Sept. 1, 2006
 
ON THE ROAD: BMW Embellishes the X3
 
By Richard Williamson
Scripps Howard News Service
 

To nourish the egos of targeted buyers, BMW further distinguished the X3 with the designation SAV instead of SUV. (SHNS photo courtesy BMW) Click to Enlarge

Four years after the launch of its popular X5 sport utility vehicle, BMW introduced the smaller X3 in late 2003.
 
Like its big brother, the X3 was golly-gee sporty, with a racing roofline that set the SUV apart from your typical Chevy Trail Blazer or Ford Escape. To nourish the egos of targeted buyers, BMW further distinguished the X3 with the designation SAV instead of SUV. This is not a sport utility vehicle; it's a sport activity vehicle. Instead of power tools and plywood, drivers should transport surfboards, skis and golf clubs.
 
Sharing a platform with the widely respected 3-Series sedan, the X3 was designed to compete with models such as the Lexus RX 330, which also bore an SUV body on the chassis of a car embellished with all-wheel-drive.
 
As the X5 heads into the restyling salon at the end of this model year, the X3 receives minor updates as a 2007 edition.
 
The most significant change is the improvement in power. The 3-liter, inline 6-cylinder engine that gives the model its numerical designation gains 35 horses to 260 horsepower, with torque rising apace to 225 foot-pounds.
 
With a six-speed manual transmission, the X3 3.0si accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, an improvement of 0.7 seconds over the previous model.
 
With the new six-speed Steptronic automatic, the X3 3.0si goes takes 7.1 seconds to hit 60 mph, a 0.8 second improvement.
 
The downside of all that fun is a fuel efficiency rating that tends to muffle the bragging. Burning premium unleaded at the rate of 16 miles per gallon in the city and 23 on the highway, the X3 pays a steep price for the combination of power and all-wheel-drive.
 
Fortunately for BMW, the wealthy have been relatively unscathed by higher pump prices. The $36,800 window sticker should serve as a barrier to entry for those who cannot afford to refuel willy-nilly.
 
While buyers will be attracted to the X3's sportiness and performance, they will be sold on its safety features that include side-impact air bags for the front and rear seats along with front air bags. A head protection system serves both rows of passengers.
 
All-wheel-drive is, of course, a safety feature, too. An updated Dynamic Stability Control system teams with Dynamic Traction Control and the xDrive all-wheel drive to give the driver an extra measure of control. The power disc brakes are equipped with brake drying for wet conditions, brake standby to help in emergency stops, start-off assistant and brake fade compensation to help with prolonged use.
 
Styling tweaks for 2007 include a new front bumper that frames a larger twin-kidney grill. The headlight washers, which are included with the Cold Weather Package, now retract into the bumper. The new rear bumper frames chrome exhaust tips. The new taillight cluster includes horizontal LED (light emitting diode) taillights. Adaptive Brake Lights allow the taillights to display the same intensity as the brake lights in an emergency stop. Redesigned 17-inch wheels are standard, with 18-inch wheels available as a stand-alone option.
 
One of the raps on the preceding model was the inelegance of the interior. So, the 2007 model takes corrective measures with wood trim to match the center console and door pulls. The door panels have solid door pockets and additional upholstery above the armrests. The optional leather upholstery includes upscale stitching. The multi-function steering wheel is a new three-spoke design.
 
While eight-way power adjustable seats are standard, 16-way adjustibles with power headrests and two-piece backrests are available.
 
The $1,800 premium package option adds a compass in the rearview mirror, a universal garage door opener and power-folding auto-dimming exterior mirrors for 2007. The roadside assistance program now includes four years of service. The $750 Cold Weather Package adds heated rear seats to the heated front seats, headlight washers and ski-bag. A heated steering wheel remains a stand-alone option. The $1,800 sport package content remains the same as last year.
 
While the X3 is not designed to be utilitarian, it is actually quite functional for trips to the hardware store. The liftgate rises 6 feet overhead, allowing for easy loading. And the cargo compartment expands to handle just about any reasonable content. But keep your cargo well secured. With the power and performance available to the driver, the load might shift some on the way home.
 
WHAT'S NEW: Stronger engine, styling tweaks, improved option packages.
 
PLUSES: Performance, safety, comfort, styling.
 
MINUSES: Fuel economy, price.
 
BOTTOM LINE: Impressive blend of sportiness and safety.
 
Richard Williamson writes about automobiles for Scripps Howard News Service.