Acceleration

3.0si w/nav. sys., auto.	Class Average
6	4.6

Strong acceleration from a stop and during highway passing and merging. BMW's claim of 7.9 sec 0-60 mph feels right. Nonlinear throttle response aggravates smooth driving, as does transmission's jerky upshifts, delayed downshifts. Its manual override does help, though.

Fuel Economy

3.0si w/nav. sys., auto.	Class Average
5	5

Test automatic-transmission 3.0si averaged 19.5 mpg in mostly highway driving. X3 requires premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

3.0si w/nav. sys., auto.	Class Average
6	5

Sporty and firm even with base suspension, but bumps are absorbed without undue harshness or unwanted body motions. No opportunity to test with sport suspension.

Steering/Handling/Braking

3.0si w/nav. sys., auto.	Class Average
6	4.8

Responsive and carlike in any driving condition. Generally good steering feel, but some testers complain effort is too heavy at low speeds. Tight turning radius a help in close quarters. Good brake pedal feel.

Quietness

3.0si w/nav. sys., auto.	Class Average
6	4.5

Impressively low tire and wind noise. Engine makes a classy growl while accelerating, is muted while cruising. Some minor rattles noted in the cargo area of one test example.

Controls

3.0si w/nav. sys., auto.	Class Average
6	5.6

Most audio and all climate functions separate from navigation system, a plus. Navigation system itself is difficult to program, with cryptic markings and fussy controls. Materials more sturdy than rich, which some testers find inappropriate given X3's pricing.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

3.0si w/nav. sys., auto.	Class Average
7	6.1

Good overall leg room, and head room ample even under large sunroof housing. Seats lack sufficient padding for ideal long-distance comfort. Manual tilt/telescope steering wheel may not offer enough reach for some drivers. Wide center console pushes driver's right foot too far toward the center of the foot well for some drivers.

Room/Comfort (rear)

3.0si w/nav. sys., auto.	Class Average
6	4.8

Available heated rear seats a comfort plus. Seat cushion set a bit low for adult comfort, but head, leg, knee, and toe room is sufficient.

Cargo Room

3.0si w/nav. sys., auto.	Class Average
7	7.2

Compact station wagon floor space, but SUV height. Rear seatbacks fold without removing headrests or flipping lower cushion, but don't rest fully flat. Generous front-door map pockets highlight otherwise meager interior storage.

Value within Class

3.0si w/nav. sys., auto.	Class Average
2	5.5

Like BMW's 3-Series cars, X3 gives up outright size to most like-priced competitors, but delivers sporty handling and a quiet ride. Its new engine delivers more power than previous models but at a cost of poor throttle response and jerky transmission behavior. Couple that with steep pricing, and X3 is an underwhelming choice.

Total Score

3.0si w/nav. sys., auto.	Class Average
57	53.1

Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		36
Average Score		53
High Score		60