BMW X3 3.0d

If long queues at your local boat ramp are testing your patience this summer, you might want to consider the new BMW X3 3.0d. Not only will its turbo diesel engine tow your boat effortlessly but, as others fret about time wasted at the ramp, you’ll be able to kick back, crack a coldie, watch the cricket, and avoid the rush.

The release of the X3 3.0d - dubbed a Sports Activity Vehicle - comes just six months after the release of its big brother - the X5 3.0d  - onto the Australian market. BMW claims that 25 per cent of its vehicles sold worldwide are equipped with a turbo diesel engine, so it’s no surprise to see them release the X3 with a diesel under the hood, a trend that is becoming increasingly common in the range of all-wheel drive crossovers in the marketplace.

The on-road performance of the X3 is all that you would expect from this badge. One experienced four-wheel drive aficionado who joined our test as a passenger could not get over the fact that we were being powered by a 3.0lt in-line six-cylinder diesel engine. It’s far from sluggish and handles inner city driving and cruising on the open road with poise.

Off-road the X3 performed well, offering a good blend of responsiveness and handling and will cope well if you’re looking to offload your boat on that ramp way out yonder.

If petrol prices continue to increase a 3.0lt diesel such as the X3 might become a real option for buyers in this market and justifiably so. We managed to bleed 580km out of the tank before it approached empty with a combination of city, open-road and off-road use.

The X3 has a towing capacity of 1800kg and comfortably handled a small bowrider or fishing boat. This is unlikely to surprise given that the engine, although somewhat diminutive at 3.0lt, pumps out 480Nm of torque at about 2000rpm.

The interior is what you’d expect from the German manufacturer - practical and well designed. Dash instrumentation faces the driver, while the pop-up screen sits atop the dash between the driver and passenger and provides output for the computer, GPS and digital television. The screen was a little tricky for the novice to negotiate but should get easier with experience.

Of note were the plastics clothing the interior. They were a little peculiar and did not do a great deal to enhance the aesthetics of the vehicle. We picked up the car with just 973kms on the dial yet they were already quite scuffed and dirty, which is obviously not ideal if you’re taking this vehicle off-road or to the rugged environments that are often home to boat ramps.

The X3 does not have a huge amount of cabin and storage space so probably does not fit the bill as the big family mover. Combine this with its towing capacity and it’s more suited to the adventurous couple that is looking to tow the boat for a weekend away. It is ideal for pursuits of this nature.

The X3 3.0d is priced from $75,400. The test car was optioned up with extra features including navigation system with TV, sunroof and electric seat adjustment. I’m tipping if you’re in the market for an X3 to tow your rig, then your boat is going to be no slouch either. A Chaparral, Whittley or Crownline out the back of an X3 3.0d will have heads turning and many fellow boaties thinking 'if only'.

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