BMW X3 M and X4 M vs. Audi RS Q3 range

The BMW M lineup has gained some unexpected additions in the form of the current generation X3 and X4 crossovers and with the new X3 M and X4 M high-performance crossovers, a lot of people wish that they could have done it right from the very beginning but since better late than never, time to flip the whys and the X-files on the newest BMW M crossovers.

2020 BMW X3 M

2020 BMW X4 M

The first-ever BMW X3 M, starting at 70,300 Euros plus OTR, and the X4 M, starting at 72,500 Euros plus OTR, are the most affordable SUVs in the BMW M lineup, making them cheaper to own than the upcoming X5 M and X6 M. For starters, they look broadly similar to your basic X3 and X4 but because this is the M we're talking, you'd expect this to be as macho and hot as your basic M3 and M4 but no. They're a lot more different than that.

Yes, both these models are macho in looks and smell like aftershave on the inside, but what's underneath them is worth asking. It uses a 3.0L straight-6 Double VANOS Twin Power Turbo engine, which is almost identical to the BMW M3 and M4 but in the range-topping Competition spec, which produces 510PS of power and 600Nm of torque. Mated to an 8-speed AT, it goes from 0-100kph in 4.1 seconds, and its top speed is electronically limited to 250kph. 285 with the optional extra, of course.

Because most believe the X3 is like the 3-Series of the SUV lineup, you might imagine that M crossovers like these, might behave like the already great BMW M3 but no. They're bulkier than the M3 of course and they handle very differently compared to the M3 it draws inspiration from. On the plus side, since being a BMW, they're not afraid to get its drivers hooked for more and if they want some competition, perhaps they should face these;

2020 Audi RS Q3

2020 Audi RS Q3 Sportback

This is Audi's answer to the little BMW M crossovers mentioned above. This is the all-new RS Q3 range and this is what happens when the folks from Audi Sport decided to make them behave like Russian Olympians that will get them to trouble easily but sadly, they're not Russian Olympians. They're just like high school ladies in two-piece swimsuits enjoying the pool.

The RS Q3 starts at 63,500 Euros plus OTR while the Sportback equivalent starts at 65,000 Euros plus OTR, making them cheaper to own than the almost bonkers BMW X3/X4 M but don't let the pricing fool you because although cheaper to own than those above, they can be quite troublesome for those who got their hands on.

The 2.5L TFSi engine that powers the RS Q3 range produces 400PS of power and 480Nm of torque and when mated to a 7-speed S tronic, it gets from 0-100kph in four and half seconds and with the optional extra, up to 280kph of top speed. In other words, they're a lot slower than the BMW X3/X4 M in a middle of a drag race.

Handling-wise? The RS Q3 can be downright mild and tangy but it feels downright easy to drive on the road and on the track. Sure, you can take them on the dirt but why would you want to in the RS Q3? Anyway, these crossovers are almost as enjoyable to drive as the TT RS, I'm still jealous to have one but it's too late because with the TT RS meeting its maker, these RS crossovers are surely to blame for this.

Which would you go for? The powerful but expensive BMW X3/X4 M or the less powerful but less expensive and sensible RS Q3 range?

Photo: BMW AG/Audi AG

BMW X3 G01

The previous BMW X3, some say, is like being a village idiot in a family of geniuses because while it has some BMW dynamics on this crossover, it doesn't live up to the expectations of being an ideal Bimmer for all kinds. So, now that the BMW X3 entered its third generation, has the crossover ever learned from its past mistakes and made it even better?

2018 BMW X3

Here it is, ladies and gentlemen, your new BMW X3, and while this is basically labeled as the third generation X3, some say it looks and feels almost the same as the previous model. Frankly, it is, sort of, because when you scope closer on the X3's new design, you'll find that the front looks frankly similar to the rest of the BMW SUVs while the back of it looks awkwardly similar to the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, a crossover where its little brother, the X1, can take care of. Although awkward to look at, there's a good side that the X3 wasn't as daft as its chief foe, the Audi Q5.

2018 BMW X3 interior

2018 BMW X3 interior

On the inside, there's hardly any improvement at all because it dons the similar BMW interior as seen on the 7-Series and as for the tech, you still get some cool gadgets including the gesture control feature that controls with your gesture. Most people tried it on different Bimmers so the experience will be vaguely similar to this new X3 and apart from that, you can expect Voice Recognition which is hard to master for squeaky-voiced drivers, and Heads Up Display that looks like it's almost never existed. On the plus side, it's surprisingly comfortable and has decent space for goods. Although not bad to be practical, there's a clear hint that the new X3 will remind you of the luxury crossover your Auntie drove every day.

2018 BMW X3

What about dynamics? Has BMW improved the X3 to make it more interesting? Well, with an intelligent lightweight design, the new X3 features a brilliant weight distribution which makes it more interesting than Audi's Q5, adding delight to the drivers who are willing to make their new X3 their everyday car for business and for leisure.

To make sure the new X3 is fully prepared for everything, it's got xDrive that makes it capable to handle any road conditions, be it tarmac, gravel, or snow alike. That sounds nice but sadly, that daft Audi Q5 can mince it in terms of cornering stability and that is a bad mark for BMW there. Apart from xDrive, the new X3 features BMW Personal CoPilot ranging from the improved Active Cruise Control and the Driving Assistant Plus safety package, including Steering and lane control assistant, Lane Change Assistant, and Lane Keeping Assistant with side collision protection, and while it sounds nice enough to put some stuff Google's fussing around with self-driving cars, that stuff will drive them mad because these tech features just spoil their driving experience but still, it takes some tough love to get used to those safety features unless they've summoned the new X3 as their courtesy car from their car-sharing service, which is, of course, the enemy of every speedo boys of this generation.

There are so many engines to choose from in the new X3, such as the 2.0L petrol turbo, 2.0L diesel, and 3.0L six-cylinder diesel, but the range-topper of the new X3 is the new M40i variant with the 3.0-liter M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology 6-cylinder inline engine that produces 360PS of power and propels it to a 0-100kph time of 4.6 seconds, making it the fastest accelerating crossover in its class. Most of the engines are mated with the 8-speed Steptronic gearbox, which is pretty much decent to us.

The new X3 starts at 44,000 Euros plus on-road costs and that makes it more awfully costly than the Audi Q5 but we'd better stick to this one because although not pretty to look at, the new X3 is starting to feel more promising to drive than the Q5, although its characteristics still make it a village idiot in a family of geniuses. Would you like this or not. That's your decision now, ladies and gentlemen.

Photo: BMW AG

New X3 F25's Philippine Debut is attention-grabbing! All of them are sold out, fast!

2011 BMW X3

Last night, February 10, 2011, Asian Carmakers Corporation, the official BMW distributor to the PH, just launched the 2011 BMW X3 and since this is much more attention grabbing, the new X3 has been sold out when it comes out! 

Grabe, bilis!

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/asian-carmakers-s-initial-stock-of-the-all-new-bmw-x3-all-sold-out

All of the new X3 units are sold out in the Philippines, fast! What just happened? Lucky for them, the new X3 (F25) has some of the features such as 2.0-litre diesel engine, idling stop system, and Brake Energy Regeneration System!

I guess this is a simple joy of "first come, first serve" as the new X3 is expected to be on sale at the end of the month, as expected.

Oh well, while it may be out of stock for a while, at least the new X3 is here...

Dress up your new X3 the M-Sport way!

Neat! A BMW X3 (F25) M-Sport Package! Those BMW fans looking for an edge of sportiness and style in an SUV finally had their wait finished because the M-Sport package brings out its spartan look on the recently launched BMW X3 F25!

Do you think that Asian Carmakers Corporation bring out this package, if the new X3 is here?

X3 Touch and Type

Nokia X3 Touch and Type

The sister model of the trendy Nokia X3 slide-up phone, the new X3 Touch and Type (codenamed X3-02), makes the rounds to appeal tech-savvy customers with numerous features. Sadly, the new Nokia X3 Touch and Type does not share the same protocol as the X3, it only shares by its name. Rather than having a side-up from its big brother, the Nokia X3 Touch and Type is more likely a normal shaped cellphone packed with the numeric keypad. On the lighter side, the X3 Touch and Type appears to be slim, perfect to have women fit that kind of cellphone straight through their pockets. Believe me, this phone is targeted for everyone who want a super-slim phone.

On the outside, the new Nokia X3 comes in four colors; white, smoke, pink, and magenta. Men like it smoke, girls like it pink, few like it magenta, and many like it white, whatever floats your boat.

Aside from the numeric keypad offered for the Touch and Type, this screen is touchable, fun enough to choose whatever cool apps you want straight from your fingertips.

If I want to go photo or video shooting that I can put it on Facebook, YouTube, or others, a 5.0 megapixel camera adds a nice touch for the X3 Touch and Type. For music lovers, there are a wide variety of entertaining options that can keep them informed and entertained such as the FM Radio and Music Player to play their MP3 tunes or use them as ringtones to brighten up your day.

In my opinion, I would still prefer the regular X3 because its a fun-to-use cellphone and the new X3 Touch and Type ruins my pogi points. If I can't afford that, the X3 Touch and Type can be my perfect suitor of choice, providing its slim package straight to your pocket for easy convenience.

Photo: Nokia

BMW X3 F25

The first generation BMW X3, launched since 2004, seems to be a good-looking crossover SUV set to rival the Lexus RX in a mild-mannered way. As years pass by, most people would not get a hold on the X3's outdated look with the appearance of the new BMW crossover, the X6, the X1, and the refreshed X5. To solve the X3 dilemma, BMW decided to turn from the boring to the bright by evolving the X3 from dull to drop dead gorgeous.

2011 BMW X3 F25 front

On the design side, the new BMW X3 F25 sports a front view similar to the X6 and the rear view that looks similar to the X1. Beyond that, this crossover finally gets a royal makeover, well tailored enough for the adventurous and the fearless to take on almost chaotic but fun.

2011 BMW X3 F25 rear

Two available engines are offered in the new BMW X3 F25, such as the 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder engine and the 2.0-litre diesel engine. On the 35i variant, only the eight-speed automatic transmission is available, while the 20d variant offers not just the eight-speed auto, but also the six-speed manual transmission as well. Keep that in mind that both of these engines are Euro5 certified, meaning they are all clean and good to go for the new X3. On the other side, the XDrive system is standard on all X3 variants for all-round traveling no matter where you want.

2011 BMW X3 F25 interior

On the comfort side, the new BMW X3 remains the same as for the older generation model. Which means, there is nothing more special about the refined luxury interior except for the separating net part that once you folded the rear seats, you can set that thing, separating you, as the driver, and the luggage space behind you.

My thoughts about the X3:
The new X3's exterior takes the boredom away from its rugged personality as a crossover, but the new interior is pretty much the same as other BMW models. With two engines available as of press time, you may notice that there will be a slow start for the new model, but do not fret, BMW plans more engine line-up for the new X3 soon, and also, we cannot wait for BMW to declare an Activehybrid or the M version of the new X3. Once more, the M Sport package is an optional feature to bring the star factor to the new X3. With sales start in Europe at the end of 2010, following in other continents next year, I expect that this new model will be declared a so-so. Even when the exterior sports a fascinating personality, there will be flaws around the corner.

Photo: BMW