[crew09]

Did anyone cross shop with the X3, either 35 or M40? Wondering how handling and acceleration compare.

We've just had a new child. I was originally thinking of a 3 series sedan, but realized it would be much more convenient with more storage. I've heard many good things about the X3 M40, but then realized the GT might be an even better solution - more space plus a sedan like platform.

[Billfitz]

I did look at X3 back in '15. My GT has more rear seat leg room, more cargo space, rides and handles better. No contest.

[Gran_Turismo]

If you get a 340 gt you can do bootmod3 stage 1 or stage 2 with downpipe. Might be able to get it close to m40 speed and acceleration.

[KRS_SN]

Originally Posted by crew09

Did anyone cross shop with the X3, either 35 or M40? Wondering how handling and acceleration compare.

We've just had a new child. I was originally thinking of a 3 series sedan, but realized it would be much more convenient with more storage. I've heard many good things about the X3 M40, but then realized the GT might be an even better solution - more space plus a sedan like platform.

3GT will do almost all that an X3 does and will be thousands cheaper so from a practicality and economy POV its a much better choice.

SUVs are more prestigious and have a higher riding position and the x3m40 is a better product all around given its so much more expensive.

If money is no object go for x3m40 you won't regret it. If you want a car half the price of x3 which handles nearly as good and accelerates just as good(depending on variant chosen) go for a used 3GT and put those extra 15k in the bank.

I faced a dilemma 2 years ago when i had to move out of my 3 series sedan due go new arrivals in the family. was considering a x3 but for the sake of economy bought a 3GT. Now Im itching for a change and plan will move into an X car.

[KCee]

I looked at the X3 at the same time as the GT, 428, 328 and 528 and ultimately chose the GT. They were all very nice, but I decided quickly that I prefer driving a car. The X3 does have a nice "trunk", but it was also more expensive than the other cars and I didn't see a good reason for that. My kids are older now, but if was choosing based on family needs I might still take the GT. It has a large back seat so it would be easy to fit a car seat(s) and it still has a big trunk for a stroller and other stuff. It's also not as low as other cars which also make dealing with young kids easier. And honestly if you really need to cart 2 or more kids around a minivan is probably best. We had a Sienna and although it wasn't fun to drive it drove well and worked out really well for us.

[crew09]

Thanks for the replies. I'm definitely leaning GT - looks like it would be ~$10k or so less used, which is attractive especially with everything else going on.

My wife and I are both anti-minivan. This is our first child, so don't need the extra child space yet. She may be partial to the more upright position of an SUV though.

We originally were going to get 2 cars (we have 0 since we currently live in NYC, but are moving), but have decided to start with 1 that will cover all bases - be fun and practical.

[BMWILUVU]

If you live in the city and have a family, do yourself a favor and go with the minivan with automatic sliding doors or the X3.

[Billfitz]

If you live in the city the only time you drive is when leaving the city and when returning home.

[Sportstick]

As a native (who learned to drive in Manhattan and Brooklyn, but has moved on), the advice varies if you live in some part of Queens or Brooklyn, for example, versus Manhattan...probably even moreso if really out in Staten Island....all part of New York City for the uninitiated. Not sure where you are moving to....e.g., Bronx to Brooklyn or out of the area totally, making this advice irrelevant? If mostly within Manhattan, I'd get a smaller package with as little overhang as possible, front and rear, considering the parking and manuevering while attempting to drive. If in the outer boroughs, a conventional car is fine and enjoyable around the Belt, Van Wyck, etc. Functionally, with kids, a minivan will always win, but you may have "image" requirements that preclude this choice

[crew09]

We're in Manhattan, but moving to Pittsburgh in June, so won't really have the car at all while in NY.

Definitely realize mini van is probably the best functionally. However after having been without a car for the 8 years I've been in Manhattan, I'd like something that's also fun.

[Billfitz]

For what I can't do with my GT I borrow my best friend's pickup truck, and that's not much.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by crew09

... This is our first child...

Originally Posted by crew09

We're in Manhattan, but moving to Pittsburgh...after having been without a car for the 8 years I've been in Manhattan, I'd like something that's also fun.

1) Welcome to the parent club! Your definition of "fun" is about to change! No long-term worries...it changes back in about 18 years!

2) From the little I've been in Pittsburgh, recalling the hills and imagining the winters, AWD AND a set of Blizzak WS90 or Michelin XIce-xi3 are likely in order. Good luck!

[crew09]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

1) Welcome to the parent club! Your definition of "fun" is about to change! No long-term worries...it changes back in about 18 years!

2) From the little I've been in Pittsburgh, recalling the hills and imagining the winters, AWD AND a set of Blizzak WS90 or Michelin XIce-xi3 are likely in order. Good luck!

Definitely will be getting winter's! I had a 135 in Boston and managed to get by with just winter tires, but don't want to chance it without AWD with those hills in Pittsburgh.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by crew09

Definitely will be getting winter's! I had a 135 in Boston and managed to get by with just winter tires, but don't want to chance it without AWD with those hills in Pittsburgh.

I think Costco-size boxes of diapers, paper towels (more spills ahead!) and cases of formula will load/fit more easily in the X3. Also, the height of the seat from the ground will make loading and unloading your new passenger much easier and help postpone "parent back" from bending. My son has an X3 and M2, and its surprising how often he chooses the "comfortable" one!

[mbanck]

Note that the 3er GT is really long (4.25" longer than the X3), so if you have to hunt for parking spots a lot, it might take a while to find one which fits.

Also the X3 is one generation newer, so has all the latest tech and can be specced to a more luxurious interior.

[BNTLY]

Originally Posted by mbanck

Note that the 3er GT is really long (4.25" longer than the X3), so if you have to hunt for parking spots a lot, it might take a while to find one which fits.

Also the X3 is one generation newer, so has all the latest tech and can be specced to a more luxurious interior.

Good point. Whenever I take my car to the dealer and get a loaner I request for an X5. If they ask why I reason anything under an X3 is smaller than my car in terms of cargo space and cabin room. At first they didn’t believe me until I pulled up the specs. Even an X5 isn’t much bigger in terms of space.

I vote for the GT all bias aside.

[Billfitz]

The GT is longer then the X3, but shorter than a current 5 series, so it's not exactly gigantic.

[admranger]

Having both an X3M40i and a 330GT, I might have some helpful input (there's always a first time!).

Tech: X3 wins. The 360 degree camera is very nice. Looks gimmicky but it's quite useful.

Rear leg room: As Bill has stated, GT wins hands down.

Cargo: Pretty much a toss up. X3 can hold a bigger square box, but GT can hold a metric cubic crap ton of stuff. More than you can imagine.

Range: Both have 400+ highway mile range at western US speeds.

Both are nice and you won't regret purchasing either a GT or an X3. The 40i engine is strong, but the little 30i works fine in most circumstances, thanks to the excellent transmission.

[rambleon84]

I bought the GT because i am not a fan of suv/van's. I like the handling characteristics of a car and the lower profile/seating position. The GT with a roof box holds a surprising amount of stuff. We were looking forward to traveling in it this summer...hopefully more restrictions get lifted and its safe again to roam the country (not fun not being able to enjoy local restaurants/breweries ect...)

If you have kids, the extra leg room makes running a rear facing car seat manageable without needing to push the front seats forward a bunch.

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

I did look at X3 back in '15. My GT has more rear seat leg room, more cargo space, rides and handles better. No contest.

Agree on everything minus the cargo space.