2015 BMW X3 xDrive28d Diesel Road Test Review

The 2015 BMW X3 xDrive28d is one of those cars that gets things right. It’s family-friendly, running cost-friendly, foul weather-friendly, solo drive-friendly, and driveway style statement-friendly. The 2015 X3 range in general is better than ever at doing these things because it’s received a mid-cycle refresh for this model year.

A lot of new details are cosmetic, like different headlamps with an LED option, a more pronounced double-kidney grille, and a little more elegance in the cabin. The real big news, though, is this diesel engine. BMW hasn’t offered a diesel-powered X3 until now. We’ll go into it more in our dedicated engine section, but suffice to say it packs a punch yet lacks a thirst.

In the premium compact crossover SUV world, the X3 is one of the stronger choices. BMW has forged a reputation on making cars that have a lot of driver appeal mixed with a ton of class. Even something like this, with its high driving position and practical hatchback body style, will still deliver some thrills.

Models and Pricing

There’s just one diesel X3 model. It comes with all-wheel drive as standard, hence the xDrive section of its name. And just one diesel engine, as denoted by the 28d. Don’t read too much into this number, though; it’s not a 2.8-liter engine. 

The important number here is $42,950 (including $950 destination charges). Standard equipment includes an eight-speed automatic transmission, 18-inch alloy wheels, power liftgate, hill descent control, Bluetooth, BMW’s iDrive control system, and leather-ish upholstery. 

For leather and a panoramic sunroof (plus adjustable lumbar support and keyless entry), look at the Premium package, one of many such option bundles. Others are Cold Weather, Dynamic Handling,  Technology (including head-up display and navigation), Driver Assistance (featuring sensors and a rearview camera). The Premium package is $3,250 and it’s easy to break the $50,000 mark with a few more options. On the bright side, there is free maintenance for the first four years or 50,000 miles. And the X3 should have strong resale values.

Design

As mentioned, 2015 brings a revamp. The larger grille and headlights give it more presence, while the tail end is only subtly tweaked. This is all positive. Its quintessentially BMW look is retained and people who love the company’s design vocabulary should be pleased with how the X3 has turned out. It might even win some converts from the Audi camp. 

The cabin now features some plusher looking materials and one thing BMW always gets right is ergonomics, the way the dashboard and controls make it easy for the driver to feel right at home. Visibility is also excellent, thanks to that high seating position and large “greenhouse” — otherwise known as the glass areas.

Comfort and Cargo

Front occupants will find ample space and passengers in the rear won’t find much to complain about. Unless they’re sitting in the middle section, which still isn’t that bad. Legroom and headroom are generous for a compact crossover, and the extra height (compared with a regular sedan) is a boon when trying to get young children secured into their seats. 

The sport seat option is worth looking at. They seem firm at first, but their shape and support help to make long trips less tiring. And considering how adept the X3 is at taking corners, that extra side cushioning is most welcome. 

The rear seats split and fold in a 40/20/40 fashion and include a ski hatch. With the seats up, cargo area is 19.4 cubic feet, which expands to 56.5 when they’re flipped down and one of the more spacious in the class.

Features and Controls

As useful as the power liftgate can be, the optional Smart Opener — where waving a foot toward the rear bumper sets off a sensor — is even more so. And if anyone hasn’t had the pleasure of using a head-up display (in the Technology package) and having essential information projected onto the windshield in a visible-yet-safe location, it’s surprising how good it can be. It’s one of those things that you’ve managed this long without but would miss it if it suddenly wasn’t there. 

BMW’s iDrive has had a tough ride. When it first came out, reactions were not favorable. It was awkward and sometimes counter-intuitive to use. But now this computer control system is much easier to negotiate and allows the user to adjust cabin temperature, entertainment, phone and (where applicable) navigation through a series of menus. The idea behind it was to cut down on the number of buttons in the dashboard. It’s probably still a good idea to sit down with the manual and get used to things, instead of trying to work it all out while driving at the same time, but it shouldn’t take long.

Safety

In addition to the usual mandatory safety features, the X3 has full-length side curtain airbags, active front seat head restraints to mitigate whiplash, corner braking control, and automatic brake drying. BMW Assist is also standard, alerting emergency services and roadside assistance when necessary. 

Front and rear parking sensors, blind spot detection, lane departure warning, front and rear cameras, parallel parking assistance, collision mitigation, stolen vehicle recovery and remote locking/unlocking are all on the options list. 

This generation of X3 (the second) has scored well in crash tests. And naturally, all-wheel drive provides high levels of grip and traction. Owners will be extra grateful for it when the weather turns wintry.

Engines and Fuel Economy

A 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine is turbocharged to make 180 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. It’s with this second figure where all the good stuff happens. More details are in the upcoming “performance” section. Don’t even think that this engine is noisy, lumpy, dirty or unrefined in any way. Inside the cabin, it takes a keen pair of ears to even notice it’s a diesel. And outside, it takes a keen pair of nostrils. To keep weight in check the engine’s construction involves an aluminum block and head.

Fuel consumption is estimated by the EPA as 27 mpg in the city, 34 mpg on the highway and 30 mpg combined. Compare that with 21/28/24 from the gasoline-powered X3 28i that makes 260 lb-ft of torque. Surpassing those EPA figures shouldn’t be too difficult with a light right foot and a little common sense.

Performance

Maximum torque comes in at a low 1750 rpm, so there’s plenty of accelerative punch and it continues to feel strong as engine speed (and vehicle speed) builds. Even though sprinting from standstill to 60 mph is not what the X3 28d is about, it might be useful to know it takes a little under eight seconds. And top speed is 130 mph. In everyday driving, it’ll prove spirited enough. 

In terms of attacking corners, BMW has this almost uncanny ability to make its vehicles seem smaller than they really are. They transition readily from right to left to right again and even something like the X3 — with its slightly higher center of gravity — will still be temptation enough to seek out more interesting roads when there isn’t shopping, children and/or in-laws on board. For complete confidence, BMW brakes always have plenty of feel to go with their stopping power.

Final Thoughts

The 2015 BMW X3 xDrive28d addresses the slight issue some people might have with fuel consumption while driving a premium compact crossover SUV. These vehicles are heavier than regular sedans and often have all-wheel drive. 

Where auto makers in other parts of the world might get overly complicated and come up with hybrid drivetrains, diesel is a particularly European solution. It achieves remarkable mileage and delivers excellent energy. Over in the Old World, about half of new vehicles sold are powered by diesel. 

They can also make sense in the New World. Companies like BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen are always working on making their diesel systems as clean as possible, often by putting exhaust gases through a chemical process to reduce harmful emissions.

Pros and Cons

A muscular drive with fewer trips to the filling station than a gasoline-powered equivalent. Eight-speed transmission shifts super-smoothly and gives a high top gear to help with consumption. Practicality and safety. Yet another great BMW chassis — this vehicle is based on the 3 Series, after all.

A little on the expensive side, especially when a few option bundles are selected — thank goodness for the high resale values. It’s getting easier to find diesel pumps, but some places still don’t have one. Also, diesel is greasier and smellier at the pump. Use the disposable gloves that are usually offered and be careful not to slip if any has been spilled on the ground.