BHPian ckhattar recently shared this with other enthusiasts: This is my first post actually here. I am a solo traveller (driver sounds weird ) and have driven more than 30,000kms across 40+ countries (excluding off course, India/home from this). The following is the summary of the drive:Countries & Distance Covered: * Switzerland – ~800 km: classic alpine passes, lakeside towns, Andermatt base, Engadine Valley. * Italy – ~700 km: Dolomites (Sella, Giau, Valparola, Falzarego, Fedaia), plus legendary Stelvio Pass. * Austria – ~400 km: Timmelsjoch, tztal Valley, Slden, Hahntennjoch, Fernpass. * Liechtenstein – ~45 km: Vaduz Castle & Rhine Valley detour. * Total Driven: 1,945 km Legendary Passes Conquered: * Susten Pass (CH): Glacier + serpentine roads, a photographer’s dream. * Grimsel Pass (CH): Reservoir lakes + historic Grimsel Hospiz. * Furka Pass (CH): James Bond Goldfinger road; Rhne Glacier viewpoint. * Oberalp Pass (CH): Source of the Rhine River, iconic red lighthouse. * St. Gotthard Tremola (CH): Cobbled hairpin history. * Maloja Pass & Engadine Lakes (CH): Valley reflections, Silvaplana & Sils. * Passo Fedaia (IT): Marmolada glacier mirrored in a lake. * Passo Sella, Pordoi, Giau, Valparola, Falzarego (IT): The Dolomite crown jewels. * Stelvio Pass (IT): The king – 48 hairpins, Ortler Alps backdrop. * Timmelsjoch (AT): High alpine museum + Austria/Italy crossing. * Hahntennjoch (AT): Quiet driver’s road with wild scenery. * Fernpass (AT): Gentle, scenic finale with lakes and Tyrolean vibes. First, some pictures from the tour, followed by my experience of X3. I own a 2025 BMW X5 back at home in Bharat. The initial choice was for the 2025 X3 (I had a 2021 X1, which I wanted to upgrade from), but the TD of X5 and not so overall appeal (including a mediocre engine) of X3, sort of pushed me towards X5 (beyond budget but anything for once in life possession ). My take on X3 basis the above-mentioned self-drive is as follows:Seating Position and Drivability (as this is the first thing one notices before stepping on the gas): I personally did not find it as comfortable as either the 2021 X1 or 2025 X5. The bonnet does hinder some of the clear view of the road. One has to think/look around twice before making tight manoeuvres. Basically, it does not provide that confidence which an ideal BMW does. It is better than say a Volvo XC60 or a Merc GLC, but not as good as an Evoque.Driving Dynamics: I could clearly feel the lack of power (not just that I am coming from a straight six famed B58 of X5 but also from a 2021 X1 point of view too). Competition (have driven both XC60 and GLC extensively) is are lot better and peppier than X3, especially XC60. X3 does take some effort for quick overtakes, especially on the passes, which does make the drive a bit boring. Interiors and Technology : This is clearly the biggest let down actually. Enough said on this all around, and it’s all true. The iDrive is also noticeably slow/lags. The only thing I liked was the presence of the volume nob in the central console, which I do miss in my X5. Everything else is packed in a lagging screen and shuttling between say AC and music, which requires you to be attentive and would require moving eyesight around. X3 now comes with a fixed moon roof, so I missed having a proper sunroof, especially where the weather actually is worth having a convertible. However, the moonroof is pretty big (glass is bigger than that in X5 too). Overall Appeal and Experience : I am a die-hard BMW fan. Amongst the ones whose social media and YouTube are filled with watching/bookmarked BMW stuff only. I probably work and save, only to upgrade from one BMW to another. Had expected that while X3 reviews were not good around, driving and experiencing it personally may change the perspective, but that did not happen. I would probably rank my 2021 X1 also above this 2025 X3, especially in terms ofthe whole driving experience and confidence that a BMW ideally provides. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.
