2008 BMW X3

The X Factor

The BMW X3 holds a sporty advantage in what has become a crowded segment for luxury compact SUVs.

Despite marketing that describes it as a “sports activity vehicle,” the BMW X3 is essentially an enlarged station wagon — but this is a good thing. It is meant for spirited on-road driving as opposed to brute hauling or off-roading, which means it’s extremely satisfying to drive if you use it as intended. Its nimble handling is reminiscent of the automaker’s passenger cars.

Less expensive and more agile than its nominally larger X5 stablemate, the X3 is based on the acclaimed 3 Series line of compact sport sedans, just as the X5 is based on the midsize 5 Series. Its shrunken styling is pleasing because it is familiar, but you don’t buy an X3 for looks — you buy it for how it drives.

The BMW X3 uses a peppy 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine that it shares with the 3 Series. It employs the latest technology like Steptronic variable valve timing to deliver better-than-average acceleration.

A six-speed manual transmission is standard (and rare among luxury SUVs), with a six-speed automatic gearbox available that includes both a sport mode (for quicker shifting) and manual-shift capability. BMW says the X3 fitted with the manual can launch to 60 miles per hour in around 7 seconds, which is only a little slower than the 328i sedan.

While the X5 injected the SUV segment with much-needed on-road athleticism, it's the X3 that delivers the goods in terms of handling prowess. Perfect weight distribution (50 percent over the front wheels and 50 percent over the rear) and a low center of gravity combine with a four-wheel independent suspension to produce tenacious cornering abilities, especially for an SUV.

An optional Sport Package hones handling further, albeit with a rougher ride over irregular pavement. Seventeen-inch wheels are standard, with 18-inch rims available, and 19-inch wheels offered as an add-on to the Sport Package.

As with the BMW X5, a so-called “intelligent” all-wheel-drive system called xDrive automatically varies power distribution between the front and rear wheels to ensure both sedan-like handling on dry pavement and SUV-like road-holding in foul weather.

The BMW X3 comes standard with an array of chassis control systems to ensure a safe and stable driving experience: Dynamic Stability Control improves handling by preventing wheel spin; Electronic brake proportioning adjusts front and rear braking for optimal stopping power; and Hill Descent Control keeps the X3 from speeding out of control on sharp downgrades.

Furthermore, the X3’s Dynamic Traction Control system allows a higher level of wheel slippage before intervening, which makes getting out of a snowbound parking space easier and allows more aggressive cornering on dry surfaces.

In addition, the BMW X3 includes several advanced braking systems, including Brake Stand-by (which moves the brake pads against the rotor when the driver suddenly lifts a off of the accelerator, anticipating hard braking) and Brake Drying (which in wet weather periodically brings the pads up to the rotors to keep the points of contact dry).

The X3's interior is more functional than fancy, which is what we've come to expect from BMW. Front, front-side and side-curtain airbags are standard, with rear-side airbags optional. Options include an HD Radio receiver, adaptive headlamps that turn with the car to illuminate curves at night, heated leather seats, a heated steering wheel, and front and rear parking aids. Unlike most SUVs and a growing number of passenger cars, the X3 does not offer an optional rear DVD entertainment system.

Is the BMW X5 for You?

Buy the BMW X5 if	You're stuck on SUVs but like to have fun behind the wheel; you don't need to tow or haul heavy loads but could use that rear cargo bay for carrying bikes or other bulky items.
Keep Looking if	You need third-row seating or a truck-based SUV for serious off-roading and towing.
Who Fits?	Four adults will find the X3's interior to provide sufficient room. Five passengers will fit, but it’ll be a squeeze in the back.
Closest Competitors	Acura RDX Audi Q5 Infiniti EX35 Land Rover LR2 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class