The BMW X3 arrived for 2004 as basically a slightly smaller, roomier, lighter and much less costly version of the older BMW X5 sport-utility vehicle.
No wonder BMW sold nearly as many X3s (34,604) as X5s in America last year. Sales of the X3, which provides the same feeling of refinement and substance as the X5, were virtually even with X5 through May this year, with each "X" model finding about 13,100 buyers.
The base X3 2.5i lists for $30,300 and the higher-line 3.0i is $36,300. The X3 looks nearly the same as the X5, which costs from $41,700 to $52,800 -- not including a low-volume $70,100 hot rod version.
Both the X3 and X5 have a good standard all-wheel-drive system, but are designed more for the sporty driving kicks gotten with BMW sedans than for such conventional SUV attributes as roominess and rugged off-road driving.
As with Porsche, BMW was dragged kicking and screaming into the SUV market because BMW tired of its car owners buying someone else's profitable sport-utility.
The fact that the older X5 can keep up with sales of the X3 shows there are a fair number of folks with enough money, or credit, to buy or lease the biggest BMW sport-utility vehicle.
Not that the X3 is all that much smaller than the X5, which is only 4 inches longer and 1.5 inches wider, with virtually the same wheelbase and height.
Despite smaller dimensions, the X3 has slightly more rear-seat headroom and legroom than the X5 -- and more cargo space.
The X3 is well-equipped. The 2.5i has such features as an AM/FM/CD sound system, tilt-telescope wheel and power windows, door locks and heated mirrors. The more-powerful 3.0i adds such features as automatic climate control and power front seats.
Safety features for both versions include anti-skid and traction control systems, anti-lock brakes, front side airbags and head-protecting tubular side air bags.
Options can cause the price to rapidly escalate. For instance, a 2.5i Premium package, which includes a power sunroof, automatic climate control and power front seats, is $3,700. Leather upholstery for both the 2.5i and 3.0i is $1,450.
The $750 Cold Weather package with heated front seats should be a slam-dunk option during the winter for Chicago area BMW dealers.
The X5 has a nicer interior than the X3 and is more powerful, with a 225-horsepower inline six-cylinder engine for the base model and a 315-horsepower V-8 for the higher-line version. (The hot rod model has a 355-horsepower V-8.)
The smooth dual-overhead-camshaft X3 engines are straight from the BMW car lineup. The 2.5i has a 2.5-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 184 horsepower, and the higher-line 3.0i is motivated by a 225-horsepower inline six.
However, the X5 is more than 600 pounds heavier than the X3, which means the X3 doesn't need as much power for lively acceleration. The 2.5i provides snappy 65-75 mph passing without sounding or feeling strained, and the 3.0i is plenty fast.
With less weight to lug around, the X3 has a more nimble feel than the X5 and gets better fuel economy. The 2.5i delivers an estimated 17 mpg in the city and 23-24 mpg on highways. The 3.0 provides 16-17 in the city and 23-25 on highways.
Both engines work with a six-speed manual gearbox or five-speed automatic transmission, which costs $1,275 for the 2.5i but nothing extra for the 3.0i. The manual gearbox needs a more precise shifter and works with BMW's typically long-throw clutch. The responsive automatic is best for the X3 and has a manual shift feature if a driver feels like shifting for himself.
The X3 has sharp steering and a tight turning circle. But one drawback is a stiff, occasionally choppy ride, although the suspension provides nearly sports-sedan handling.
The $1,500 Sport Package with its firmer suspension and wider tires on larger wheels is for handling fanatics because it makes the ride harsher. The rather soft brake pedal has a progressive action, and stops are swift.
It's easy to get in and out of the X3, which has good space up front in its quiet interior. A driver enjoys a supportive seat and faces a sporty looking dashboard with easily read gauges and simple controls. The back seat is especially roomy.
The cargo area has a low, wide opening and a hatch that moves up well out of the way. But it isn't especially roomy unless you flip the rear seatbacks forward for more space.
The rigidly built X3 should last a long time, and owners can count on a good resale value. Meanwhile, they can have lots of fun driving this thing.
2005 BMW X3 PRICES
$30,300-$36,300
LIKES
Driving kicks. Roomy. All-wheel drive. Upscale status.
DISLIKES
Occasional choppy ride. Imprecise manual shifter. Harsh optional suspension.