While an argument can be made against the X3 for what is expected to be a lack of off-road worthiness compared to the Freelander, for instance, most SUV owners never take their vehicles off of paved roads anyway, and are therefore not particularly interested in 4x4 prowess or the efficiencies lost from carrying around the extra weight to do so. Like the X5, the X3 should be capable of light duty off-road excursions such as scaling logging roads or plowing through snow.
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| Although heavy off-roading is propably not an option, features like its trailer towing stability system and automatic hill descent control will be great for hauling a boat or camping trailer. (Photo: BMW) |
BMW has also included a unique trailer stability control feature that allows for safer towing - an extension of the standard DSC stability control system. The automatic HDC Hill Descent Control system is standard too, and is especially effective for negotiating steep, slippery grades safely.
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| The X3 won't be available in North America until early 2004, but it already looks like a hit. (Photo: BMW) |
For BMW employees and dealers alike, September's Frankfurt Motor Show couldn't come soon enough. That's when and where the X3 will debut in the flesh, prior to being made available for sale in Europe and North America by early 2004.
From first glance it appears as if BMW has another major hit in its hands, a vehicle that will no doubt become the benchmark for quality, performance and luxury in a very new automotive category.