2004 BMW X3 2.5i
Good points: Handling, engine, build quality, transmission, small turning radius
Concerns: Price of options, stiff ride, power, radio reception
"What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other word would smell as sweet." Shakespeare
In other words, if it rides like a BMW, is built like a BMW, and handles like a BMW it must be a BMW even though it looks like a small sports utility vehicle. BMW calls its new X3 a sports activity vehicle, but by any other name it is sweet all the same.
This is the type of transportation that is not meant for drivers who simply want to use the highway to go from point A to point B. The X3 is designed for those who want to take the shortcut to grandmother's house and, hopefully, she lives at the top of a snow-covered mountain. It is meant for driving enjoyment.
Whereas most similar vehicles offer a lenient ride that treats roughened roads with respect and consoles the driver with a softened suspension to help pave over life's rough spots, the X3 takes large expansion joints and potholes personally, conveying through the nicely weighed steering a sense of indignity that these puny imperfections could possible challenge its progress. You are kept aware of what the X3 is doing, but like any good administrator who has selected the best vessel for the job, you let it handle the difficulties while you place your worries elsewhere.
BMW's nomenclature that this is a sports activity vehicle is designed to prepare the consumer for the reality that although it does offer utility it is essentially designed for those who enjoy a more active life style, of which driving is considered a major part of that criteria. No question that the X3 is arguably the most-agile SUV type vehicle available and when combined with sensible fuel mileage, a good build quality, enough room for five adults, and a bright interior this BMW is going to appeal to those buyers looking for utility, and yes, activity, especially with the cargo rails that enable you to tie down bicycles and other adventure seeker items safely inside the cargo bay.
Pricing starts at about $30,000 US and you can add about another $6000 for the more powerful 3.0 version. That figure quickly rises with options that can carry this SAV into the $40,000 arena with such choices as an automatic transmission ($1275), a Premium Package that includes a huge sunroof (figure about 10 square feet of glass), cruise control, on-board computer, and some other nice to have features that add $3800 to the bottom line. Leather costs $1450, and the $1500 Sport Package provides upgraded seats, larger tires and rims, and a nicer steering wheel and trim. Adding the price of these options to the $ 695 destination charge and you can see that buying an X3 may be an exercise in restraint. You are going to have to be firm with the option list to avoid coming within range of the larger and easier riding X5 from BMW.
By the way, the X3 has more usable cargo room than the larger X5.