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2017 BMW X3 Performance Upgrades and How Well is This Luxury SUV?

BMW has been a go-to option for a long time now as one of the most reliable vehicles across the market. The 2017 BMW X3 is also one of the best BMWs giving the very best in comfort, performance, and reliability to the buyers.

In 2017, the BMW X3 received several important upgrades from the older generations, these performance boosts made the X3 a more refined choice in the luxury SUV market as well as intensifying competition with rival models.

Today’s article is all about the performance boost of this Bimmer to help you know what you can expect in the X3 before even buying one.

How Well is the 2017 BMW X3?

A silver 2017 BMW X3 SUV parked in front of a modern house.

2017 BMW X3 is a fun-to-drive compact SUV, with a seating capacity of five, and slotted between the X1 and X5. It is available in 4 trims- sDrive28i, xDrive28d, xDrive28i, and xDrive35i.

With these trims, you can choose between a gas or diesel engine and rear or all-wheel drive. Each trim level of this sports activity vehicle has similar features, such as automatic, 18-inch alloy wheels, and hand-free power liftage.

The leather upholstered seats and spacious interior make this model an exemplary to rely on. The company kept this model fresh with intuitive design and the latest technology integration. 

It was mated to BMW’s brilliant 8-speed automatic transmission providing seamless gear shifts that aided both performance and efficiency meeting the standards that gearheads always look up to before making a purchase. 

New High-Performance Engines

A close look of 2017 BMW x3 Engine

The new high-performance engine put this very popular luxury compact SUV on steroids in terms of performance increase for 2017.

Models, especially the xDrive28i, saw respectable jumps in base horsepower and torque. software calibration via ECU tuning took a much bigger leap in engine output of the X3 xDrive28i, further helping to give this already exciting feeling vehicle even quicker acceleration and improved throttle response.

This upgrade improved the all-round performance of the vehicle and further refined the mid-range torque, which makes it accelerate faster out of corners onto straights.

The refined powertrain offers a more dynamic driving experience, everything remaining at the same time in tune with the comfort and versatility reputation held by the X3 while becoming an even more convincing option when you’re out for the best-used luxury cars.

Improved Reliability

A black BMW x3 parked on a desert road with mountains in the background under a clear blue sky.

Compared to older models, The 2017 BMW x3 improved massively in terms of reliability and is now one of the most reliable BMWs ever produced. X3 offers more powerful engines in the form of a 2.0L turbo, a 3.0L turbo, and a diesel engine.

These all are powerful and more reliable than the X1 engines. The acceleration X3 offers is commendable- making it a better choice for anyone seeking a more dynamic driving experience.

BMW X3 also gives you more cargo space for luggage, bags, equipment, and other items and the seats are more spacious than its predecessors- X1. 

When talking about BMW Maintainance, luxury is always expensive, and so is the X3. Overall, BMW offers a more reliable and improved version of the X1 in the form of a 2017 BMW X3. 

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Driving Experience Control

2017 BMW x3 interior image

The 2017 BMW X3 introduced several stand-out performance upgrades and new features. These include performance control, variable sports steering, noise insulation, driver assistance functions such as active cruise control and lane departure warning, optional panoramic sunroof, and acoustic glazing are also included.

The X3 also comes with an enhanced driving feature: Driving Experience control. It offers three driving modes: Comfort Mode, Eco Pro Mode, and Sport Mode.

Comfort Mode: The comfort mode is a standard mode with different transmission settings.

Eco Pro Mode: The Eco Pro mode of X3 is of enhanced efficiency as it adjusts the acceleration, transmission, and climate control settings according to the conditions. Moreover, it also reduces the fuel consumption by 20 percent. Route-Ahead Assistant and ECO PRO Route features are also part of this mode. 

Sports Mode: The Sports Modes enable more dynamic and powerful driving. This mode sorts the gearshift time in transmission to pick speed and generate more power. The sports mode of X3 ramps up the effectiveness and lets your vehicle drive at its peak. 

M Performance Model

A blue BMW X3 M driving on a road with a rocky landscape in the background.

The M performance model is a continuity of the 2017 X3 Sport model. The M in this model reflects the Motorsport. This model features an impressive front section with a distinctive kidney grille in Cerium Grey and enlarged air inlets to give a thrilling sight. 

It offers a TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder petrol engine with an all-wheel drive feature that produces a maximum of 360hp and 500 Nm torque.

With uncompromising power and sheer acceleration, the M Performance model BMW X3 M40i takes the engine from zero to a hundred position in a mere 4.8 seconds. This engine creates a new driving experience with its direct response. 

This model offers an enhanced braking system, a unique exterior design element, and improved power to take your adrenaline to the next level. 

Chassis and Suspension Upgrades

BMW x3 chassis without the car body, showcasing the front and rear suspension systems, wheels, tires, and a fully assembled engine with exhaust system.
Source: BMW

To counter the X1 complaints about the chassis and suspension, BMW worked on these two areas and designed the 2017 BMW X3 with a wider wheelbase, trackwidth, and suspension to provide more stability and better handling. 

This model comes with an improved chassis, wider track, and reduced lift at the rear lift that was not part of its predecessors. The wheelbase of X3 is 2810mm and a wider track width of 1881mm.

BMW also increased the rigidity between the body and chassis connection. Apart from the responsive suspension system, X1 drivers complained about the suspension noise, uneven wear and tear, and vibrations.

This model comes with adaptive M suspension, four-wheel independent suspension, and front & rear stabilizer bars to avoid the problems that X1 faced. The multi-link rear suspension is part of all the models. 

xDrive All-Wheel Drive

Though the model offers the rear wheel and all-wheel drive features in its X3  line. However, the all-wheel drive gives confidence to the drivers to drive in all weather conditions, from the scorching summer heat to the winter freezing conditions.

BMW X3 xDrive30i and BMW X3 M40i are two variants of the 2017 BMW X3 model with all-wheel drive feature. The all-wheel drive sophistication lies in the model’s ability to distribute the power between the rear and front axles equally.

The xDrive is superior and agile due to its predictive nature. It keeps a check on the wheel speed, throttle input, and steering angle, to react before traction loss.

Changing driving conditions with all-wheel drive features helps the driver to optimize traction and reliability in real-time.

With the proactive approach of this system, the X3 adjusts its wheels intelligently before it counters the wheel slippage leaving behind the traditional all-wheel drive.

Final Words

BMW learned from its past model’s mistakes, found its solutions with a diverse team of engineers,  implemented them, and introduced its more powerful and reliable model in the form of X3 to compete with other compact SUVs in the line.

To boost performance in its X3 line, X3 comes in four trims with powerful engines, improved reliability, more safety features, driving experience control, the choice between rear-wheel or xDrive’s all-drive wheel, and a sumptuous 360hp in its M model. 

BMW understands the task and does precise and improved modifications. 2017 BMW X3 is not an exception as the company keeps updating with the latest designs, lavish interiors, and powerful performance in all its models.