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2006 BMW X3
Date Published: 7/31/08

2006 BMW X3
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MSRP:
$36,800 -

Invoice:
$33,670 -

Class:
Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
2006 BMW X3
Expert Rating Summary
Category 3.0i, auto. Rating (See All
Ratings)
Compact Sport-utility Vehicle Average Rating
Acceleration 6 4.5
Fuel Economy 4 4.9
Ride Quality 5 4.7
Steering/Handling/Braking 6 4.7
Quietness 6 4.1
Controls 6 5.6
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front) 7 5.8
Room/Comfort (rear) 5 4.6
Cargo Room 8 7.3
Value within Class 5 6.3
Total Score: 58 52.5
Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category
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2006 BMW X3 Review
X3 slots below BMW's larger, costlier X5, but has near-identical passenger space, more cargo volume, and is some 600 lb lighter. Like X5, the X3 seats five, has a liftgate with fixed glass, and includes BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive. A 225-hp inline 6-cyl is the only engine. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard; a 5-speed automatic with manual shift gate is a no-cost option. Despite 8 inches of ground clearance, X3 is intended only for light-duty off-roading. Its AWD lacks low-range gearing, but includes hill descent control. ABS and traction/antiskid control are standard. So are front side airbags and head-protecting tubular side airbags; rear torso side airbags are optional. Also available is a Sport Package that includes firmer suspension and sport front seats. A sunroof and rear glass skylight are standard. Options include leather upholstery, navigation system, steering-linked xenon headlamps, and front and rear obstacle detection.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Among utility vehicles, Compact SUVs are the least costly and offer the best fuel economy. Most utilize a car-type chassis and are not designed for heavy-duty, off-road use. Nearly all are five-passenger vehicles.

Our Best Buys include Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Mazda Tribute, and Mercury Mariner. Our Recommended picks are Honda Element, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Liberty, Kia Sportage, and Subaru Forester.

Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Rav4 are new or significantly redesigned.
News
Late word has the X3 being freshened for 2007. Changes should involve a light styling touch-up and a few new features.

A fully redesigned X3 isn't expected before 2010, at which time production reportedly shifts from Europe to the U.S. That suggests the replacement will be a junior X5 in makeup as well as market position. Indeed, it reportedly shares a new flexible platform (which BMW calls "L4") with the redesigned 2007 X5 built in South Carolina. V8 and/or turbo-6 power are rumored for the next X3. In addition, BMW says it wants to bring diesel power to its U.S. lineup, and strongly hints that X3 and/or X5 will get the nod. Based on company statements, we think one or both of the "oil-burner" SUVs could arrive by model-year '08.
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