BMW X3 M Package Moose Test Sparks Safety Questions
A recent evaluation by an independent tester focused on the BMW X3 configured with an M package and a ground clearance adjustment system. The test setup also rode on 20-inch wheels with wide tires, measuring 245 millimeters at the front and 275 millimeters at the rear, paired with a turbo diesel engine and all wheel drive. This combination is aimed at delivering high levels of grip, handling, and stability when pushed in demanding driving scenarios. The exercise was designed to push the vehicle’s agility and control in a performance-oriented real-world environment.
Starting at a controlled speed of 77 kilometers per hour, the X3 encountered a cone during a sharp left maneuver. The vehicle showed a bounce and a slide, signaling moments of instability when direction changes were sudden. A tougher challenge followed at 81 kilometers per hour; the car still struck cones at 79 kilometers per hour, underscoring the delicate balance between speed, steering input, and chassis response during a dynamic sequence.
Observers noted that the X3 demonstrated solid handling through the serpentine section, sometimes referred to as a snake. It was suggested that without the vehicle’s mass, a more confident driver might thread the cones more quickly. Yet the measured time of 24.5 seconds remained respectable, especially when compared with a similar performance from a luxury electric sedan tested in the same environment.
- Autonomous driving systems do not inherently make driving safer and can fail on routine drives every few miles.
- A recent update indicates that critical driving insights may now be accessed through messaging channels, including chat applications.
Visual context for the assessment comes from video material that accompanies the test impressions and shows the car’s behavior during the evaluation.