BMW's sprawling auto plant near Spartanburg, open more than 25 years, has evolved into SUV central over the past decade.
Based on what it calls "sport activity vehicles," the German automaker assembles four upscale models in the South Carolina factory including the X4, X5 and X6. A new larger edition, the X7, will follow soon.
But maybe the most significant — and clearly best-selling— version is the 2018 X3. The stalwart five-seater exudes luxury, performance and space in one fashionable package, comfortably refined for active adults dining and antiquing while ruggedly practical for carting around young parents and their boisterous twins.
Recently BMW engineers and designers sharpened pencils, or more likely charged up laptops, once more to craft a new generation X3. The first models rolled out of the Upstate plant in November headed for dealerships such as Rick Hendrick BMW in November.
Offering sportier looks, rangier power and tech-ier enhancements such as wireless phone charger, the "versatile" X3 starts at $42,000 and this month earned a top rating from Consumer Reports. "This luxury compact SUV combines driving enjoyment, comfort, slick technology and utility in one appealing package," the magazine said in its special April Auto issue.
At the same time, scores of car shoppers are heading to the Charleston dealership to test drive and in many cases purchase or lease the remade SAV. These customers aren't just lacrosse Moms and the infant edge of the baby boomer generation either.
"I would say it's a mix," noted Nick Willis, sales associate with Rick Hendrick BMW on the Savannah Highway. "I think this is for everybody: sporty comfort, enough space for people who want" extra cargo room or seating, he says. At the same time, "It's not too big," Willis said, permitting drivers to parallel park hands-free and fit in tighter spaces. The X3 packs horsepower and torque into a 2.0-liter inline four cylinder engine. Yet the flagship model stretches 29 miles per gallon on the highway, 22 mpg city driving for a combined 25 mpg.
BMW added a number of convenience features to the X3. When engaged, the auto H button allows motorists to take their foot off the brakes — a handy feature in traffic to rest their leg (The car must be in drive and seat belts on for the feature to activate). Rear seats are designed to make it easy to fold down one set or another to increase storage room, although the system isn't push-button.
Swipe a foot under the rear bumper and the lift door closes. The SUV lacks a spare but tires are run-flats, so drivers can reach service station even after running over a nail. Willis said there's buyer interest in the upgraded sport activity vehicle, which is BMW's bread-and-butter model. "I know people are loving this one," he said.
Judging from an afternoon drive in a well-stocked X3 priced in the low $50,000s, the revamped edition sets out in a pleasing direction for all types of customers.
Safety features can be subtle, such as a speed limit feature visible in front of the steering wheel that's tailored like a road sign. Blind spot indicators light up on the edge of the side view mirrors when cars are gearing to pass on the left or right.
The SAV sits up nicely to offer wide visibility for driver and passenger. A standard rear view camera displays clear images on the center console screen.
Meanwhile, the cluster of dashboard gadgets between motorist and front passenger are laid out clearly, easy to reach and intuitive to use — unlike earlier BMWs that seems to require a PhD to play music or view a map. A master dial makes it easy to shift settings in the center screen to navigation, audio communications. Dual climate control buttons provides ample heat, cool and fan settings.
Drivers shouldn't face trouble navigating rush hour traffic, considering the responsive brakes and beefy engine offering a sporty boost of performance. A wide torque range oversees quick starts to keep pace with rapid street traffic or smooth acceleration along interstates and four-lane highways.
Clever high-tech perks include a wireless phone charger on a centralized sunken plate. A super-handy feature is a single button on the center panel to shift drive settings, which include the standard comfort as well as sport for performance and eco for fuel efficiency.
With any redesign, there are areas of improvement. The X3 lacks the tactile pleasure BMW's known for, offering adequate at best steering that's more noticeable at higher speeds. The gear shift requires a button to get in and out of park and then shift throws to drive and reverse that don't immediately come naturally. Also, it would be more convenient for the utility vehicle to include push buttons to open and close the rear liftgate via a driver's seat switch and/or flipping buttons to lift and lower the second row seats.
Yet the X3's quiet ride, power on demand and luxurious looks are reasons that consumers are interested in buying the popular SUV. Just as in past iterations, the X3 will make South Carolina proud.
Separately, this is the last day of the month-long Rick Hendrick BMW X-Travaganza to include savings for the 2018 car-year on the X3 and X1, X2, X4, X5 and X6 sport activity vehicles and 2, 3, 4, 5, an sedans and coupes.
For more information and photos, go to https://ift.tt/2mIbgVs.
Reach Jim Parker at 843-937-5542 or jparker@postandcourier.com.
SPECS:
MODEL: 2018 BMW X3 30i X drive.
TYPE: Compact SUV.
PRICE: $42,650-$53,000 and up.
ENGINE: 2.0-liter inline four cylinder.
HORSEPOWER: 248 to 355.
SEATING: Five passengers.
TRANSMISSION: 8-speed automatic.
POWER TRAIN: Front, all-wheel drive.
FUEL ECONOMY: 25 mpg combined including 29 highway and 22 city.
WHEELS: 20 inch alloy.
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