For BMW, it only seemed natural that they would follow up the success of their X5 SUV with a properly sized model based on the popular 3-series sedan. And make no mistake about it; the X3 looks every bit the part with an unmistakable BMW physique. With features such as the newly interpreted, classic "Hofmeister kink" in the rear side windows, the newly designed double kidney grille, X3 appears as an extension of the BMW lineup. BMW's 225-horsepower, 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine powered our test vehicle. The 3.0 is very strong, smooth and quiet. Also available is a 184-horsepower 2.5-liter inline 6-cylinder engine. Both the 3.0 and 2.5 come standard with a six-speed manual transmission. A five-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission is available as an option. Our tester was equipped with the 6-speed manual, which added to the sporty motif. However, keeping in mind this is really a SUV and not a sports car, we would have preferred an automatic. A special highlight of the BMW X3 is the all-new xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system. BMW's xDrive allows infinitely adjustable and fully variable distribution of torque front-to-rear. The system immediately recognizes any need for a change in power distribution and responds very quickly when driving on road, often before the wheels begin to lose their grip. As a result, the X3 is able to feed optimum drive forces to the respective axle at any time when cornering, significantly minimizing both understeer and oversteer in the process. There's very little body roll while cornering, however that does come at the expense of comfort. Due to its firm suspension tuning, my co-tester and I both think the X3 is a bit stiff compared to other SUVs. We'd have preferred a slightly softer setup. The seats in our tester were covered leather, but the material was very tough, not quite the supple 5-Series tact we've grown to adore. Also, the materials used on the dash, door panels, and center console seemed to be below the standards we have experienced in other BMW models. Of course, this is the low-end side of the line up. The X3 has a unique pop-up style navigational system. Because of its location at the top of the dash, it was difficult to see during the day. There is room for a small family and gear inside X3. However, my family of five isn't so small, and with two sets of hockey gear aboard, I felt cramped while driving to the hockey rink. The rear seats do fold down to improve the cargo capacity and our tester did feature a very large power glass panorama roof. Overall, a very versatile interior space. Pricing for the BMW X3 2.5i starts at $30,995 while the 3.0i comes in at $36,995. It should be noted that X3 is loaded with amenities and impressive safety features. BMW loyalists will enjoy X3's attributes, but to us, X3 needs to possess more SUV-like qualities with less of a sports car ride. BMW already makes awesome sports cars.
2004 BMW X3 3.0i
Engine: 3.0-liter (225 hp) I6
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Drive Type: AWD
Fuel Economy: 17 city/25 highway
Base Price: $36,995
As Tested: Not available
Website: www.bmw.com