2006 BMW X3 Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2006 BMW X3 includes a full evaluation of the 2006 BMW X3 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 BMW X3, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 BMW X3 help you decide if a 2006 BMW X3 is right for you.

2006 BMW X3 Road Test

Pros	Cons

Handling/roadholding	Entry/exit

Automatic-transmission performance

Cargo room

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

3.0i, auto.	3.0i w/Prem. Pkg., auto.	3.0i w/Prem., Sport Pkgs., nav. sys., man.	Class Average
6	6	7	4.5

No opportunity to time, but it should match BMW's claimed 7.6 sec with manual, 7.9 with automatic. Smooth, punchy engine, but not all testers were impressed with passing power or automatic-transmission response. Manual transmission has slick action but long throws.

Fuel Economy

3.0i, auto.	3.0i w/Prem. Pkg., auto.	3.0i w/Prem., Sport Pkgs., nav. sys., man.	Class Average
4	4	4	4.9

With automatic transmission, test 3.0i averaged 17.7 mpg. That's in line with SUVs of similar power, weight. No opportunity yet to measure with manual transmission. All X3s require premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

3.0i, auto.	3.0i w/Prem. Pkg., auto.	3.0i w/Prem., Sport Pkgs., nav. sys., man.	Class Average
5	5	3	4.7

Base suspension follows BMW pattern: firm but not punishing on bumps, confidently stable at higher speeds, even on wavy surfaces. Taut Sport Package chassis combines with low-profile 18-inch tires for abrupt vertical motions on most bumps, and rides too harshly for us to recommend.

Steering/Handling/Braking

3.0i, auto.	3.0i w/Prem. Pkg., auto.	3.0i w/Prem., Sport Pkgs., nav. sys., man.	Class Average
6	6	7	4.7

Handles twisty roads almost like a sports sedan, with modest cornering lean for an SUV, plus secure AWD stability and grip. Quick steering with fine road feel adds to driving enjoyment. Base suspension only a bit less athletic than hard-riding Sport Package setup.

Quietness

3.0i, auto.	3.0i w/Prem. Pkg., auto.	3.0i w/Prem., Sport Pkgs., nav. sys., man.	Class Average
6	6	5	4.1

Engines sound classy, but some testers say they're intrusive on long highway trips. Wind rush acceptable for a tall, boxy SUV, but becomes a roar with sunroof open--even at 40 mph. Tires a bit noisy except on smooth asphalt, especially "summer" performance treads.

Controls

3.0i, auto.	3.0i w/Prem. Pkg., auto.	3.0i w/Prem., Sport Pkgs., nav. sys., man.	Class Average
6	6	5	5.6

Sporty cabin design, with main gauge cluster drawn from BMW's Z4 sports cars. Controls logically arrayed, clearly marked, but some are quite spread out. Navigation screen flips open at eye level; system not too tough to program and doesn't control audio or climate functions, but can still distract from driving. Interior materials mostly sturdy but lack richness--to encourage hard use by active owners, says BMW.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

3.0i, auto.	3.0i w/Prem. Pkg., auto.	3.0i w/Prem., Sport Pkgs., nav. sys., man.	Class Average
7	7	7	5.8

Good head room, ample leg space, though lower dashboard crowds front passenger's knees. Supportive seats have set-and-forget comfort, fine bolstering in fast turns. Modest ride height, but broad doorsills dictate a big stretch to clear protruding lower-body trim. Standard tilt/telescope steering wheel may not go low enough to suit some drivers. Center-console cupholder placed so that taller containers interfere with driver's elbow--annoying with manual transmission.

Room/Comfort (rear)

3.0i, auto.	3.0i w/Prem. Pkg., auto.	3.0i w/Prem., Sport Pkgs., nav. sys., man.	Class Average
5	5	5	4.6

Fine head clearance for tall riders, even with intrusion from Panorama sunroof housing. But no excess of foot space, and 6-footers find knees squeezed with front seats moved more than halfway back. Chair-height bench seat firm, nicely contoured.

Cargo Room

3.0i, auto.	3.0i w/Prem. Pkg., auto.	3.0i w/Prem., Sport Pkgs., nav. sys., man.	Class Average
8	8	8	7.3

Compact station wagon floor space but SUV height. Rear seatbacks fold without removing headrests or flipping lower cushion but don't rest fully flat. Interior storage nets, clever cargo-floor rails are handy. Short on small-item storage.

Value within Class

3.0i, auto.	3.0i w/Prem. Pkg., auto.	3.0i w/Prem., Sport Pkgs., nav. sys., man.	Class Average
5	5	5	6.3

Base price places X3 in premium-SUV territory, and a fully optioned X3 approaches $48,000. Like BMW's 3-Series cars, the X3 gives up outright size to most like-priced competitors, but delivers sporty performance and solid quality.

Total Score