BMW X3 Ground Clearance: What to Know
2018 BMW X3 by Vauxford — CC BY-SA 4.0
When discussing off-road vehicles, BMW’s X3 isn’t the first thing to come to the minds of most people. After all, the X3 is one classy-looking ride and not something you’d see yourself taking on remote trails. However, once you learn more about BMW X3 ground clearance, you might change your opinion of this vehicle.
To help you better understand the capabilities of the X3 and where it stands among the off-road competition, we’re taking a closer look at this high-end SUV.
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BMW X3 Ground Clearance
Ever since BMW introduced its X series of SUVs, drivers who were looking to bring classy vehicles to the off-road world finally had the opportunity to do so. Thanks to the X3’s midsize build and sleek stylistic design, off-roading finally has a new contender that breaks the mold of what an off-road vehicle should look like.
Sophisticated appeal aside, the X3 comes ready to handle terrain of all types. Measuring in at an impressive 8.3 inches high, the BMW X3 ground clearance stands tall among other off-road vehicles.
In fact, the X3 holds its own when put to the test, capable of driving over surfaces that never seemed possible in a BMW. But like other vehicles built with off-roading in mind, there are other factors that need to be considered.
Ground clearance alone won’t cut it when you’re faced with many off-road landscapes. You need the added support of driving modes and other features to help you along the way.
Let’s take a moment to discuss other aspects of the X3 to see just how capable this SUV is when thrust into the off-road life.
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Additional Features
BMW’s X3 comes equipped with xDrive 20d xLine. Being powered by this turbocharged 2.0-liter diesel engine aids the X3 in producing significant torque. What’s more, both the power and torque are transmitted to all four wheels by an automatic 8-speed gearbox and the xDrive all-wheel-drive system.
xDrive in Action
Thanks to BMW’s xDrive, whenever you are driving under normal conditions, this system allows the X3 to enjoy the added benefit of rear-assisted driving. For example, in optimal conditions, xDrive sends 60% of the X3’s drive to the rear axle, while the front receives 40%.
When factored into the BMW X3 ground clearance, you’re getting a versatile SUV that is more than capable of handling rough terrain. In addition to this, the X3 has a multi-plate clutch system that serves to allow the X3 to vary its power between the back and front axles.
If there is ever any wheel slip detected by the ABS and Stability Control, xDrive is there to act swiftly in redistributing power to whichever axle has the most grip. On some occasions, we found the xDrive system to send all of the vehicle’s drive to only one axle.
Quick Thinking
It’s pretty impressive how quickly the X3 is able to perform these calculations and send the necessary drive to the appropriate axle. In just a tenth of a second, you are treated to the best driving conditions possible depending on your circumstances, thus ensuring a safer experience and more control.
But that’s not the only area where the X3 shines. The xDrive system once again surprised us in its ability to detect what kind of terrain you’re on. Once it establishes that, xDrive reacts to enhance your driving experience.
As a result, you can shift your focus to your steering and throttle rather than having to avert your attention to a console or buttons. The xDrive addition takes care of it for you, thus giving you more confidence to enjoy your outdoor excursions.
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Optimal Driving Conditions
The BMW X3 ground clearance is only as good as the vehicle allows. If you’re driving something that is challenging and counterintuitive, the ground clearance will mean little in the grand scheme of things.
Thankfully, the X3 does a commendable job of countering uneven surfaces and rough conditions to bring you a driving experience you can more easily manage. If you’re driving through high water, for example, the X3 immediately switches the torque transfer between its axles to give you better control.
What’s more, you can seamlessly drive the X3 across multiple surface types without any trouble. This only adds the X3’s versatility and appeal.
The included Hill Ascent Control further serves to make the X3 a safe driving experience when you’re on steep inclines. Combined with the 8.3- ground clearance, you needn’t worry about what’s underneath as you scale hillsides and trials.
You might be wondering about coming down those steep slopes. You’ll be pleased to know that the X3 is equipped with the equally helpful Hill Descent Control. When activated, this option serves to keep the SUV more stable throughout its descent.
We found this to also come in quite handy. Along with the high ground clearance, going downhill in the X3 is a relaxing venture rather than a nail-biting experience like other SUVs. You feel safe and secure at all times, and it’s largely thanks to the incredible ground clearance and effective xDrive system.
You can feel the power transferred to the necessary axles to ensure optimal performance and safety. At no time does it feel like you’re going to tip out of control. Even on especially steep landscape, the X3 holds its own remarkably well.
BMW really surprises with the X3. This isn’t the type of off-roading vehicle you would expect to be in, but you’ll be glad you are if you buy one. It’s more than capable of hanging with the competition and is sure to stand out from the crowd.
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A Worthy Contender?
There’s no question that the X3 is able to contend with traditional off-road vehicles. In fact, it’s likely to outclass and outmaneuver a lot of the competition. That’s not to mention the high-end experience offered by the X3. Like other BMWs, this one is a cushy ride that looks sophisticated and attractive inside and out. A truly worthy contender if there ever was one.
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