So you’ve decided that having a life of your own is overrated. The idea of being able to go where you want and do what you want – with your wife’s leave, of course – is just not pleasing any more. Instead, you’ve opted for sleepless nights filled with the screams of your disgruntled offspring, summoning you to plunge elbow deep in nappies filled with liquid effluent. Add to this the transformation of your once attractive spouse into a bloated harpy, filled with self-loathing and enveloped by a roadmap of varicose veins, and you’ve arrived at the lowest circle of hell.
That’s it then; the end of pleasure. Or is it? Despite the plethora of misery, there is one reason to celebrate – the opportunity now exists to upgrade one of the family cars. Naturally, your concern is the loss of performance and luxury you’ve become accustomed to, as well as the possible embarrassment at having to drive a babymobile on weekends. Enter BMW’s X3. FHM had the opportunity to test the xDrive three-litre diesel variant, and were well impressed. This compact crossover SUV offers not only outstanding sumptuousness, but scintillating performance with zero body roll and eyeball-popping braking. The X3 is indistinguishable from a sedan in terms of performance, and concomitantly offers remarkable fuel efficiency.
Our car was fitted with a massive sunroof, which flooded the car with much-welcomed early morning sunlight. At night, ambient lighting in the footwell and by the door handles, took over. Inside were acres of leather and walnut burr paneling. Perched atop the centre console was the on-board computer, which folded away neatly at the touch of a button. Strangely enough, the normally-available space in the centre armrest was taken up by the six-CD shuttle, which meant there was precious little room left. In direct opposition, the boot was generous and had storage compartments dotted all over. Another annoying aspect was the fact that the doors didn’t lock automatically – a severe oversight for a car that is potentially a mommy’s vehicle. Our car was fitted with a brilliantly seamless auto gearbox, and was as quiet as ginger’s love life, despite being a diesel. We can't emphasise enough just how potent this vehicle is, though. It's got so much power, that it can instantly transform even the most benign driver into a gibbering, white-knuckled manic. Mild mannered kiddie transport during the week, frenetic street racer on weekends – it just doesn't get better! We can’t wait for the rejuvenated version to hit our shores in September!
Engine in-line six-cylinder diesel
Power 160kW, 500Nm
0-100km/h 7,7 seconds
Top speed 210km/h
Price R548 000
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Words: Peter Piegl
Photographs: www.quickpic.co.za
16 February, 2010
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