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F irst Irish drives: BMW X3 SAV and BMW X4 SAC

The BMW X3 has exceptional handling for a large SAV. Photo: Tom Kirkpatrick/BMW AG

Stock image. Photo: Viktor Cap

Artist's impression of flying car

I HAD the double pleasure recently of driving the revised BMW X3 and X4. The X3 is called a sports activity vehicle (or SAV, as BMW says) as you know, and the maker likes the X4 to be called a sports activity coupe (SAC). They are closely aligned in many respects.

I came away feeling quite pleased with the drive at the end of each test. While it was largely to do with the fact that they both had two-litre diesel engines with great pulling power, there were lots of other things to like about this duo too.

I think the X3 is an exceptional SAV to drive, with real balance and verve. The X4, for all the talk about its slightly sawn-off looks, is no slouch in that department either.

What I liked most was how the roominess of the X3 – the X4 isn’t as good in that department – still did not compromise the handling prowess. There’s a choice of xLine and M Sport trim if you fancy the X3, while M Sport is standard spec for the X4. Prices for the X3 range (30e xDrive xLine) starts from €61,485 (OTR), while the X4 (20d xDrive M Sport) is priced from €72,235 (OTR).

The two-litre diesels have ‘intelligent’ all-wheel drive, mild hybrid technology (48v starter generator), pump 190bhp, have an excellent 400Nm of torque and 8spd auto transmissions.

The energy obtained from recuperation and stored in the 48-volt mild-hybrid battery can also supply the 12-volt electrical system as well as vehicle functions connected to it.

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And it can generate additional drive power while the starter generator can also give an electric boost of 11hp during acceleration.

But I don’t like the way mild-hybrid is publicised by some (not necessarily BMW); it is not a hybrid in the true sense of the word. Far from it.

Anyway, they have redesigned the front and rear for a more robust look and it mostly works. The X4 adopts the new front end of the X3 so it gets the mesh kidney grille extension and more graphic rear-end styling. The grille is larger and now comprises a single-piece frame.

Both cars get enhanced equipment; there is a new navigation system and BMW Live Cockpit Professional with a 12.3-in display as standard; automatic air con with three-zone control while X3 xLine models get special sports seats.

The M Sport versions add M Sport suspension, remote control including integrated key, performance control, aluminium interior trim and variable sport steering.

The centre console in the two models is drawn from the current 4 Series. Standard equipment now includes advanced sports seats; X3 M Sport models and all X4 models have Vernasca leather upholstery as standard.

Seats in BMWs have long been an important part of the drive. A long journey in the X3 showed just how sturdy, comfortable and supportive they can be.

Driving across the face of Ireland in bad weather brought home how nimble it was and how easy to drive for such a large motor.

Intelligent all-wheel drive helped on narrow, slippery roads and its rear-wheel orientation added bite to cornering.

By the way, the inclination of the rear-seat backrest (40:20:40 split) can be individually adjusted to give you more room.

All in all the redesign and upgrade has added a lot to the cars in terms of looks and cabin fit – regardless of the fact they were diesels.

Stock image. Photo: Viktor Cap

Lots of advice and partial solutions have been put forward to help reduce our reliance on, and consumption of, fossil fuels in our cars.

Obvious ones such as switching to electric cars have been top of most lists.

It’s an obvious “out” but there remains the obstacle of actually being able to get your hands on one due to the serious shortage of models because of demand and the microchip shortage.

And there is the fact that a higher-than-you’d-like percentage of electric power is still generated by fossil fuels.

I think we’ll have to ride out the storm for now and, as is widely publicised, cut our car fuel bills in many ways.

We just need to adjust our mindset.

Cutting consumption ranges from not using our vehicles as often – when we can substitute a short walk for a short drive – to how we drive, slower acceleration and deceleration are big savers too.

My favourite solution is that we drive 10pc slower on motorways.

As I say, we just need to adjust our mindset.

Artist's impression of flying car

Sometimes you just have to take a deep breath and accept what you’re reading is indeed happening.

This week another step was taken toward making ‘flying cars’ a wider reality. It was announced that Suzuki is teaming up with Japanese ‘flying cars’ start-up company SkyDrive to develop the phenomenon.

The two companies will work in research, development and marketing of electric, vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) vehicles and craft. They have signed a deal to collaborate on the project. Suzuki said they will also devote energy to opening up new markets.

As things stand, SkyDrive is developing a two-seat electric-powered flying car.

And it has plans for full-scale production. It is not clear if Suzuki will be working on that particular vehicle.

The company aims to launch a ‘flying car’ service in Osaka in 2025 when the city hosts the World Expo.

So is the day drawing ever closer when we’ll be able to say: “I’ll drop in for a cup of tea?”

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