Tag: BMW x3

  • Top 3 Affordable Luxury Car Interiors in 2019

    Top 3 Affordable Luxury Car Interiors in 2019

    You spend a lot of your time inside your car and we know the impact the interior has on your overall driving experience. Luxury car interiors have shifted gears and broken barriers in comfort and technology during the past decade. But just how nice of a car can you get for your dollar? We have the scoop.

    1. Audi A4

    Source: Audi USA

    Starting at $39,200

    Cutting-Edge Technology

    While the Audi has always offered an exceptional interior experience, the A4 takes luxury interiors to the next level. They offer cutting-edge technology, starting with virtual cockpit set in a whopping 12.3-inch display. Here the driver can customize information, such as navigation, radio, and even Google Earth imagery.

    MMI® touch

    An amazing detail that many competitors at the A4’s price point do not offer is the available 8.3-inch center display. This includes MMI® touch with handwriting recognition technology which allows drivers to write their destination quickly without distractions rather than trying to navigate the screen using their finger on the touchpad.

    Pre sense®

    Audi’s goal is to raise the bar on the driver’s experience – and awareness. The A4 is equipped with pre sense® to protect the vehicle in unusual or emergency movements as an effort to increase the drivers’ awareness and help prevent accidents. It will help to detect other cars or pedestrians while automatically initiating the emergency breaks at up to 52 mph!

    Easy on the eyes

    Sporting high-quality leather upholstery, the A4 comfortably seats up to five people. In addition to comfort and support, the seats are ventilated and heated in both the front and rear, setting this 5-star vehicle up for success during anytime of the year!

    2. BMW X3

    Starting at $42,450

    Passion for performance

    BMW owners are notorious for their loyalty to their luxury vehicles. The X3 is a cost-effective model that includes all the luxury touches that are non-negotiable for BMW drivers. With technology such as rain sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors, automatic emergency breaking and driver drowsiness monitoring, the X3 is crafted to sharpen the driving experience.

    Distinctive design

    Hop inside the X3 and revel in the high-quality materials used throughout the modern interior. The X3 seats up to five people across two surprisingly spacious rows dressed in upscale leather. With intelligent connections the X3 offers a seamless interface to include the latest version of iDrive that responds to touch, voice commands, and even gesture detection technology.

    Heads-up display

    Another key feature that helps this luxury vehicle stand out from the competition within its price point is the Heads-up Display. This feature offers holographic projection on the drivers windshield that provides vital driving information such as speed limits, navigation guidance and emergency warnings all while keeping your eyes on the road.

    Stay connected

    Always one step ahead BMW has included wireless charging and a wifi hotspot that allows your passengers to connect at ease. To put the cherry on the cake, the X3 includes a 3D Surround View App that lets you remotely view it from every angle, from anywhere. This feature is meant to give you peace of mind by allowing you to make sure your X3 is safe – and right where you left it.

    3. Volvo XC90

    Starting at $47,000

    Scandinavian design & Swedish craftmanship

    Volvo doesn’t shift gears very often, but when it does, it makes it count. The XC90 breaks barriers with its cutting-edge safety and timeless design. This luxury SUV is crafted with clean, minimal Scandinavian designs as genuine walnut wood inlays and seats that even offer massage and ventilation options!

    A place to relax

    With word-class legroom, the X90 accommodates all your passengers in luxury and comfort with seven standard seats. Similar to a movie-theater design, the third-row seats are raised to give its passengers a better view. They can even be folded from the trunk with just a simple touch of a button.

    The power of touch

    The technology in the XC90 has been crafted to keep you in control all while making your life easier. Volvo wanted to display the most important features right at your fingertips by including their Digital Driver Display behind the steering wheel. This feature automatically adjusts the brightness according to the surrounding outdoor light and even projects a hologram with vital driver information on the windshield.

    Get a better view, all around

    The 360 Surround View Camera that gives you a bird’s eye view of the XC90 and its surroundings. Connection is made easy in the XC90 so you can seamlessly connect your smartphone to Apple CarPlay and Android audio quickly and easily, every time. Use your voice to turn your XC90 into your personal assistant with capability to access your music, send messages or take calls.


  • 2019 BMW X3: Luxury SUV Review

    2019 BMW X3: Luxury SUV Review

    BMW’s luxury SUVs have a sterling reputation for a number of reasons. The 2019 X3 has some great expectations behind it: after all, it bears the name of one of the most beloved luxury SUV lines in the world.

    That said, the 2017 and 2018 model years have been a little lackluster for BMW. After a few disappointing entries in both sedan and SUV categories, has BMW returned to form with the 2019 X3, or is this another limp entry in the German automaker’s lineup? Let’s take a closer look.

    New in 2019

    As you may know, the X3 got a full redesign in 2018. While that entry was solid, it wasn’t exactly of expected BMW quality. That said, the updates this year are iterative, not revolutionary. What has changed is enough to make this a more notable car, though.

    Firstly, safety features are more robust now. Options for forward-collision warning, parking sensors and automated emergency brakes have been made standard for 2019. If you opt for the Premium package, you’ll get a heated steering wheel and front seats, real-time traffic updates for the navigation, Apple Car Play and 19-inch wheels. For the more sport-minded driving enthusiasts, the M40i X3 offers a sport steering wheel, as well as a turbocharged six-cylinder engine.

    Engine

    One of the weak points of the last few model years for BMW has been the somewhat boring drive. Thankfully, that trademark verve is back on display in the 2019 X3. This goes double for the M40i, but the other engine options are also stellar and just plain fun to drive. Despite being an SUV, the vehicle is agile and feels light as you maneuver it around the road.

    Even the base powertrain sports 248 horses, though it takes them 6.2 seconds to get up to 60 mph. That said, fans of power can always opt for the M40i, getting a respectable 4.4 second 0-to-60. Optional adaptive suspension allow for a great, sportier ride for some occasions though it can shift into a smoother ride for around-town driving. No matter your preference, the X3 offers a great driving experience.

    Interior

    The base interior of the 2019 X3 is luxurious even with base equipment, before adding any options. Plush seats that are easy to adjust make for a great ride, while premium-feeling interior surfaces lend the interior an upscale and stylish feel. Faux wood grain paneling looks almost just like the real thing, as do the faux leather door linings and dash coverings.

    Brushed nickel finish in places, as well as the large, vibrant infotainment system help to sell the modern interior as one of superior luxury. All of this makes for a great interior, though the glaring omission of Android Auto is a bit surprising, given BMW’s typically technology-driven designs.

    Pricing

    As we mentioned earlier, there are some notable differences in trim levels and pricing packages. The base rear-wheel sDrive30i starts at $41,995, while the all-wheel xDrive30i comes in at $43,995. The sportier, more aggressive M40i, with its inline six cylinder, starts at $55,645, making it notably pricier than the other powertrain options. Premium package upgrades are also available, as are a few different trim levels. In short, expect to pay full luxury BMW prices for the X3.

    If we had to spec out our own BMW X3, we’d go with the M40i powertrain, the Premium package, and the Luxury Design trim. While this ends up being one of the more expensive builds of the X3, it results in a sporty, agile and luxurious vehicle that is fun to drive and great for upscale evenings out with friends. In short, if you’re going to buy a luxury car, why not go all-out?