Dad's view: It is interesting that BMW has made this new model available with a standard transmission. It is not that it is difficult to do since the transmission and powerplant are from the 3 Series, but that BMW feels there is enough interest. We have not tested the manual model, but found the five-speed Steptronic automatic excellent, especially in the mountains where the transmission held itself in a lower gear when going downhill.
We never did find anything to challenge BMW's xDrive system that automatically distributes power to the wheels with the most traction. It just does the job without bothering you with difficult decisions. On paper this system should enhance both wet and dry driving but with this high center of gravity I wouldn't want to get too frisky with this SAV. Of course, getting frisky could take a bit of time with the 2.5 X3 as it takes about ten seconds to get to 60 mph.
So, what we have here is a handy sized vehicle capable of journeying most anywhere and doing so with some passion. Although we think the 3 Series is an excellent vehicle, the 2.5i X3 just does not offer enough grunt to take advantage of its donor ship's prowess.
My recommendation is to take a test drive in the 3.0i model because it may be worth the additional six to seven thousand dollars more to have the extra motivation. You also get a better audio system, wheels, tires, as well as rain-sensing wipers, front fog lights, lighted visor vanity mirrors, front and rear reading lamps, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, plus a four-function onboard computer, and quicker acceleration. Still, even the 2.5i gives you automatic climate control, one-touch power windows, heated mirrors, a CD player, keyless entry, and the safety and superior handling features.
Although I have long felt that Subaru's and Audi's all wheel drive were the ones I most preferred in challenging driving situations, the BMW's new xDrive all-wheel-drive and traction system is their equal. The xDrive uses a transfer case behind the transmission that sends the power to the axle best capable of momentum. The unit works well with what BMW calls its Dynamic Stability Control, which is traction control by any other name. The nice part is that under normal driving the back end gets 60 percent of the action making the X3 react like a rear wheel drive sedan. If you are stuck, this system can transfer all the power to the most capable axle. Meanwhile, the traction control can either apply brakes or inhibit engine output until control is obtained.
One look underneath provides a clear view to the fact this is a BMW. The front drive shaft goes through the oil sump in order to get a lower center of gravity and the rear suspension is a fortified version of the multi-link setup on the 3 Series.
The bottom line for me is that this is perhaps too rugged riding a vehicle for those not used to driving BMWs, but ideal for those who understand the importance of handling. The problem was whether or not someone who wants a good handling vehicle would bypass the 3 Series sedan, coupe, and convertible for the added utility of this SAV. Either way, you should take the time to test drive the X3 and see for yourself what a superior job BMW has done in transferring a sports sedan feeling into this new offering.