2004-2008 BMW X3: Road Test

The 3.0i engine delivers smooth, ample acceleration. BMW claimed 0-60 mph in 7.6 seconds with manual transmission, 7.9 with automatic. A test 2.5i with automatic took exactly a second longer. Not all testers have been impressed with passing power or automatic-transmission downshifts. Manual-transmission "throws" are long but friction-free. With automatic transmission, a 2.5i averaged 19.1 mpg, and a 3.0i averaged 17.7 mpg, both in a city/highway mix--in accord with SUVs of similar power and weight. All X3s require premium fuel. Ride comfort is a plus in standard form. The base X3 suspension follows BMW's pattern: firm but not punishing on bumps, and confidently stable at higher speeds, even on wavy surfaces. The taut Sport Package suspension with low-profile 18-inch tires triggers abrupt vertical motions on bumps and rides too harshly for us to recommend. Arguably the most agile SUV of them all, the X3 behaves much like a BMW 3-Series car, but with SUV ride height and AWD assistance. That means accurate, natural-feeling steering, augmented by confidence-inspiring control in turns. BMW's xDrive delivers rear-drive feel and minimizes noseplow or fishtailing, even on dry pavement. Low-speed maneuverability is enhanced by a tight turn radius. On the down side, X3's raised center of gravity detracts from sport-sedan feel with some body lean and sway in quick directional changes--most noticed with the base suspension. Noise is an issue, as the engine note becomes an annoying drone on long drives. Wind rush is prominent in some side gusts; even at 40 mph, it roars intrusively around an air deflector that rises when the sunroof opens. Performance-tread tires sing and whistle, even on unblemished pavement. The sporty interior draws its main gauge cluster from BMW's Z4 sports car. Controls are arrayed logically and marked clearly, though quite spread out across the central dashboard stack. The navigation screen flips open at eye level, but adjusting can distract from driving. The system itself is relatively simple to program, and does not incorporate non-navigation features. Interior materials are mostly solid, but intentionally not opulent, to encourage hard use by active owners. Good front head room is accompanied by long footwells for stretch-out space, but the front passenger's knees are crowded by the low-slung dashboard bottom. Supportive seats offer set-and-forget comfort, plus fine bolstering in fast turns. Despite modest ride height, broad door sills force legs to stretch uncomfortably to clear protruding lower-body trim. The tilt/telescope steering wheel may not adjust low enough to suit all drivers. Each X3 is short on small-items storage space, and anything taller than a 12-ounce can in the center-console cupholder interferes with the driver's elbow during manual-transmission shifting. Rear-seat head clearance is fine for tall riders, even with intrusion from the Panorama sunroof housing. There's no surplus of foot space, though, and 6-footers find their knees squeezed with front seats moved more than halfway back. Chair-height seats are firm and nicely contoured. An X3 provides floor space like a compact station wagon, but at SUV height. Rear seatbacks fold without removing headrests or flipping lower cushion, though they don't rest fully flat. Interior storage nets and clever cargo-floor rails (if installed) are handy.

Value for the Money
Base prices nudged the new X3 into premium-SUV territory. Adding desirable options anchored it there: A 2.5i with automatic transmission and Premium Package listed for about $35,500. A loaded 3.0i could approach $48,000. Comparatively strong resale value has kept secondhand prices on the high side, too. Like BMW's 3-Series cars, the X3 gives up outright size to most like-priced competitors, but delivers sporty performance and solid quality.