BMW X3 VS Nissan Patrol
BMW X3
Likes
- Polished drive experience
- Iconic BMW look and feel
- Standard equipment level
Dislikes
- Low EV-only range
- Slow charging
- More expensive than rivals
Nissan Patrol
Likes
- Big V8
- Very comfortable on-road
- Very capable off-road
Dislikes
- Price jump
- Bit thirsty
- No ANCAP safety rating
Summary
BMW X3
BMW was once a brand most known for its range of sporty sedans and coupes. In the last 15 years, though, things have literally changed the face of the Bavarian juggernaut.
If its X3 SUV range is anything to go by, things are set to change a lot more before the brand has settled into its new comfort zone of electrified SUVs.
You see, unlike most of its rivals, the X3 is now offered in petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid, and as the fully-electric iX3. This allows BMW to hedge its bets over various drivetrains, but it’s also one of the first automakers to have such a comprehensive offering for a single model.
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For this review we’re looking at the xDrive30e plug-in hybrid model to find out if BMW’s PHEV offering has what it takes to win some premium dollars from the likes of Volvo, Mercedes, and Lexus, all of which have added hybrid rivals with plugs in this space in recent years.
| Safety rating | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 2.0L turbo |
| Fuel Type | Hybrid with Premium Unleaded |
| Fuel Efficiency | 3.2L/100km |
| Seating | 5 seats |
Nissan Patrol
The Nissan Patrol has copped flak in recent years because it hasn’t kept pace with its rivals in terms of modernity, specifically its in-cabin look, design and multimedia systems.
The new Y63 Nissan Patrol is due to go on sale in Australia before the end of 2025, but in the meantime, Nissan has upgraded the current-generation Patrol in an attempt to address those issues.
The Patrol range now has, among other things, an upgraded multimedia system with a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen, a 15W wireless smartphone charge pocket, Hema off-road mapping and it finally has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Read more about
- How this car brand has turned itself around: Nissan bounces back on the resurgence of X-Trail e-Power hybrid as an alternative to the Kia Sportage and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
- How long will this electric car pioneer be without an EV? No more Nissan Leaf production and Ariya hold-up may see Japanese brand without a rival for Tesla Model Y or MG4 in Australia for a while
- Why the Nissan Patrol Warrior didn't become a $200,000 V8 supercharged off-road weapon and instead focused on value to challenge the LandCruiser 300 Series GR Sport
There was a lot to like about the Patrol before this upgrade. Depending on the variant, you get seven or eight seats, a stack of standard features and this 4WD is a proven touring and towing platform. But has this latest range refresh given the Patrol even more appeal?
Read on.
| Safety rating | — |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 5.6L |
| Fuel Type | — |
| Fuel Efficiency | 14.4L/100km |
| Seating | 7 seats |
Verdict
BMW X38/10
The X3 xDrive30e is a sporty SUV with fantastic ride quality and slick driving characteristics, although its specs seem a bit behind on the electrified front despite it being the most expensive PHEV of its peers.
This leaves it with an odd split personality of being particularly limited to tight city driving to make the most of its EV features, while its engaging nature beckons more to the open road than some of its rivals. A jack of two worlds perhaps, but a master of neither.
Nissan Patrol7.6/10
The Nissan Patrol is nice to drive on-road for a big 4WD wagon – it’s refined, it’s comfortable – and it’s a very capable 4WD.
This is a proven touring and towing platform – and the upgraded multimedia system brings the Patrol up to date and adds a much-needed tech boost to the package.
There’s a lot to like about the V8 and though the Patrol’s interior still feels old, if you can’t wait for the next-gen Patrol this upgraded version might be just right for you.
At this price, though, the Premcar-enhanced Warrior is the better bet.
Design
BMW X3
The X3 is iconic BMW, having come to be the face of the brand for many buyers, the mid-size SUV exemplifies the Bavarian marque’s ‘kidney grille’, sharp and tall lines, and strongly defined body.
It’s part dainty luxury car and part buff Germanic tourer in equal measure. Suffice it to say fans of the brand will love it, but it’s not going to make converts of anyone else.
Newer design elements which adorn the X3’s body include the striking tail-light design, and little plastic fills below which combine with its contrast bumper and dual-exhaust ports to make for a sporty looking SUV.
The wheels look enormous and add enough chrome to the picture to keep it looking sleek, while subtle badgework has always been a hallmark of a good BMW.
BMWs have always had a relatively minimalist take on the interior design, and overall this is a space in which progress has been made at a glacial pace throughout the brand’s history, wild 7 Series limos being the exception to the rule.
This means the X3 gets the iconic centre-panel, ever so slightly oriented to the driver which houses the two centre air vents and climate control buttons, and a small panel below which houses the volume knob and shortcuts for the radio.
The digital revolution has very much come to the interior of this SUV though, as the top of the dash is adorned with a single enormous panel, and a second one set in the instrument binnacle in a classic fashion. It will all be quite familiar, even if you’ve skipped a BMW generation or two.
The wheel is a key touchpoint, clad in a lovely soft padded leather but with a chunky three-spoke design and massive notches at 10 and two for you to rest your hands on.
I don’t like this wheel in the brand’s more dainty sports cars like the Z4 where it feels too big, but it definitely feels at home in the X3.
Quality materials with plenty of soft-touch plastics and leather trims extend their way into the door, while the software is appealing in its design and fast to respond; clearly backed by strong hardware.
A final thing worth noting is the X3 has one of the more dated interiors in the BMW range. While it has been augmented with digital upgrades over the years, it doesn’t feel as contemporary as the incoming range of cars with the next-gen design elements. Take a look at the iX’s spectacular interior for what you’re missing out on.
Nissan Patrol
The Nissan Patrol is 5175mm long (with a 3075mm wheelbase), 1995mm wide, 1955mm high and it has a kerb weight of 2861kg.
This bulky wagon takes up plenty of real estate and looks as impressive as you’d imagine rolling thunder to look on the road.
Though the range upgrades have mostly been limited to the multimedia system, that’s fine because – until the new Patrol arrives – the current Patrol has more than enough presence at rest and on the move to catch the eye, and not simply because of its sheer bulk.
Whereas the 300 Series has become a bit softer around the edges and, gulp, more contemporary, this generation Patrol at least retains some of the heavy-shouldered stature of 4WDs past.
Its interior, though slightly different to that of pre-upgrade versions, remains comfortably familiar, and I like it.
But even with new the tech offerings and the introduction of a few concessions to our charge-hungry generation, the Patrol’s cabin still feels old. I don’t mind it, but I’m sure there are some people who reckon the next generation can’t arrive soon enough.
Practicality
BMW X3
The X3 is reasonably large on the inside, with a commanding road view and healthy space for an adult in both front seats. The tall roofline leaves plenty of room for someone my 182cm height, while leather-clad soft-touch finishes are present for your elbows and knees.
There’s a large bottle holder and thin bin in each of the front doors, and a wide centre console with a further two bottle holders with adjustable ridges and a large storage bay suitable for a phone below the climate cluster.
This area also houses a USB port and a little shaped notch for you to place the key, and the whole area can be covered over with a retracting lid.
Like all BMWs there are well hidden shortcut buttons for many of the functions which integrate into the design, and there’s a multimedia screen function for most functions, too, controlled through the centre dial system, or via touch.
It’s nice to have both, unlike some Mazdas which use a similar control system, but force you to rely on the dial.
The second row looks a bit flat from a distance, but you do sink into the leather-clad seats nicely, and unlike some rivals in this category, the second row is fixed and not on rails.
Room for a 182cm tall adult is decent, with a little more than adequate knee room and excellent headroom.
The leather trims continue, and true to the sense of being a premium brand the intruding piece of wheelarch is also clad in padded leather. No touching plastic in here.
A single bottle holder appears in each of the rear doors, with a further two in the drop-down armrest, and there’s a netted pocket on the back of each of the front seats.
Rear passengers get their own climate zone with an independent control panel as well as a 12V outlet and two USB-C ports.
Luggage capacity in the boot is rated at 450-litres (VDA), significantly down on the combustion versions of this car. Note in the pictures the stepped boot floor, which is adorned with a chrome trim piece for some reason, as though the car is always reminding you of the lost room.
Still, the squared-off space managed to fit our three-piece CarsGuide luggage set with relative ease and room to spare. There is a thin and narrow slot under the boot floor which serves as a location to place your charging cables.
Nissan Patrol
The Patrol cabin is plush and comfortable, a nice blend of premium and practical.
Up front, it’s a well-appointed space – leather everywhere, as well as soft-touch, padded and durable surfaces – and the fit and finish is impressive.
You get a 10.1-inch touchscreen multimedia system (with wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), digital radio, steering-wheel-mounted everything and the front seats are power-adjustable (10-way for the driver, eight-way for the passenger).
There are plenty of storage spaces up front – including a deep centre console that can be used as a cooler box, little nooks for your wallet/keys/etc, as well as pop-out cupholders and door pockets. As well as enough USB points (USB-C, USB-A and a wireless charge pocket) to keep your devices powered up.
There are four 12V outlets (front, centre console, second row and rear luggage area).
The second row is very comfortable; when I sat behind my driving position I had head, shoulders and leg room. The second-row seats are a 60/40 split-fold configuration, with manual recline and fold function and a fold-down centre armrest.
For baby capsules or child seats, the two outer seats in the second row include a top tether point and ISOFIX anchors.
There are cupholders in the fold-down armrest as well as controls for the air con and two USB ports on the back of the centre console.
The third row is a 60/40 split-fold configuration with manual recline and fold function. There is one top tether anchorage point.
In terms of third-row seating comfort, it’s okay. There’s room enough for a Hobbit like myself, but the seats are flat and unsupportive.
All three rows get air con – there are roof-mounted vents – and there are a few handy storage spaces in the third row, but no cupholders.
With the third-row seats in use boot space is listed as 467L. With the third row stowed away, there’s a claimed 1413L of cargo space. With the second and third rows stowed, there’s a claimed 2623L, which is plenty.
Price and features
BMW X3
This plug-in version of the X3 sits near the top of the X3 range, eclipsed only by the M40i performance variant and the fully-electric iX3. This means a starting price of $104,900, which initially doesn’t bode too well for the BMW given its rivals can be had at a lower price.
The similarly-specified Mercedes-Benz GLC 300e starts from $95,700, the Volvo XC60 Recharge starts from $97,990, and the impressively-specified newcomer on the block, the Lexus NX450h+ is the best value of the lot at just $89,900.
You’ll note all of those plug-in models are of the higher specification in their respective ranges, with each manufacturer clearly trying to draw buyers into this tough-to-understand tech by compensating the curious with gear which would otherwise be optional on a pure combustion car.
There are technical elements which play into the value of each when it comes to the PHEV drivetrain which we’ll look at later in this review (it’s particularly important when it comes to how you use and park your car) but we can at least say the X3 xDrive30e comes with a healthy amount of equipment.
Most of this matches the xDrive 30d below it, including large 20-inch alloy wheels, a set of M sport trims, brakes, and adaptive suspension, 'Vernasca’ leather interior trim, adaptive LED headlights and LED tail-lights, ambient interior lighting, a 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and built-in navigation, a second 12.3-inch screen for the ‘Live Cockpit’ digital instrument cluster, tri-zone climate control, a head-up display, electrical adjust for the driver and front passenger seats, a 12-speaker sound system, and the functionality for over-the-air updates.
The specific inclusions for the xDrive30e include free optional paint colours, a panoramic sunroof, lumbar support in the driver’s seat, front seat heating, wall socket to Type 2 and Type 2 to Type 2 public charging cables, and specific i-branded interior elements.
Normally the sunroof and premium paint are part of a $5400 option pack, while the heated seats, steering wheel, and lumbar support seats are normally a $1200 option, meaning the PHEV variant only leaves you $3400 and a set of ‘Laserlight’ LED headlights worse-off than if you were to apply the same options to the xDrive30d.
Not bad considering it also packs a 12kWh Lithium battery under the boot floor, and a secondary electric motor integrated into its transmission. More on this later.
Nissan Patrol
The Ti-L has a manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) of $101,600, excluding on-road costs.
One of its chief rivals, the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series Sahara, has a price-tag of approx. $138,191, before on-road costs, so right there is a saving of almost $40,000.
The new price-tag means buyers are forking out $3000 more for the new gear over a standard non-upgraded Patrol.
Standard features now include the new 10.1-inch touchscreen multimedia system (with wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), digital radio, built-in navigation, a 15W wireless smartphone charge slot, as well as three-zone climate-control, front and rear parking sensors and a power-operated tailgate.
It also has 10-way driver seat with power slide/recline/height/tilt/lumbar adjustment, driver’s seat memory (with two settings, including side mirrors and steering column), eight-way front passenger seat (with power slide/recline/height adjustment) and heated/cooled front seats.
Again, compared with Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series Sahara, the Patrol offers just as much onboard gear for considerably less money.
Exterior paint choices on the Ti-L include the no-extra-cost 'Gun Metallic' or premium paint jobs: 'Brilliant Silver', 'Black Obsidian', 'Champagne Quartz', 'Hermosa Blue' and 'Moonstone White'.
Under the bonnet
BMW X3
The PHEV version of the X3 pairs the brand’s usual 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with a relatively powerful electric motor integrated into its eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
On its own, the engine produces 135kW/300Nm, while the electric motor is capable of punching out 80kW/265Nm. When working together, the EV components can provide a further electrified boost, for a total of 215kW/420Nm, allowing for a 0-100km/h sprint time of 6.1 seconds. This makes the 30e only slower than the M40i and 30d variants in the rest of the X3 range.
The xDrive30e is capable of travelling up to 135km/h under electric power alone, with a surprisingly small 12kWh battery delivering around 41km of pure EV range.
As the electric motor is mounted in the transmission it is capable of driving all four wheels via the brand’s 'xDrive' system with torque vectoring.
Somewhat amusingly, the German documentation for the X3 includes a section for “off road characteristics” (I suppose it is an SUV after all…) and for those interested the xDrive30e can ford at up to 500mm depth, has an approach angle of 25.6 degrees, a departure angle of 22.8 degrees, a breakover angle of 20.0 degrees and a ground clearance of 204mm. Enjoy the trails.
Nissan Patrol
The Patrol has a 5.6-litre V8 petrol engine – producing 298kW at 5800rpm and 560Nm at 4000rpm – a seven-speed automatic transmission and it has seven seats. (The only other standard Patrol variant, the Ti, has eight seats.)
This is a solid combination, but it lacks a dynamic edge, which is fine with me because it yields a driving experience that’s equal parts relaxed, assured and undemanding.
The big petrol V8 is great. There’s so much grunt on tap, making for a lively on-road drive, and all the while the rumble of that engine, especially under right-foot pressure, provides a welcome soundtrack to your day.
The Patrol has full-time four-wheel drive with high- and low-range.
Efficiency
BMW X3
Here’s the tricky bit. The X3 xDrive30e has an official combined fuel consumption of just 3.2L/100km, but this will depend heavily on how you drive it.
You see, the BMW hybrid system is very keen to drive under electric power alone, even in the so-called ‘hybrid’ driving mode. This will mean you will extinguish the battery’s 41km driving range (or 35km according to our test vehicle on a full charge) quite quickly, whether you like it or not.
Plus, the charging capability is a bit slow. At 3.7kW, the PHEV X3 charges its 12kWh battery up in 2.6 hours on a faster public outlet or garage wall box, or around five hours on a wall socket.
To put it in perspective, the Lexus NX 450h+ showed me nearly double the amount of electric driving range on a single charge (65km as-tested) and was capable of charging up at a rate of 7.2kW, meaning a two hour flat charge for twice the range on a public outlet.
The summary boils down to: If you charge up at home, this won’t be as much of a problem, if you need to rely on public charging, it could make a difference to the PHEV you pick.
You can prolong the life of the battery using the ‘battery level’ mode which lets you set a target for battery life and have the car switch to primarily combustion at that point.
This can come in handy if you have a lot of open-road driving, and want to conserve the battery for driving around town where it is most efficient.
On my week with the car I saw an impressive consumption figure of 2.2L/100km according to the trip computer, under the official number, while my energy consumption came in at 20.7kWh/100km against a claim of 16.4kWh/100km. I did make sure to charge the car up at every opportunity, however.
Like all BMWs the X3 xDrive30e requires mid-shelf 95RON unleaded fuel, and has a 50L fuel tank despite the addition of its high-voltage battery.
Nissan Patrol
The Nissan Patrol has an official fuel consumption of 14.4L/100km (on a combined, urban/extra-urban cycle).
I recorded 20.9L/100km on this test. I did a lot of high- and low-range 4WDing – but the Patrol was never working hard.
The Patrol has a 140L fuel tank so and going by my on-test fuel-consumption figure you could reasonably expect a driving range of about 670km from a full tank.
Driving
BMW X3
One of the things I came to love most about this version of the X3 is how seamless the hybrid system is, and how unusually quiet and comfortable this car proved to be.
Sure, it’s a luxury mid-size SUV, but I came away particularly impressed with how the adaptive suspension tune pairs so nicely with the electrified acceleration to make for a sleek driving experience.
Despite its dimensions, the xDrive30e feels light and springy over bumps, filtering out the worst of the road while keeping a good level of control at the wheels.
The stock steering tune in the car’s standard ‘hybrid’ driving mode is nice and light, too, making this mid-sizer feel smaller than it really is to pilot, and you don’t feel the extra weight of the battery pack at all.
The combustion engine is so quiet it is at times difficult to tell when it enters the mix, aside from the fuel consumption meter on the dash suddenly coming to life.
It too is a smooth unit, providing partially electrically-assisted acceleration in most modes which makes it hard to tell when the transmission changes cogs. It’s as though you get the best of both worlds this way.
The car is a bit too keen to rely on its electric driving, and, as mentioned earlier, this will mean it drains its battery relatively quickly unless you take extreme measures like the battery saver mode.
The result is a car which is far better suited to shorter city-based journeys than long tours through the country. At least the turbocharged engine and BMW driving dynamics are left intact should your battery run dry.
The regen braking is mild (able to recoup a max of 20kW at any given moment), although the indicators on the dash are neat for letting you know the limit of your electric acceleration and how far you’ve travelled without using the combustion engine.
On my week with the car I managed over half the distance with the engine completely off. Think of the fuel savings.
Elsewhere the X3 offers great visibility thanks to a boxy shape with big windows, and solid electric acceleration, with decent handling, too. I’d say it feels sportier than the Lexus NX or Merc GLC equivalents, with the ride a bit more forgiving than that of the Volvo XC60 Recharge.
As an EV then the xDrive30e is notably limited, but as an SUV which threads the needle of being both engaging and comfortable, it’s possibly the best of the current premium mid-size SUV PHEV pack.
Nissan Patrol
The Patrol is a tried and tested 4WD, but it’s also an impressive open-road tourer.
The auto is a smooth shifter and when you give the throttle firm and steady right-foot pressure the Patrol rumbles up to speed with an almost-lazy efficacy.
Ride and handling are nicely controlled and composed, on sealed surfaces and that’s carried over onto dirt – which I’ll get to soon.
Its upright cabin stands tall, affording the driver ample visibility, and the Patrol’s expansive bonnet only impacts driver visibility when you head off-road – but more about that later.
The Patrol is refined and comfortable and yields a relaxed driving experience.
It has independent suspension – double wishbones and coil springs at every corner – as well as the Nissan’s 'Hydraulic Body Motion Control' system, a network of hydraulic cylinders cross-linked between wheels, which works like a swaybar/swaybar disconnect.
This system automatically alters tension to suit the terrain (tightens on-road to keep the Patrol more controlled on firmer surfaces, such as blacktop; loosens off-road allowing for more flex in the suspension when you’re 4WDing).
Let’s not forget the V8. There's nothing like that growl as a backing track to whatever trip you’re doing and you've always got that throaty engine note as your own personal theme music. Just to put a bit of pep in your step.
It really is a beast of a thing and it is fun to drive. You might pay the price with fuel bills if you enjoy tapping that accelerator with gusto, but, geez, it's worth it.
However, it’s when you get properly engaged in low-speed, low-range 4WDing that the Patrol is truly at home.
There’s no getting past the fact this Nissan wagon is a great touring platform and it’s also an impressive tow vehicle. There's no disputing those things, but it is a big vehicle and while it doesn’t feel as nimble as some other large SUV wagons, at least initially, it quickly becomes easier to drive the more time you spend in it.
It does take a little bit of getting used to if you haven't driven a Patrol before, but I have, many times, so it's quite comfortable and familiar to me.
Steering has a nice feel and weight to it when you’re doing low-range four-wheel driving – and it’s when low-speed, low-range four-wheel driving is when you really need precision and the ability to laser-focus your driving lines.
Throttle response is not touchy over bumps and sharp as long as you’re enthusiastic with it, and the auto transmission is just as cluey off-road as on. However, it can get caught out up hills, holding higher gears for too long, but otherwise it's okay.
There's an overall feeling of control to the Patrol. And again, while it is a large 4WD, it’s easy to drive well and to take on quite hardcore four-wheel driving terrain.
Drive with some consideration of its sheer physical dimensions and you’ll be fine. It’s comfortable and very capable; the result of a combination of traditional-style 4WD mechanicals, plenty of low-down torque and quietly effective driver-assist tech.
The Patrol Ti-L has selectable drive modes for off-road conditions and they include 'Snow', 'Sand' and 'Rock' and they tweak the traction control system, engine response and throttle with the aim of getting the Patrol to perform optimally on the chosen surface.
It has full-time 4WD with high- and low-range and, while it doesn't have the low-down torque of something like the 300 Series, it has plenty of grunt when it counts. There’s ample torque for smooth-momentum 4WDing and the big petrol V8 keeps things ticking along without any stress.
Beyond the very effective off-road traction control system and the great low- and mid-range torque, you also have a rear diff lock. So if things get that difficult, you can always engage it.
The Patrol has plenty of wheel travel, helped somewhat by its aforementioned swaybar-disconnect system, and that articulation helps it stretch a tyre to the dirt for all-important traction.
Off-road driver-assist tech (hill descent control, hill start assist etc) is non-intrusive and effective.
But it’s not all the best of news onboard the Patrol.
It feels quite low when you’re driving it over challenging terrain. Ground clearance is 273mm (compared to the 300 Series' 235mm) and approach, departure and rampover angles (28, 26.3, and 24.4 degrees) are par for the course for a large 4WD wagon with a wheelbase this lengthy.
But, while those measurements check out, that feeling of the Patrol being vulnerable to underbelly scrapes and knocks lingers.
Wading depth is listed as 700mm and, while I didn’t get the chance this time to test that limit (the usual mudholes were dry), I’ve driven through plenty of mudholes in this generation Patrol in the past.
As mentioned, the Patrol has an upright cabin, which offers plenty of visibility, but the expansive bonnet impacts the driver’s vision at the front, especially when driving over, for example, a steep crest into a dry creek bed.
As always, when faced with such a situation it’s best to get out of the vehicle and take a look.
The Patrol’s tyres – Bridgestone Dueler 693II all-terrains (265/70R18) – are perfectly reasonable on-road, but aren't well-suited to hardcore 4WDing.
As always with less-than-ideal off-roading rubber, if you're going to ask more of your Patrol than the occasional gentle drive along well-formed dirt tracks in dry weather, it's a good idea to replace the standard tyres with a decent set of aggressive all-terrain tyres.
I've tow-tested with many Patrol variants over the years, so it’s worthwhile noting the towing capacities which are 750kg (unbraked) and 3500kg (braked), so standard for this size of 4WD.
Safety
BMW X3
The X3 range has a healthy list of standard active safety equipment, with items like freeway-speed auto emergency braking, rear auto emergency braking, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and adaptive cruise control.
It also has a speed limit assist function and a rather cool parking suite which gives you a 3D surround picture of the car capable of adjusting to particular angles when objects get close.
The X3 has the standard array of dual front, dual side, and dual head curtain airbags, as well as seatbelt pre-tensioners. There are dual ISOFIX points on the outboard rear seats, or three top-tether mounts across the rear row.
The base X3 offerings have a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating to the 2017 standard, although this plug-in hybrid variant was not available at the time.
Nissan Patrol
The Nissan Patrol does not have an ANCAP safety rating because it has not been tested.
Safety gear includes AEB, a reversing camera, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring and more.
As standard it has dual front airbags, front-side and curtain airbags that cover all three rows, as well as two ISOFIX points and two top tether points in the second row for baby capsules/child seats.
Ownership
BMW X3
BMW languishes with just three-years of warranty coverage. The brand along with its Mini subsidiary has become a notable laggard in the space now, its last remaining Audi rival has moved on to match the five-year and unlimited kilometre promise of its VW parent.
Servicing on BMW models is ‘condition dependent’ meaning the car’s computer will keep track of when servicing needs to happen based on how the car is driven and other factors.
A five-year ‘basic’ service pack is available inside the first 12 months of purchase and covers visits inside this period or 80,000km whichever occurs first. It costs $2010, or $402 a year.
Nissan Patrol
The Nissan Patrol has a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, and comes with five years of roadside assistance. At a time when warranties are stretching to 10 years, five years is a let-down.
Servicing is scheduled at 12 month/10,000km intervals, and capped price service rates apply, averaging about $600 a year over the full warranty term – but check with your dealership for up-to-date servicing costs.