From a styling perspective it hasn't strayed far at all. Looking much like a 6/8ths scale X5, with the appropriate Chris Bangle design upgrades, the X3 should find a willing public welcome it with open arms. Its complex, angled taillights are especially attractive, as is its sculpted side profile. My only criticism is aimed at the front, where an overly-busy black fascia complicates the otherwise cohesive design theme. I especially find the protruding square plastic bits that house the fog lamps unnecessary. When making mention of it a BMW official assured me that dealers will be carrying personalized fascia replacements, available through BMW Individual. My guess is it will be popular to paint the SUV's lower extremities to match the body color, softening the SUVs machismo appeal.
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| The X3 looks like a 6/8ths scale X5, with the appropriate Chris Bangle design upgrades. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Like all BMW's, the X3 comes extremely well equipped, but some might find the lack of standard leather surprising. Just the same, you'll be hard pressed to tell the leatherette from the real thing, as the brand does an especially good job with man made materials.
A sports package, that includes a sport-tuned suspension and upgraded 18-inch wheels on 235/50 R18 all season tires is optional. What's more a sports package upgrade, just for 3.0-L cars, that boasts 235/50 R18 front and 255/45 R18 rear performance tires capable of even higher speeds, is also available. But after driving the regularly suspended X3, I can't see any need for it. Just the same, I may change my mind after getting behind the wheel of the upgraded SUV some time in the future.
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| Bixenon headlamps not only offer superior clarity of the road ahead, but now bend the light into corners to provide the ultimate in visibility. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
For those who enjoy weekend getaways towing a trailer or a Saturday afternoon out on the boat, BMW has incorporated a trailer stability control feature that uses the DSC stability control system to offset fishtailing.
At the other end of the SUV is another safety technology, bixenon headlamps that not only offer superior clarity of the road ahead but now bend the light into corners to provide the ultimate in visibility. While I didn't have the opportunity to test them out for myself, being that our daylong drive did not extend into the evening, BMW's video presentation mapped out the benefits pretty clearly. For a more detailed description of this feature and others, make sure to check the 2004 BMW X3 Preview in the new vehicle review archives.