When the BMW X3 was first made available in North America in 2006, I was as intrigued as the next person. BMW already had the X5 and now here was this slightly smaller, slightly cheaper version of the same vehicle. Hmm, who was this vehicle for?
Then, just a few short years later, BMW released the X6 and then shortly after that, the 5 Series GT and this year, the X1. I realize I'm getting a bit ahead of myself here, but what I'm trying to get at is the fact that BMW has added so many Xs to its line-up that it surpassed the positive XXX connotation and reached the negative stay-away-there's-something-wrong-here way.
While the X3 may have had good placement when it first arrived on the scene, since the X6 and X1 jumped on board (and the non-X but crossover-like 5 Series GT came about), the X3's relevance seems to have dwindled (in my mind) despite being the highest-selling X in the lineup. I think it's the X1's North American appearance that really throws me off the X3 scent and me thinks the X3 will suffer because of it.
Family tree aside, let's have a look at the car itself and what it has to offer.
The X3 is a fantastic-looking SAV (Sport Activity Vehicle). With sharply accented lines and a sculpted rear, the X3 might be smaller than the X5, but it still has presence on the road. With BMW's signature kidney grille up front alongside tailored headlights, the look of the X3 is one of sophistication and class.
And that look continues to the rump where BMW's L-shaped taillights are evident, as are twin tailpipes. Other than that, this BMW is quite ordinary looking. There's no bulge in the hood, no exaggerated wheel wells and even the spoiler off the roof in the rear is understated and barely noticeable.
And that's kind of how I feel about the X3 in general; it's there, but unless you're really looking for it, you're not going to see for all the other Xs beside it.
Equipped with BMW's iDrive system, the X3 is as technologically savvy as they come. With an 8.8” display in the dash, the X3's onboard computer is easy to use and easy to see. Bluetooth connectivity and USB audio integration makes for an entertaining ride as well.
Space in the X3 is good, but not great. The trunk has a nice wide opening that makes for great loading and unloading of most cargo. The back seat is also ergonomically pleasing and not horribly small, but an adult passenger in the middle better hope he/she is rather good friends with those on either side, because it is a little snug. It's also unfortunate that the rear seats do not fold flat and are left at a slight angle, which could make carting larger cargo a bit more difficult.
Where BMW does excel when it comes to interior space is storage components. They successfully integrated a number of storage sleeves and pockets to hold all your bottles of water, road maps and (who are we kidding?) discarded mail and Tim Horton's wrappers. The rear passengers also benefit from storage nooks and crannies and even a pull-down armrest in the middle if the third passenger decides he/she doesn't want to cuddle that day.
As is also very BMW-esque, everything is driver-oriented. So, anything located in the middle console is subtly turned towards the driver. This might not seem like much, and is perhaps more of a sell tactic than an actual functional feature, but I'm here to tell you that it really is a functional feature and something I appreciate a great deal from BMW. Too many cars nowadays are so focused on the design and/or cramming everything they can into the dash that they forget who's in charge: the driver. So, kudos to BMW for always keeping that in mind.
Speaking of the driver.
Piloting the X3 is nothing but smooth and flawless. Thanks to the magnesium-constructed, inline 6-cylinder engine beneath the xDrive28i's hood, it's one of the lightest sixes in its class. Fairly impressive, as it pushes out 240 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. And while that's not an astronomical amount of power, it's enough to power the X3 when needed and gives the driver that sporty feel, despite the crossover shape and size.
Add to that the fact that it also helps the car to be more efficient, with faster gear changes that keep your revs low and your fuel consumption down, and you've got an automatic transmission even the most diehard manual driver would like just a little.
Overall, the X3 isn't a bad vehicle. I know I started this piece stating that it had no place in the line-up. In reality, I still kind of feel that way. Especially with the brand-new X1 waiting in the wings to take centre stage. I think the X3 was an excellent idea when it was first unveiled nearly 12 years ago, but the relevance is going to slowly slip away as newer “cooler” models like the X1 swoop in to steal the limelight.
Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com
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