I took delivery of my Ti Silver X3 a few days ago:
Car is: X3 2.5i, Ti Silver, Steptronic Auto, Grey Leather, Pattern Finish Metal Trim, Cold Weather Pkg, Premium, Pkg, Heated Steering, Luggage Net, Front Armrest, Xenon, Adaptive Headlights, Nav, Premium Sound w/ DSC, Assist, Sat Radio Ready, Privacy Glass
As promised here is a comparison of a X3 3.0i and my 2.5i with both being compared to the 325i I've been driving for 3 years. I definitely made the right choice for me - a completely amazing ride that oozes technology.
The NAV and DSP (Digitial Sound Processor in Premium sound) is very cool - the voice for the NAV is processed by the DSC so if you have it setup to sound like a large room, the NAV voice provides that effect - but we digress.
To really get a good comparison of the 3.0i and the 2.5i, I went to the dealer early and drove them back to back - about 20 minutes each on a mix of highway and back roads on the same route (I also drove my 325i for the final time on the same route before going to the dealer - for old times sake).
The Similarities
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A few observations that I found identical. It really is amazing how much of the 3-series feel they have captured in the X3, of course the fact that most controls are in the exact same position doesn't hurt, but after 3 years behind the wheel of my 325i, I was extremely comfortable driving the X3. The legroom is definitely better and my left leg just seemed to fit better (I notice my left leg touches the door of my 325i often). The automatic transmission controls look identical to the 3-series. The metal trim looks sharp on the shift console.
I'm used to sport seats and found the X3 Premium seats very similar feel - no adjustable thigh support, but I didn't notice it. The 3.0i had lumbar support, the 2.5i doesn't (in fact lumbar support and the engine where the only differences I noticed between the two cars). After playing around with it, I'm fine with no lumbar support.
The premium package comes with a four spoke steering wheel, I had to adjust the wheel down to get the 9:30/2:30 position that I'm used to with the three spoke sport wheel. I like the look of the three spoke better - but on an SAV (and with heated option) I'm very comfortable.
The ride height is a big plus as is easier entry/exit as a result. The X3 does not feel too high (or top heavy like several SUVs I've driven). Visibility is different than 325i of course and on several occasions when changing lanes I found myself a little surprised when I took a quick look behind - the pillers are in a different location of course - something I'll get used to. the side view mirrors are larger and provide a better view of traffic when using them. Exhaust notes appeared to be identical, I tried to listen carefully (no radio) and didn't notice any difference.
Handling and steering was identical for my test, I didn't push much in this area other than aggressive driving. Tight, responsive, very BMW.
The X3 3.0i Steptronic was my first drive, I pushed the car hard and it was very smooth - the zero-60 times I experienced in all transmission settings seemed better than the published times. The push from 40 to 60 is impressive. I did note what seemed to me to be a delay in downshifting from 3rd to 2nd in the normal Auto setting when slowing down the engine seemed to wait longer than I'm used to with the 325i to downshift, probably because the shift points are adjusted for more low-end torque.
The 2.5i Steptronic, was a thrill to drive, different shift points was the most noticable difference. The 2.5i shifted to second at lower RPM, I'm told some of this can change because of the adaptive transmission so I can't be sure all of it was due to different engines. 0-60 times where more similar that I expected. I measured using distance (I stopped at a specific location and then accelerated to 60 and noted where I was with respect to some well-placed telephone poles.
My bottom line - no doubt the X3 3.0i has more power, but I found the X3 2.5i a great ride - plenty of acceleration on the highway when passing. I'm quite happy with my choice and now that 2.5i's are arriving from the factory, it will be interesting to see other opinions. I've read comments from others who theorized that the 2.5i would feel underpowered, from my direct comparison - not so.
Hoop
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, but here in Europe we seem accustomed to it.