Sitting in the driver's seat BMW's familiar steering wheel feels substantial under the fingers. A lever under the column moves the wheel up, down, in or out, optimizing the driving position. A quick glance around shows the instrument cluster is within clear view, with large easy to read numbers and sufficient shading from sunlight. Looking up over the dash, visibility through the front is pretty well perfect, the tops of the fenders pointing the way
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| Thanks to supurb driving dynamics, the X3 is as easy to park as a 3-Series sedan while offering road-holding capabilities that seem to rival the benchmark 4-door as well. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
I have to admit to being surprised at the X3's handling capabilities. Its' not just good at managing curvy, twisting tarmac, it is ruddy phenomenal. Around town the compact SUV's tight dimensions and light steering make for effortless commuting, while parking is no more difficult than positioning a 3-Series sedan between the lines, with smaller parking stalls now accessible.
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| While 'sport' utilities exist that might compare with the little Bimmer for all-out cornering prowess, none are as effortless to maneuver in all driving conditions. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
BMW launched the X3 in and around Malaga, Spain, a stunningly beautiful Mediterranean community with a surrounding mountainous road network that defies comparison. Narrow highways hundreds of feet above valley floors, that may only fit two small European hatchbacks side by side, are the passageways of large tractor trailer rigs, full-size buses, luxury cars, SUVs, as well as those pesky little hatchbacks. Without concern for tight confines, locals careen through serpentine corners, bypassing with mere millimeters to spare in casual nonchalance.
Thus when in España, drive like the Españoles. Through what seemed like a maze of endless chicanes I honestly tried to engage BMW's confidence inspiring DSC III traction and yaw control system, but only when pushed to ludicrous levels of lateral acceleration on old pavement did any electronic intervention take control. Up to that point nary a squeal emitted from the SAVs 235/55R17 99H M+S tires (standard are 215/60R17s), and during the process the X3's seemingly inimitable control was altogether uncanny. While 'sport' utilities exist that might compare with the little Bimmer for all-out cornering prowess, the German company's own X5 and Infiniti's FX35/45 come to mind, none are as effortless to maneuver in all driving conditions - of course I haven't yet tried the X5 with new-for-2004 xDrive 4-wheel drive, standard on the X3.