Luxury USA Cars

BMW’s X3 “Sport Activity Vehicle” followed big-brother X5 to market in 2003 and has achieved nearly equal popularity. It debuted BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system, now standard on both, and, despite its more compact size, offered slightly more cargo capacity than the larger, more expensive previous-generation X5. Like the X5, the X3’s claim to fame is successfully wedding SUV attributes (aggressive tall-wagon look, utility, all-weather security, “command” seating position) to BMW attributes of performance and fun-to-drive handing agility.

Alone in its class with an in-line six and standard manual transmission, the 2007 X3 starts at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $38,695 and transacts at a Fair Purchase Price (NCBBV) of $38,502. That compares to $36,630 NCBBV for the 2007 Lexus RX 350, $36,263 for the Lincoln MKX and $43,238 for the Mercedes-Benz ML 350, all with 3.5-liter V6s and standard automatics. The X3 rules in resale with a five-year residual value of 45 percent versus 41, 39 and 36 percent for the Lexus, Lincoln and Mercedes, respectively. Be sure to check Fair Purchase Prices to see what buyers are actually paying in your area.

The X3 is sort of a tall 3 Series wagon and will entertain enthusiast drivers accordingly. Even without the available Sport Package, it stops, steers and corners like a BMW should. Its 260 horsepower is less than that of most rivals, and its ride is slightly stiff-legged, though the 2007 is somewhat softer than previous models. We found our automatic-equipped test vehicle’s throttle response a little jerky at times during routine driving, and the single-cupholder console is lacking in places to put things. There is a covered bin at dash-top center, however, and a second pull-out cupholder at the far right of the dash. We averaged roughly 19 miles per gallon around town and 21 mpg at highway speeds.

The X3’s updated interior has fold-flat second-row seats and tasteful wood trim on its instrument panel and center stack. This wood also decorates gracefully sculpted front door pulls that angle front-to-rear between twin door-storage pockets at their lower ends. The steering wheel has multi-function controls, and a convenient covered storage bin sits above twin air outlets at dash-top center. Non-fans of BMW’s iDrive multi-system controller will be pleased that the X3 makes use of previous-generation 3 Series controls. Second-row head and shoulder room are good, but foot and legroom can be tight with the front seats adjusted for tall front-seat occupants.

The updated X3 retains the older, more slab-sided BMW look in a tall wagon shape. Its signature twin-kidney grilles, smaller than the X5’s, sit above a blacked-out over-bumper air intake. Below the bumper, its black lower fascia houses additional air intakes for radiator and brake cooling. Quad round headlamps above round outboard fog lamps are covered by wrap-around clear lenses. In back, a functional roof spoiler houses the high-mounted brake lamp, and twin round exhausts protrude from the left side of the lower fascia. One clear differentiator from the larger X5 is its kicked-up window behind the rear door on each side.

xDrive Full-Time All-Wheel Drive
With limited ground clearance and all-season tires, the X3 has few off-road aspirations but one of the best all-weather all-wheel-drive systems on the market. It electronically varies front-to-rear torque and traction control to optimize grip.

Optional Xenon Adaptive Headlamps
Auto-leveled and steered in response to steering angle, vehicle speed and yaw rate, they light more of the road through curves and dips and are encircled by luminous rings that serve as parking and (if desired) daytime running lights. For 2007, this option also adds a cornering light feature to the fog lamps.

The X3’s standard features include a choice of six-speed manual or five-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, xDrive full-time all-wheel drive, variable-assist power rack-and-pinion steering, all-season tires on 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, a dual-panel panoramic moonroof, rain-sensing wipers, rear-window wiper/washer, halogen headlamps with automatic control, leather-wrapped tilt/telescoping steering wheel, height-adjustable eight-way power front seats with memory, leatherette upholstery, one-touch power windows, power heated outside mirrors, keyless entry with multi-function remote control, automatic climate control, four-function trip computer and AM/FM/CD/MP3 eight-speaker audio with auxiliary input jack. Standard safety equipment includes Dynamic Stability Control, electronic brake proportioning, anti-lock braking (ABS), Dynamic Brake Control, Hill Descent Control and six airbags: Two-stage front, front seat-mounted side and two-row head-curtain.

The X5 offers Cold Weather, Premium and Sport packages, the latter adding 18-inch wheels and sport suspension, seats, steering wheel and exterior trim. Stand-alone options include Servotronic vehicle-speed-sensitive variable-assist power steering, a selection of optional wheels and tires, xenon adaptive headlamps with auto leveling, front and rear Park Distance Control, heated front seats and steering wheel, navigation system, premium audio system, leather upholstery, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, privacy glass, rear side-impact airbags and BMW Assist Safety Services.

The 2007 X3 is powered by a new 260-horsepower dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) 24-valve 3.0-liter in-line six with lightweight magnesium/aluminum construction. Like BMW’s V8 engines, it features Valvetronic electronic valve actuation and Double VANOS variable valve timing for better-than-expected fuel efficiency.

3.0-liter in-line 6
260 horsepower at 6600 rpm
225 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/26 (manual), 19/26 (automatic)