2008 BMW X3: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2008 BMW X3 continues unchanged from 2007. The lone 3.0si model seats five and comes with BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system that lacks low-range gearing but includes hill descent control. A 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine is available with either manual or automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 3500 lb. ABS, traction control, and antiskid system are standard. So are front side airbags and curtain side airbags; rear side airbags are optional. An available Sport Package includes firmer suspension and 18- or 19-inch wheels. A sunroof is standard, as is vinyl upholstery; leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, multi-adjustable "comfort" front seats, and a heated steering wheel are optional. Other options include a navigation system, steering-linked xenon headlamps, front/rear obstacle detection, and the BMW Assist system.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Compact SUVs are luxury SUVs that are compact in size. Most utilize a car-type chassis and are not designed for heavy-duty, off-road use. This segment is one of the industry's fastest-growing categories.

We have no Best Buys in this class. Our Recommend Pick is the Infiniti EX35.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Infiniti EX35 and Land Rover LR2.