2004 BMW X3

BMW basically invented the sport sedan/utility crossover with its 2000 X5, creatively calling it a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV). The idea was to marry the performance and agility of a sport sedan with the image and utility of an SUV. The result, a tallish all-wheel-drive sport wagon, which can negotiate dry-road corners as well as on- and off-road ice, slush and mud.

With its long wheelbase and short overhangs, the X3 is a slightly smaller take on the X5 theme.

Now BMW has added a second SAV, the all-new X3, which it bills as the market's first "premium" SAV below the X5. With its long wheelbase, short overhangs, tapered rear roofline, flared wheel arches and BMW-icon double-kidney grille, its slightly smaller take on the X5 theme fits nicely into the upscale Bavarian automaker's fast-expanding family. And while it is four inches shorter and 600 lbs. lighter on a 0.9-in. shorter wheelbase, it has just 1.5 cu. ft. less total interior volume and two cu. ft. more available cargo room with its second-row seats down.


Base model is the $30,995 2.5i powered by BMW's 2.5-liter straight six delivering 184 hp and 175 lb.-ft. of torque. Six grand more buys the up-level 3.0i with the more potent 225-hp, 214-lb.-ft. 3.0-liter six. Both engines boast aluminum block and head, DOHC with 24 valves, "Double VANOS" steplessly variable valve timing and a dual-resonance intake system, and both are teamed with your choice of 6-speed manual or optional 5-speed automatic gearbox.


We judged the performance of our 3.0i 6-speed test vehicle as good, its shifter smooth and precise and its handling and braking excellent in true BMW style. We didn't take it off-road but tested BMW's new xDrive AWD system in an '04 X5 off-road late last year and found it impressive. While the straight-six engine doesn't deliver V8-type torque, we timed 0 to 60 bursts at a respectable 7.8 seconds. Its EPA economy ratings are 17 mpg City, 25 Highway.

Inside, the X3's high seating position is similar to the X5's, and the 3.0i's interior is typical BMW luxosport.

While the X3 has much to like and little to complain about, its ride can be stiff on lumpy roads, rear legroom is a trifle tight, the navigation system is complex and less-than intuitive, and there's only one 12V outlet in the front cabin. Also, the "Pass Airbag Off" warning light burns annoyingly brightly whenever the front passenger seat is empty.