[graaja]

Originally Posted by Sail

Only one exception....

X3 30i is having Sport Automatic Transmission, but 20d is having only automatic transmission.

Brdgs,
Sail

Thanks for the correction. I missed that one.

From various forums and articles online (I had read these during the selection of my 330iGT), Sports Automatic has more aggressive and faster gear shifts compared to the Steptronic, and can also hold the gear at red line without upshifting. Otherwise, both have the same drive modes.

But I could not find any official information from BMW on what is the difference between the two.

[johannskaria]

Originally Posted by Sail

Only one exception....

X3 30i is having Sport Automatic Transmission, but 20d is having only automatic transmission.

Brdgs,
Sail

Any difference between both other than the sport name?

[Santoshbhat]

Originally Posted by johannskaria

Any difference between both other than the sport name?

Usually Sport AT in BMW speak is automatic transmission with paddles. There is no official clarity on this by BMW and forums are divided on this. Some say it only means you get a nicer gear lever and paddles on the steering column. Others say, in addition, the Sport AT is programmed for more aggressive shifts than the regular steptronic transmission.

I don't think I have come across a non Sport AT spec BMW transmission coming with paddles. So I kind of believe the first theory.

From the spec sheet it looks like the X3 20d luxury line comes with paddles and the expedition comes without them. So if you ask me, the luxury line spec sheet should read Sport AT and what you are looking at is probably just a typo

Edit : Did a bit of digging in the BMW UK site and I think the difference is not just paddles. The standard Spec for the 20d/ 20i is steptrocnic with paddles and only 30d and M40i get Sport AT with paddles.

This is what the UK brochure says about Sport AT "The eight-speed Sport automatic transmission offers incredibly sporty gear changes. Whether automatic or manual using gearshift paddles or gear lever, for comfortable coasting or incredibly dynamic driving. In Sport mode and with the gear lever in the left-hand S/M position, the gear shifts are configured for maximum performance"

[thegman]

Originally Posted by johannskaria

I believe even the Xdrive 20d Luxury line too is similarly priced.
Variant name being same, is there any feature difference between both?

perhaps the new pricing trend in the luxury market?

I'm looking at the X3 as a potential upgrade from my current X1 [RWD 20d].

The X3 30i has the following options on the Drive mode selection -
BMW Driving Experience Control (Modes: ECOPRO, COMFORT, SPORT, SPORT+)

While the X3 20d has the following -
BMW Driving Experience Control (Modes: ECOPRO, COMFORT, SPORT)


...so no Sport+ on the 20d. I'm inclined to go for the 30i because I barely do 10000 KMS of driving per year, so fuel is not an issue.

The 2019 X3 comes with special acoustic glass which supposedly reduces external noise as well. I've also heard that the 30i engine is pretty Rev happy.

Has anyone driven the X3 30i yet?

[thegman]

I checked with the dealer in Pune and they say that they don't have any X3 30i demo cars since the vast majority of customers are asking for the X3 20d variant.

[Sumain]

From the respective Specification sheets:

X3 20d:
BMW Driving Experience Control (Modes: ECOPRO, COMFORT,
SPORT)

X3 30i
BMW Driving Experience Control (Modes: ECOPRO, COMFORT, SPORT, SPORT+)

It seems that the 30i has one extra mode - SPORT+

[84.monsoon]

Originally Posted by Sumain

From the respective Specification sheets:

X3 20d:
BMW Driving Experience Control (Modes: ECOPRO, COMFORT,
SPORT)

X3 30i
BMW Driving Experience Control (Modes: ECOPRO, COMFORT, SPORT, SPORT+)

It seems that the 30i has one extra mode - SPORT+

I think this is probably hinting at the presence of Launch control in the 30i. This features allows traction control to be turned off and the vehicle to be launched with both the accelerator (full kick down) and brakes depressed simultaneously and then brakes released, the car attaining maximum possible acceleration.

Mod Note: BHPian CEF_Beastsr's BMW X3 30i Ownership Review has been taken live at this link. Please continue the discussion over on the new thread. Thanks!