Manufacturers are constantly looking to fill the void. They are searching to satisfy every single customer out there, to create vehicles that will suit every need and specific budgets. If they feel a market hasn't been tapped, they come out with a new model. Enter the BMW X3.
When the BMW X3 was first made available in North America in 2006, I was as intrigued as the next person. BMW already had the X5 and now here was this slightly smaller, slightly cheaper version of the same vehicle. Hmm, who was this vehicle for?
Then, just a few short years later, BMW released the X6 and then shortly after that, the 5 Series GT and this year, the X1. I realize I'm getting a bit ahead of myself here, but what I'm trying to get at is the fact that BMW has added so many Xs to its line-up that it surpassed the positive XXX connotation and reached the negative stay-away-there's-something-wrong-here way.
While the X3 may have had good placement when it first arrived on the scene, since the X6 and X1 jumped on board (and the non-X but crossover-like 5 Series GT came about), the X3's relevance seems to have dwindled (in my mind) despite being the highest-selling X in the lineup. I think it's the X1's North American appearance that really throws me off the X3 scent and me thinks the X3 will suffer because of it.
Family tree aside, let's have a look at the car itself and what it has to offer.
The X3 is a fantastic-looking SAV (Sport Activity Vehicle). With sharply accented lines and a sculpted rear, the X3 might be smaller than the X5, but it still has presence on the road. With BMW's signature kidney grille up front alongside tailored headlights, the look of the X3 is one of sophistication and class.
And that look continues to the rump where BMW's L-shaped taillights are evident, as are twin tailpipes. Other than that, this BMW is quite ordinary looking. There's no bulge in the hood, no exaggerated wheel wells and even the spoiler off the roof in the rear is understated and barely noticeable.
And that's kind of how I feel about the X3 in general; it's there, but unless you're really looking for it, you're not going to see for all the other Xs beside it.
When the BMW X3 was first made available in North America in 2006, I was as intrigued as the next person. BMW already had the X5 and now here was this slightly smaller, slightly cheaper version of the same vehicle. Hmm, who was this vehicle for?
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| When the BMW X3 was first made available in North America in 2006, I was as intrigued as the next person. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com) |
Then, just a few short years later, BMW released the X6 and then shortly after that, the 5 Series GT and this year, the X1. I realize I'm getting a bit ahead of myself here, but what I'm trying to get at is the fact that BMW has added so many Xs to its line-up that it surpassed the positive XXX connotation and reached the negative stay-away-there's-something-wrong-here way.
While the X3 may have had good placement when it first arrived on the scene, since the X6 and X1 jumped on board (and the non-X but crossover-like 5 Series GT came about), the X3's relevance seems to have dwindled (in my mind) despite being the highest-selling X in the lineup. I think it's the X1's North American appearance that really throws me off the X3 scent and me thinks the X3 will suffer because of it.
Family tree aside, let's have a look at the car itself and what it has to offer.
The X3 is a fantastic-looking SAV (Sport Activity Vehicle). With sharply accented lines and a sculpted rear, the X3 might be smaller than the X5, but it still has presence on the road. With BMW's signature kidney grille up front alongside tailored headlights, the look of the X3 is one of sophistication and class.
And that look continues to the rump where BMW's L-shaped taillights are evident, as are twin tailpipes. Other than that, this BMW is quite ordinary looking. There's no bulge in the hood, no exaggerated wheel wells and even the spoiler off the roof in the rear is understated and barely noticeable.
And that's kind of how I feel about the X3 in general; it's there, but unless you're really looking for it, you're not going to see for all the other Xs beside it.
 |
| With BMW's signature kidney grille up front alongside tailored headlights, the look of the X3 is one of sophistication and class. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com) |