Is BMW X3 better than XC60?

[Vecais]

This journalist gives the X3 an edge:
http://theage.drive.com.au/new-car-comparison/bmw-x3-v-audi-q5-v-volvo-xc60-v-land-rover-freelander-20110610-1fvwb.html

[Teejay1]

Depends what you are after I guess, I was impressed with the 5 Series but not with the X3 either old or the latest one.

[Alec Dawe]

This journalist gives the X3 an edge:
http://theage.drive.com.au/new-car-comparison/bmw-x3-v-audi-q5-v-volvo-xc60-v-land-rover-freelander-20110610-1fvwb.html

That depends if you want to be able to get out of the car and walk after 300 miles.
With Volvo seats and suspension you can.
With the kidney grille its debatable!

[stu0710]

Not sure about the Beemer, but it looks like the RR Evoque could give the XC60 a run for its money next year. The entry level 2wd 'Pure' is under £28K equipped with leather, 18" wheels and a lower emissions level than even the DRIVe versions. Having seen one parked in the street, I initially thought that they looked small, but from the early brochures, the boot space actually looks bigger than the XC60, probably at the expense of rear legroom thougStill could be a interesting choice!

[Ransman]

I drove an X3 back in the early part of the year and I am pleased to say I prefer the XC60. Things that stick out in my mind were the wind noise at 70mph and what felt like a lack of performance even compared to my D3, despite what the numbers say.

I also think the XC60 looks better than the X3, but I could be biased :-)

[Pat Mustard]

The choice of waiting until this September or next April was a factor in my choosing the XC60 over the X3. Though the more I see of the XC60 and the more I hear about it, I'm convinced I made the right decision anyway.

[Ransman]

The choice of waiting until this September or next April was a factor in my choosing the XC60 over the X3. Though the more I see of the XC60 and the more I hear about it, I'm convinced I made the right decision anyway.

The X3 has run-flat tyres and no spare wheel, which is why the boot is "biggest in class". For me, I prefer to have a spare, even if it is a spacesaver. The boot is also very different in dimensions to the XC60, i.e. not as deep, which was certainly a factor for me.

Then when you look at costs, there were no discounts to be had on the X3 (well that was their opening position anyway) and you can negotiate some good deals with the XC. Allied to proven low depreciation, the cost of ownership of the Volvo is extremely good for a car in this class.

You will not regret your decision - it's a brilliant car. What model did you go for?

[Matteus XC60]

Personally I want to drive something that looks attractive, and not been beaten to within an inch of its life with the ugly stick. So it's the XC60 for me. The X3 is one of the ugliest cars ever made in my opinion (even the new one, which is I admit slightly better than the previous version).

[scotgc]

Personally I want to drive something that looks attractive, and not been beaten to within an inch of its life with the ugly stick. So it's the XC60 for me. The X3 is one of the ugliest cars ever made in my opinion (even the new one, which is I admit slightly better than the previous version).

Think the X1 pip's it there, it looks truly horrendous!

[Pat Mustard]

The X3 has run-flat tyres and no spare wheel, which is why the boot is "biggest in class". For me, I prefer to have a spare, even if it is a spacesaver. The boot is also very different in dimensions to the XC60, i.e. not as deep, which was certainly a factor for me.

Then when you look at costs, there were no discounts to be had on the X3 (well that was their opening position anyway) and you can negotiate some good deals with the XC. Allied to proven low depreciation, the cost of ownership of the Volvo is extremely good for a car in this class.

You will not regret your decision - it's a brilliant car. What model did you go for?


D5 R-Design in Savile Grey. Very much looking forward to September!

[Ransman]

D5 R-Design in Savile Grey. Very much looking forward to September!

Good choice of colour :-)

[darbs]

the x3 is, dare i say it, a BMW. i just couldn't do it, sorry. no matter that some people think beemer drivers reputation has improved recently... that rep has still got a long way to go in my mind.

[t5_monkey]

If you're a total bell end who is in love with yourself - the BMW would be the natural choice.

[Teejay1]

Personally I want to drive something that looks attractive, and not been beaten to within an inch of its life with the ugly stick. So it's the XC60 for me. The X3 is one of the ugliest cars ever made in my opinion (even the new one, which is I admit slightly better than the previous version).

Think the X1 pip's it there, it looks truly horrendous!


I think you're both wrong the X6 is one of the most ridiculous looking monstrosities I've ever seen closely followed by the Q7. ;-)

[Vecais]

I think you're both wrong the X6 is one of the most ridiculous looking monstrosities I've ever seen closely followed by the Q7. ;-)

Totally agree. The Q5 is in the same boat in my view. Reminds me of the Hudson Terraplane pre 1940. (I had one for a brief period in the 1960's)

Did you notice that in the X3 you get imitation leather in the base model. In Oz the base model XC60 has real leather.

[Brian_V40]

I think you're both wrong the X6 is one of the most ridiculous looking monstrosities I've ever seen closely followed by the Q7. ;-)

Anything that BMW place an 'X' in front of, and anything Audi stick a 'Q' in front of have been comprehensively beaten with the ugly stick, and as for the Mercedes ML / GL / R class............... Give me an XC anytime!

[scotgc]

I do quite like the X5 mind you. :hidesbehindsofa:

[Teejay1]

I do quite like the X5 mind you. :hidesbehindsofa:

Yeah I do too

[Matteus XC60]

Think the X1 pip's it there, it looks truly horrendous!

You make a good point. What are the boys in bavaria up to?? That said, I also quite like the X5. Also, looks aside, when it comes to making engines, they're probably still above average IMHO. Cue abuse from the masses.....:)

[Matteus XC60]

the x3 is, dare i say it, a BMW. i just couldn't do it, sorry. no matter that some people think beemer drivers reputation has improved recently... that rep has still got a long way to go in my mind.

Of course a lot of people say the same thing about Volvos eg bastion of white, middle class, boring old men. Obviously, as a white middle class boring old man who owns a Volvo I couldn't disagree more.....;)

[MikeAP]

When I was tramping around the dealers late last year in search of what to replace my CR-V I looked at quite a few 'city off-roaders' and the X3 was one of the one's.
However:-
I didn't like their arrogant and condescending attitude when I told them I was driving a Honda CR-V (and it is the Ex with the full safety pack).
But more importantly I then realized I did not need to extend the size of my manhood.

[Lever]

I testdrived all of them: BMW X3, BMW 520d, MB 200e and MB 220e, Audi A6, Volvo V70/xc60, Toyota Avensis. Toyota only because I'm driving it now.

I have to say, our family went for Volvo. We argued between V70 and XC60, but ended up with XC60.

We ordered XC60 with almost all of the options. Now waiting
for delivery

[Lever]

That is a D5 AWD.

[darbs]

Of course a lot of people say the same thing about Volvos eg bastion of white, middle class, boring old men. Obviously, as a white middle class boring old man who owns a Volvo I couldn't disagree more.....;)

you're not boring Matteus. just sporadic... unfortunately! and i remember you're a beemer driver too. one who's helping change that image! ;)

[Mrjon]

Hey Matteus, were you travelling Eastbound on the A272 around midday on Saturday by any chance?

[Teejay1]

You make a good point. What are the boys in bavaria up to?? That said, I also quite like the X5. Also, looks aside, when it comes to making engines, they're probably still above average IMHO. Cue abuse from the masses.....:)

Agreed they do get good figures from their engines.

[t5_monkey]

Agreed they do get good figures from their engines.

Maybe but that's like saying you'd rather have a Messerschmitt Bf 109 instead of a Spitfire cause it had fuel injection!

[scotgc]

Maybe but that's like saying you'd rather have a Messerschmitt Bf 109 instead of a Spitfire cause it had fuel injection!

The Spitfire apparently used to have an interesting flat spot when engaged in dog fights which the ME109 did not have, due to it having fuel injection! Think I would be quite happy to have a nice smooth straight six diesel beemer engine in my XC60. That being said the engine and gearbox would be the only thing I would swop.

[r-designbob]

Maybe but that's like saying you'd rather have a Messerschmitt Bf 109 instead of a Spitfire cause it had fuel injection!

I wouldn't bother if the Spitfire had a Skoda engine, It's still the most beautiful aeroplane ever made. :)

[Mrjon]

BMW have just developed one of their lovely straight 6s , and shrunk it down 56cm,103kg, and put it a motorbike , I've got one, and its fantastic, 1600cc 160hp, but more importantly 175nm of torque and 70% of that available from just 1500 rpm.

[scotgc]

BMW have just developed one of their lovely straight 6s , and shrunk it down 56cm,103kg, and put it a motorbike , I've got one, and its fantastic, 1600cc 160hp, but more importantly 175nm of torque and 70% of that available from just 1500 rpm.

Having owned a beemer straight six before I would certainly swop the D5 for a 3 litre diesel six coupled with the silky smooth gearbox. That being said, I would'nt change anything else.

[t5_monkey]

The Spitfire apparently used to have an interesting flat spot when engaged in dog fights which the ME109 did not have, due to it having fuel injection! Think I would be quite happy to have a nice smooth straight six diesel beemer engine in my XC60. That being said the engine and gearbox would be the only thing I would swop.

It would also cut out under negative G due to having Carbs, but had more power due to running them (injection was a bit crude back then)

[Philpottig]

Indded, until solved by a very clever lady - look up Miss Shillings orifice and that's not meant to be as rude as it sounds!

[darbs]

wow, thx for that chaps. good to know there were female engineers making a difference even back then. bit of a disrespectful name though, considering what she did. perhaps they should rename it! although, i guess it's better than the alternative, miss shilling's diaphragm!

[scotgc]

It would also cut out under negative G due to having Carbs, but had more power due to running them (injection was a bit crude back then)

The Merlin Engine did make a fantastic distinctive sound, the jet engine is rather boring compared to it, they all sound the same.

[t5_monkey]

The Merlin Engine did make a fantastic distinctive sound, the jet engine is rather boring compared to it, they all sound the same.

My Grandad helped develop the Merlin Engine in Derby - he signed off on the power output for every engine coming out of the plant.

[Vecais]

Indded, until solved by a very clever lady - look up Miss Shillings orifice and that's not meant to be as rude as it sounds!

Thanks for this interesting historical nugget.

A rather unique use of the Merlin engine contributed to the prosperity of Dubai in the 1960s to 1970s, before the oil wealth kicked in. Dubai was a free port with no duty and brave entrepreneurs smuggled gold to India by boat, where there were steep taxes on gold and a huge market for wedding dowries and the like, consequently a good market for duty-free gold.

The gold smugglers souped up their local dhow sailing vessels with twin Merlin engines. If an Indian patrol boat came too close they could easily open up and outrun it.

[Matteus XC60]

you're not boring Matteus. just sporadic... unfortunately! and i remember you're a beemer driver too. one who's helping change that image! ;)

Good memory Darb!! Sporadic, yes, I'm afraid so. Having been a regular poster just before and after car purchase, my contributions sadly lacking in recent months. Shame on me! Regarding Beemer, I have the 3 litre twin turbo 300hp engine in a 1 series coupe. It is an incredible engine with max torque from 1200 revs up to 5500. Like Scottgc above, the engine is possibly the one thing about the beemer that's better than the Volvo.:thumbs_up: (well perhaps handling at speed as well.......)

[Matteus XC60]

Hey Matteus, were you travelling Eastbound on the A272 around midday on Saturday by any chance?

Not me on that day Mrjon, though I do use that road from time to time.

[Philpottig]

[QUOTE=Vecais;929726]Thanks for this interesting historical nugget.

A rather unique use of the Merlin engine contributed to the prosperity of Dubai in the 1960s to 1970s, before the oil wealth kicked in. Dubai was a free port with no duty and brave entrepreneurs smuggled gold to India by boat, where there were steep taxes on gold and a huge market for wedding dowries and the like, consequently a good market for duty-free gold.

The gold smugglers souped up their local dhow sailing vessels with twin Merlin engines. If an Indian patrol boat came too close they could easily open up and outrun it.[/

Who remembers the beast? Stuff of legend when I was a schoolboy

www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHp58Ss5GvM

[Philpottig]

The Merlin Engine did make a fantastic distinctive sound, the jet engine is rather boring compared to it, they all sound the same.

Four Merlins on a Lanc are even better, superb sounding engine just sounds right....

[Vecais]

Who remembers the beast? Stuff of legend when I was a schoolboy

www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHp58Ss5GvM

Thanks for this. A great trip down memory lane and a brilliant example of one man's eccentricity, stuff the consequences.

Engineering students at the University of Adelaide had the opportunity to inspect a Merlin engine and a planetary gearbox purportedly from a WW2 aeroplane. We were amazed at the compact design and precision achieved by the 1930's designers and builders.