2013 BMW X3

The 2013 BMW X3 offers two trim options which include the xDrive 28i and the xDrive 35i. As standard, both these trims are available with AWD drivetrains and are priced from $37,100 and $42,700, respectively. Even fro,

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The top of the line 2013 BMW X3 xDrive35i is the trim that you should pick if you have no limit on the budget. This trim gets all the features and bells and whistles expected at this price point. However, for those who are tight on the budget, the base trim with the new 2.0L turbocharged engine makes more sense.

As standard, the 2013 BMW X3 comes with a 2.0L turbocharged petrol engine. This all-new four-cylinder engine makes its appearance in the X3 range for the first time. The peak power and torque output from this engine stand at 240 hp and 260 lb-ft. The higher trim on the other hand gets a bigger 3.0L inline-6 engine. Both these engines are available only with AWD options. These engines come mated to an automatic gearbox which is quick and effortless with the shifts.

The NVH levels of the larger 3.0L engine are impressive and one of the best in the class. The new 2.0L engine however is a bit noisy at refinement and the NVH levels to are not the best. The new engine however boasts high fuel economy and the performance too is great. Both these engines have a strong low end and are extremely driveable, even at slow city speeds. It can sprint from 0-60mph in 6.5 seconds and can complete a quarter-mile run in 14.8 seconds.

The 2013 X3 is one of the fastest cars in the class and comes with power-packed engine options. However, the performance of the 2013 Audi Q5 is laudable as it manages similar timings as the BMW and Mercedes-Benz GLK Class, despite the lowest power production of 211hp. The 2013 Volvo XC60 is the slowest in the segment. 

On the fuel economy front, the 2013 BMW X3 offers decent figures and gets a claimed fuel economy of 24 MPG which is one of the best in the class. The city mileage stands at 21 MPG while the highway economy stands at 28 MPG..The fuel capacity on the other hand stands at 17.7 gallons. It manages a total range of 400 city miles and 600 highway miles. With the more powerful engine option, the economy further slips to 21 MPG

A quick comparison of the 2013 BMW X3 with the rivals reveals that the vehicle is one of the most fuel-efficient cars in the class. The 2013 Audi Q5 is the closest competitor averaging a combined mileage of 23MPG, while the Mercedes-Benz and Volvo are rated at 21 MPG. 

The cabin of the 2013 BMW X3 is spacious and offers impressive comfort and an in-cabin experience. The front seats are comfortable and can be electrically adjustable. The under-thigh support and the lumbar support are great as well. The visibility from the driver’s seat is great and the high seating also helps in moving in and out of the vehicle extremely easily. The rear seat too is spacious and the bench offers a comfortable experience to the occupants. The headroom at the front as well as the rear is impressive too.

On the features front, the car comes with features like dual-zone automatic climate control, tilt and telescopic adjustment for the steering wheel, etc. The leather upholstery is of premium quality and all the doors get power windows as well. Moreover, features like the heated steering wheel, heated seats, and ambient lighting too are on offer with the 2013 BMW X3.

The cabin of the 2013 BMW X3 is one of the most spacious in the class and the in-cabin experience too is one of the best in the class. However, its cargo capacity is the lowest at 19.4 cubic feet. While space upfront is similar, the BMW leads in terms of the second-row space. In terms of cargo capacity, the 2013 Volvo XC60 has a maximum cargo space of 39.8 cubic feet, followed by the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLK that lag considerably behind having total trunk volumes of 29.1 and 23.3 cubic feet. 

Some of the standout interior features are as follows:

• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Heated front seats
• Adjustable steering wheel column
• Optional heated steering wheel
• Ambient interior lighting
• Steering wheel controls

How intuitive is the 2013 BMW X3’s infotainment unit?

An 8.8-inch touchscreen system is available with the 2013 BMW X3 as standard. This system gets a 205-watt audio system that powers 12 speakers. The audio system gives impressive output. The iDrive system is not very easy to understand but is functional and controls a number of parameters related to the vehicle. Other features like Bluetooth connectivity, steering wheel mounted audio controls, USB ports, etc are also on offer. In-built navigation is also available with the system.

Some of the highlights of the infotainment system are as follows:

• AM/FM Stereo
• CD Player
• HD Radio
• MP3 Player
• Satellite Radio (Optional)
• Onboard Hands-Free Communications System (Optional)

The exterior styling of the 2013 BMW X3 is impressive and the vehicle retains the iconic styling that we have seen in the other cars of the brand’s line-up. 

The circular projector lamps and the kidney grille at the front give it a familiar front fascia while the bumpers too get elegant and subtle styling. The long hood and the stylish alloy wheels give it a strong silhouette and complement the character of the vehicle. 

The rear design however is a little subtle and goes well with the overall look of the vehicle. In all, the large dimensions of the X3 give it a strong road presence, and also make it look great when compared to its rivals.

The 2013 BMW X3 also offers one of the longest lengths in the class of 183 inches and also offers the highest ground clearance of 8.4 inches. The wheelbase too is one of the longest wheelbases in the class of 110.6 inches. While the Audi Q5 is the widest vehicle in the segment, the 2013 Volvo XC60 and 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class are similar in height measuring 67 inches. 

Some of the standout exterior features are as follows:

• Aluminum wheels
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• Fog lamps (optional)
• Reverse parking camera
• Sunroof/moonroof

While we do not have the NHTSA ratings for the 2013 BMW X3, the vehicle did pass the IIHS safety ratings with flying colors. In addition to this, it also received the Top Safety Pick award from IIHS, all thanks to the high safety levels offered by the car. Having said this, several other features are also offered with the X3. The body shell is said to have reinforced steel bars to keep the occupants inside the car.

Some of the standout safety features include the following:

• Brake assist
• Electronic stability control
• Auto-leveling headlights (Optional)
• Lane departure warning system (Optional)
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Self-Leveling headlights

After considering everything that has been discussed so far, it will not be wrong to say that the BMW X3 is a high value for money product and gives strong competition to the rivals. In addition to this, the X3 also boasts superior driving dynamics and will be a great choice for those who are looking for a fun to drive and a comfortable car. Moreover, there is no dearth of features inside the cabin. Many of the rivals however offer more affordable rates.