BMW X3. Mood machine.
The German brand BMW can rightfully be considered a cult brand. Attitude towards cars of this brand is absolutely ambiguous. And largely formed not on the quality or style of the cars themselves, but on the conditional portrait of the owner, his character and driving style. Of course, it does not do without stereotypical perception and clichés. Although many of them are not groundless.
I must say right away that the hero of this story with a big stretch fits this heading – #AutoFishing, which I came up with a few years ago and which directly correlates primarily with fishing trips. Although, not everything is so unambiguous and the BMW X3, which I drove for some time, under certain circumstances, may well be considered in this capacity. But first things first.
BMW is a personal story.
Perhaps, this is the case when I am ready to agree with the statement that the attitude towards this brand cannot be absolutely neutral. Everyone has their own personal story. She is mine too. Like many young guys, I sympathized with this brand even in my deep school years. I note that this was long before the release of the iconic "Boomer", "Brigade" and everything else that is now associated with the brand in recent times. By the time these films came out on the screen, my attitude had long been formed, and the films themselves did not affect it in any way. Moreover, I already had a practical idea of what it is like to be behind the wheel of a BMW.
When did this “love" (at least in those years I could say that way, not now) was born and what caused it – I don’t know. But, as is the case with many other brands, I am not so much sympathetic to the brand as a whole, but to a particular model. And among the Bavarians, the X5 immediately became such, as soon as it appeared in 2000. For me, it has become a kind of standard ideal car. 20 years have passed since then, and the current X5 already has not much in common with its grandfather. In any case, in order to avoid gossip, I immediately openly and directly say: yes, BMW was special then, and now to a large extent, at least one of the favorite brands. And this is always very important in the perception and evaluation of cars.
X3 of the first generations.
At a time when I was only dreaming that someday I would sit behind the wheel of the X5 (one day my dreams finally came true), another car appeared on the market, a younger one – the X3. And I must say that at that time he was perceived quite negatively. Like some kind of awkward semblance of a real car. Yet the cult of crossovers has not yet formed and there was a fairly clear division into women’s and men’s cars. Today, this border is almost completely blurred.
So I didn’t like the X3 of the first generations at all, and I never considered it as my car. But years passed, updates took place and the appearance of the machines gradually changed. Not only in terms of visual image, but also dimensions. And by 2014, when the next “restyle” of the X3 happened, it changed a lot and began to fully correspond to my perception. I must say that in 2017 this car was updated again, but my version and, accordingly, the car in the photo is the F25 body.
Tastes could not be discussed.
There is no point in wasting time on reasoning and describing the appearance of the car. Everything is so obvious in the photo. And you either like it or you don’t. Dot. Yes, for me. In my opinion and taste, this car fully combines all those features and forms of the brand that evoke those special feelings. Which, by the way, in my opinion, can no longer be said about the more overweight and visually heavy X5 and X7 of the latest versions.
And yet, I did not in vain put the phrase about the mood in the title. Since this is definitely not the case when, with a frown, you should evaluate the car in terms of technical solutions and the reliability of some units. It’s all about emotions and feelings. However, German pedantry and attention to detail provided the car with a quality finish and a combination of materials that form an overall harmonious image. Deprived of the very frivolity for which Asians are often scolded.
Xdrive time.
I must say that here I remained true to the principles, having relied on a car with a three-liter diesel engine with a capacity of 258 hp. What can not be called such a typical approach in relation to this brand. Because owners usually rely on a more dynamic and powerful gasoline engine. One way or another, but the manufacturer offers a rather extensive list of combinations of engine volume and power. There is a choice.
In my opinion, the main feature of this car is the feeling of control. At different times and from different people, I have heard the statement that the car does not affect driving style in any way. Nonsense and nonsense! I have visited many different cars and driving style changes with each of them. BMW, when you get behind the wheel and especially drive out onto the track, in some incomprehensible way begins to pull those strings of consciousness that provoke you to put pressure on the gas. And there are two ways. Or you restrain yourself and drive “like everyone else”, constantly feeling a sense of discomfort, as if you put on clothes a couple of sizes smaller. Or you give free rein to your feelings and drive in a way that causes most drivers the very negativity that “brand haters” are famous for. And the diesel engine here absolutely does not hold back in this.
Excellent dynamics and precise control. Maybe even the best in this class, or at least the best of all that I have ever tried. And there are already more than 50 such examples… That same combination of dynamics, stability, controllability, when every movement of the steering wheel immediately responds. In conversations about boats, I often draw analogies with cars. So here the situation is reversed. I would compare this car in terms of driving feel with a balanced boat. When the ratio of length, power and contours of the hull is ideal. And you just enjoy how the boat reacts to your movements, understanding exactly what will happen.
Habitat.
Which environment is this car classified in? Looking at the not too high ground clearance and dimensions, it seems that this is a classic urban crossover. But it is worth being behind the wheel, and you understand how crowded it is in these traffic jams and streets. In my opinion, this car is for country roads, highways, trips between major cities. A rather stiff suspension, and in general, “off-road qualities” do not allow us to consider the X3 as a car for traveling on forest roads. Although, on occasion, driving up to the shore of the reservoir will not be a problem. But it is smooth country roads that are the true element of this car.
X3 through the eyes of an angler.
Of course, I could not ignore this topic. How to characterize this car from the point of view and through the eyes of a lover of fishing trips? In fact, the X3, in terms of the volume and configuration of the trunk (namely, this is the main thing for a fishing car), is not at all bad and even good. 550 liters are good numbers, but the main thing is that these liters are “distributed” in such a way that they allow you to place tackle and equipment. I don’t think this car is designed to pull a trailer with a boat or be loaded with PVC with a motor and all the equipment. But I assure you, if necessary, everything fits! Although the main element from this point of view is to throw things and gear into the trunk and wave at some base. Where a cozy cottage and a comfortable boat are already waiting for you.
As a result, if we discard all stereotypical perceptions, then the X3 in my opinion is one of the best and most comfortable representatives of its class. And from the point of view of sensations from management, and convenience, and including efficiency. Which together allows you to travel long distances. Although it cannot be classified as a full-fledged SUV. No high cross-country requirements should be presented. But it will not be a problem to drive comfortably enough on forest roads. Which also expands the habitat.
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