell the all wheel drive version. Ground clearance has been raised for the Indian market and at 194 mm, the X1 sails over the worst of bumps with ease.
All 4-disc brakes coupled with ABS ensure that braking distances are kept to a minimum.
Powered by a 1995 cc, 4 cylinder diesel engine coupled with a VGT, the X1 churns 177 bhp at 4000 RPM and 350 Nm of torque at 1750 – 3000 rpm. The X1 and the 3-Series share the same engine which exhibits superb refinement and is extremely silent too. The X1 does not believe in turbo lag, with the power coming in good numbers through the mid and high end of the rev meter. On the Mumbai – Pune expressway, we stretched its legs and the X1 brought in the 100kmph in exactly 8.45 seconds. With such performance, the fuel efficiency was a healthy 10.2 kmpl in the city and reached upto 13.5 kmpl under highway running. What really amazed us was the drive ability and crisp handling characteristics.
Conclusion –The BMW X1 fares out to be great package. Great road manners, decently spaced interiors and sporty design coupled with the “BMW” badge makes it a desirable prospect. Starting from Rs. 22.4 lakhs (ex-showroom) for the entry level petrol version, the X1 is aggressively priced for the ever growing Indian market. The top end diesel is a bit expensive, but how many people with find faults with that as long as it comes with the ‘BMW’ badge. Moreover the diesel model delivers a truly power packed performance and just as BMW like to call it, the X1 does provide some ‘Sheer Driving Pleasure’.
Whats Cool
* Handling
* Build Quality
* Engine Performance
Whats Not So Cool
* Runflat Tyres expensive to repair
* Paddle shifts missing
* Heavy Steering
BMW X1 Specifications : -
* Engine: 1995 cc, 4 Cylinder, 16V, Common Rail Diesel with VGT
* Power: 177 Bhp @ 4000 rpm
* Torque: 350 Nm @ 1750 – 3000 rpm
* Transmission: 6 Speed Automatic
* Top Speed: 205 kmph
* 0-100kmph: 8.45 seconds
* Fuel Consumption: 10.2 kmpl (City), 13.5 kmpl (highway), ARAI -15.2 kmpl
* Fuel Type: Diesel
* Suspension: Aluminium double-joint tiebar axle in conjunction with the five-arm rear axle incorporating separated double wishbones.
* Tires: 225/50/R17 Runflat tyres
* Brakes: All 4 Discs
* Safety: ABS, EBD, DTC, 6 Airbags
BMW X1 Dimensions : -
* Overall length x width x height: 4454 mm X 1798 mm X 1545 mm
* Wheelbase: 2760 mm
* Front/Rear Track: 1500/1529 mm
* Ground clearance: 194 mm
* Boot Volume: 420 liters, 1350 liters (with rear seats folded)
* Fuel Tank Capacity: 61 litres
* Kerb Weight: 1575 kgs
