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Albuquerque Journal, N.M., Ken Walston column: X3 boasts best BMW qualities
(Albuquerque Journal (NM) (KRT) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Jun. 28--To BMW, just because a vehicle is a tall utility wagon doesn't mean it shouldn't be quick, taut, safe and, best of all, fun to drive.
That's the Bavarian automaker's mantra for every car and crossover it sells. If BMW built delivery vans, they would probably outhandle most cars on the road.
The compact X3 sports activity vehicle (BMW's term) is really more of a raised station wagon than a SUV. In most respects, it is completely carlike, which is only logical since it is based on the previous-generation 3-series platform.
Of course, there's the commanding seating position SUV buyers desire, along with cargo-carrying versatility. But the X3's road manners would be more at home in a German sedan. That's what makes the X3 stand out from its competitors.
As one of the first luxury compact crossovers, the X3 has been a consistent sales success. As a result more carmakers are jumping into the category: Acura has its turbocharged RDX; Lexus its RX350; Land Rover the new LR2; and Infiniti the sleekly styled EX35.
As would be expected in a BMW, there is a raft of technological advances to assure safety and stability. Its cutting-edge full-time allwheel-drive system combines with dynamic stability control, four-wheel traction control, dynamic brake control with electronic brake proportioning ... the list goes on and on. It all combines to create real-world agility and control exceptional for a vehicle of this type.
Power comes from BMW's world-class 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder. The X3, with 260 horsepower pulling just over 4,000 pounds, is quick as opposed to fast, but it is so silky-smooth and refined it feels faster than it really is.
Move inside and there's an instant familiarity. It's pure BMW, from the formfitting buckets, clear and simple gauges, high-quality materials and tight-as-a-tick assembly. Thankfully, the much-reviled iDrive control knob for audio/climate/ settings is absent, leaving traditional knobs and switches to do the work.
Standard wood trim graces the dash and door panels. Carpeting and floor mats are deliciously thick and luxurious. Rear-passenger space for three is adequate: Two would be happier campers.
The price, as for all BMWs, limits the X3 for lots of folks. But its combination of utility and athleticism makes the X3 the standard in the luxury compact crossover class. 2008 BMW X3 3.0si
BASE PRICE: $38,000 PRICE AS TESTED: $48,125 (incl. delivery fees) VEHICLE TYPE: Four-door, five-passenger crossover utility wagon POWERTRAIN: 3.0-liter, DOHC inline six-cylinder; 260 horsepower; 225 lb.-ft. torque; sixspeed automatic transmission; all-wheel drive
WHEELBASE/LENGTH:
110.1"/179.9"
CURB WEIGHT: 4,067 pounds
EPA FUEL RATING: 17 mpg city/24 highway
To see more of the Albuquerque Journal, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.abqjournal.com.
Copyright (c) 2008, Albuquerque Journal, N.M.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
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