Looking forward to another year of top-shelf Hammes-quality car reviews! Keep those soliloquies coming!

Love your reviews. Keep it up. The best wishes from across the pond! Toronto, ON

Finally, a comfortable and luxurious SUV from BMW. They need to keep this up. People buy SUV’s for utility and comfort, not to take it to a drag race.

@UNOwen-eh8er

6 жыл бұрын

Alex With 355 hp., pretty sure you still can.

@chonaV

6 жыл бұрын

U.N. Owen ...Of course you still can. You’d just look stupid taking an suv to a drag race, lol. What next? A family van with 400 hp? Lol.

@UNOwen-eh8er

6 жыл бұрын

Alex So you don't know about BMW M? When Car and Driver tested X6 M, they said you could use it to tow your race car to the track. And then race your tow car. Why do you think Porsche build Turbo VW SUVs? What does this page have to do with vans? Sienna has 300 hp, is that 3/4 stupid?

Why was the (right side of the) hood unlatched in all your exterior shots?

Yes it’s a 4 cylinder but still 315 HP. How many cylinders is the X3?

The 2018 X3 interior is beautifully luxurious and very practical. But while it takes corners quickly, this is a lot of weight to throw around. I found the X1 much more inviting in this respect.

Nice job with the review. I agree with the comment that it is already starting to look dated. Just updated a fully loaded 2015 X3 for a fully loaded 2018 XC60 which I think is better looking with a nicer interior than the 2018 X3.....I NEVER thought I would say that,,,,

@UNOwen-eh8er

6 жыл бұрын

John Smelt Volvo only has a 4 cyl.

The new X3 won us over from Audi, and we turned over a first-gen Q5 for a new 2018 X3. The ride quality, front and rear seat comfort, powertrain, and infotainment all seemed a notch above the new Q5; opposite of what we thought with the previous generations of both vehicles. Other than Audi’s excellent Virtual Cockpit and Bang & Olufsen 3D surround sound, the new X3 has all the new Q5 has and more. It’s definitely not a very sporty BMW, but it does what it’s supposed to do for the target buyer. It’s like BMW built a Lexus but with better color choices and no awkward design creases.

@stevehammes

6 жыл бұрын

Great feedback! Thank you. Can you be more specific about your X3 trim and options, particularly the Dynamic Handling Package?

@RCtennis3811

6 жыл бұрын

It's pretty much got everything. Luxury Design, Executive Tier (which has the Icon Adaptive LEDs that are brighter than the regular Adaptive LEDs), Driving Assistance Plus, Harman Kardon audio, and others. We did not go for Dynamic Handling Package, however. Personally, it didn't seem worth it for how the vehicle will be use - that is, the vehicle handles fine, if not better than most vehicles in the class, for daily commutes/weekend errands/road trips. Compared to the standard suspensions of the XC60 T5 Inscription and the Q5 2.0T Prestige, the X3's standard setup seems more on the firm side. The caveat is that it seems to have less body roll than the Q5 but feels more composed over bumps/potholes than the XC60.

@76carmel

6 жыл бұрын

Nice and congrats on the purchase. Sounds like you may have forked over $57k (MSRP of Steve’s tester) before the trade of your old Q5.

@RCtennis3811

6 жыл бұрын

Billy Sou Pretty much! The difference is that Steve's tester has the Dynamic Handling Package but doesn't have the Executive Tier like ours. I'd rather have the Executive since it has the best headlights and nighttime look, the fully digital 12.3" instrument display vs the partial digital one, and the gimmicky but kind of fun to show off Gesture Control. Frankly, if we wanted The Ultimate Driving Machine, we would've gotten the X3 M40i for that sweet engine. Upgraded sport components just seem wasted on a car with a 2.0-liter turbo engine. But to each their own!

@bautistap8515

6 жыл бұрын

RCBR I'm between Q5, new X3 and GlC, what would you say?

2:47 US premium pkg does not have full-digital gauge

You seem to be on a roll lately.... since when did you publish 2 videos in just 2 days? Is this a New Year's Resolution? Btw you didn't close the hood properly on the left at 3:20.

@stevehammes

6 жыл бұрын

I noticed that!

I'm hopefully gonna be placing my order for a 2018 X3 in August. So excited! Will be my first BMW. I honestly don't care for the whole "sport" thing, I want comfort and tech. Only 4 things missing for a perfect build imo ; 1. AC seats, not just ventelated, 2. Option for more plush seats, 3. Better autonomus driving aid help, and 4. Hybrid electric as an option. In time, but still. :)

@stevehammes

6 жыл бұрын

Congrats!

@RCtennis3811

6 жыл бұрын

Kristen Moon X3 eDrive is coming. You can see what the powertrain basically is when you look at the current 5-Series eDrive. www.motor1.com/news/229988/bmw-x3-electric-phev-spied/

@kristenmoon4405

6 жыл бұрын

RCBR I have no doubt that it will be a reality at some point, but I have no idea if it's going to be in 2019 or 2026 , lol. As a buyer, it's hard to play the speculation game.

@RCtennis3811

6 жыл бұрын

Kristen Moon 2026 is quite an exaggeration. Considering it’s a brand new body style and there’s prototypes of hybrid/electric versions of this car out there, you know it’s coming before 2026. Plus, BMW has had several hybrids and electric vehicles before so this isn’t their first rodeo. 👍

@kristenmoon4405

6 жыл бұрын

lol, i'm aware that 2026 is a silly date, my point still stands though. As a potential client, it's hard to decide whether you should wait for an eDrive to come out ( which who knows when that'll be, was my point) , or decide that whats currently offered will be enough. If I knew that 2019 would have eDrive, i'd wait. But if it's going to be 3-6 years away... i'll go with whats there now.

the GLC looks and feels more high end, so that would be my pick!

@UNOwen-eh8er

6 жыл бұрын

xxthehuskycaboosexx Not if you want turbo I6. Mercedes just brought one back. Not for GLC.

Is the rear defroster grid set up like a rainbow as seen in the previous X3? Or BMW went conventional this time around? And how would you compare the new X3 (4 cylinder) to the X1? Is the X3 significantly larger? Do you see a big overlap between the two? Yeah, I know one is based on a compact FWD platform while the other is based on a RWD set up. But I doubt the typical buyer would know or care.

@stevehammes

6 жыл бұрын

Nothing annoying or unusual about rear defroster. I didn't care for the new X1. This is MUCH better from a styling, driving, and amenity standpoint so I don't understand this popular take that people should just get an X1.

@UNOwen-eh8er

6 жыл бұрын

TestDriveNow Reviews by Auto Critic Steve Hammes Car and Driver say X1 best in class. But different segment, really only if you can live with a 4.

Review the 40 for us Steve, please...

@stevehammes

6 жыл бұрын

jpmackin Would love to!

Steve do you feel that the dash looks dated despite the tech or does this feel like a nice update?

@stevehammes

6 жыл бұрын

Craig D I really don’t. Think it looks classy.

@UNOwen-eh8er

6 жыл бұрын

Craig D Moot point if it had HUD.

It feels outdated and it is already new. Why? Because it looks exactly like the rest of the family so it basically seems like a 2 year old SUV but with just a slightly different dimensions.

Still when it comes to the compact luxury SUVs, the BMW X3 is still the benchmark. By the way, when is Mercedes let you test a GLC (and likewise Audi with the Q5)?

@stevehammes

6 жыл бұрын

Billy Sou Hi, Billy. I’ve done the GLC Coupe but I’m waiting on Q5.

@stevehammes

6 жыл бұрын

GLC Coupe is AMAZING!

@UNOwen-eh8er

6 жыл бұрын

TestDriveNow Reviews by Auto Critic Steve Hammes Because Mercedes cloned an X4?!

0-60 is 6.3 s

Nice interior, but the exhaust sounds terrible.

So..."all" run on what? A 2 liter turbo? The X3 is a "all run on the 2 liter" I could of sworn I've read about a 3 liter 6 cylinder mill as well! In addition, the run flat tires are less than desirable for my driving style so...

@stevehammes

6 жыл бұрын

Edysin Simon Sorry. I was referring to the base models of the entire group.

@edysinsimon8646

6 жыл бұрын

Got ya!

So BMW built a nicer car, but not exactly a nicer BMW. It is an over-used term, but BMW really feels like it sold it soul for sales especially if you don't pony up for those pricey M-sport models.

@jmpayne528

6 жыл бұрын

Totally agreed. The growl seems to be gone. My neighbors have an M3 and M4 and they both sound like hell until they get warmed up. Then only marginally better. Marginally...

@Trades46

6 жыл бұрын

Matthew Payne which is disappointing. The C63 despite going turbo still retained it's angry AMG V8 growl. The Alfa Giulia Quadrofoglio with its 2.9L V6 turbo sounds glorious too. Seems the talented engineers no longer exist at BMW M.

It doesn't have the same plat form as a 7 series what the ... that's wrong very wrong

@stevehammes

6 жыл бұрын

BMW 4 Life The X3 moves to BMW's versatile CLAR architecture, a light-weight modular system that already underpins the 7-series sedan and will be used on several other nameplates.

@aidenp5768

6 жыл бұрын

Good to know thanks

As I understand Samsung Galaxy owners are not target segment for BMW

Love BMWs and love your videos Steve! Great work! Feel free to check out my latest video I uploaded of the 2 series today :D

They didn't produce any major upgrades in the last 5 years . Most BMWs look the same and feel the same

@UNOwen-eh8er

6 жыл бұрын

Ray King Thus their record sales volume. BMW X out of Spartanburg are biggest American exporter.

I’d rather get a 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL Premium 4Motion

@stevehammes

6 жыл бұрын

Not a bad non-luxury option.

@UNOwen-eh8er

6 жыл бұрын

Cody Fletcher Yes, VAG need help with fines, bail & legal fees.

If you follow Steve for years, you can tell if he likes a car or not from the tone of his voice. I can tell he didn't really enjoy it either. BMW has lost its soul, and this vehicle is evident of it. I think it is because BMW doesn't know how to compete against likes of Lexus, Audi, and Benz in this segment. RX350 is best in class when you consider the overall quality, and there is a reason there are over 800,000 RXs on north American roads.

@chonaV

6 жыл бұрын

Amir Forman Asgharzadeh ...And the main reason why the RX is the bestseller is ride comfort, not sportiness. BMW is doing the right thing. Comfort and luxury should be priority on SUV’s, not sportiness.

@UNOwen-eh8er

6 жыл бұрын

A F A How many of those 800,000 are overpriced RAV4s? Current platform is corporate Camry fwd. but uglier. BMW have sold 2X as many X3 & turbo I6 makes it unique in the market. I wouldn't even look @ the Toyota (can't, too painful). Why do you think they went to BMW to bring back Supra?

@chonaV

6 жыл бұрын

U.N. Owen ....That means Rav4 is better than bmw then, hahahahaha. Well, most Rav4’s will outlive most bmw’s anyway. That said, bmw’s are the ones that are overpriced. We have different reasons why we buy a product. Your reason is the brand. Some people don’t care so much about the brand, but their money’s worth.

@UNOwen-eh8er

6 жыл бұрын

Alex B.S. They are VERY different vehicles, I would never compare them. HATE the look of the current Japanese, would totally pay a premium just for X3 drivetrain. Owned a '74 BMW, have always preferred their aesthetic. Early RAV4 was funky. Not now.

@chonaV

6 жыл бұрын

U.N. Owen ... Yes, they’re very different. Lexus focuses more on luxury and comfort, while bmw focuses more on sportiness even on their suv’s. Different approaches, but for an suv, comfortable ride is what more people want. Hence, lexus outsells bmw. They’re in the same price range so they will be compared.

Are you filming on iPhone? Sorry, but bad quality

@stevehammes

6 жыл бұрын

Anton Ch. VHS camcorder

@maddieh1854

6 жыл бұрын

The quality is great.

@maestroadam

6 жыл бұрын

TestDriveNow Reviews by Auto Critic Steve Hammes it's all about that analog hipster quality haha