In my initial review of the BMW X3 a few years ago, I was disappointed by its exterior styling, interior materials, and the fact that it was no more practical than a 3-Series wagon yet wasn't nearly as much fun to drive.

For the 2007 model year, the X3 received a mid-cycle freshening. A 260-horsepower 3.0-liter inline six, more powerful than either of the previous engines, is now the only engine. The exterior appearance was updated, and the interior was upgraded. Finally, the suspension was tweaked to address complaints about an overly firm ride.

How successful are the changes? I took the revised BMW X3 for a test drive to find out.

Styling

The lines of the exterior remain nothing special. The new X5 is a more attractively styled vehicle. But with the revised Sport Package the X3 looks more car-like (to be specific, more like a tall 3-Series), sportier, and more worth its price tag. The Sport Package contributes not only larger, sportier 18-inch wheels, but bolder body-color fascias and rocker panels. For aesthetic reasons alone you want it. For best appearance (but the firmest ride), step up to the optional 19-inch wheels.

Inside the styling remains much the same, but the materials on the center console and door panels have been upgraded. It's still about the most downscale ambiance you'll find in a BMW, but it is an improvement.

Accommodations

The driving position is high above a relatively low instrument panel and upright, but isn't as high as in a large conventional SUV. The A-pillars aren't as upright as in the first-generation X5. So while the view forward is expansive and you're clearly not in a car, the X3 still feels somewhat sporty from the driver's seat. The driving position in Acura's RDX is similar.

The Sport Package includes a more heavily bolstered seat, but unlike in the 3-Series the bolsters are not adjustable. So for those without husky builds they're a bit widely spaced. The firm, well-shaped seat is supportive and comfortable, but not luxurious. For a more comfortable seat, I'd advise stepping up to the optional "comfort seats"--except that these aren't available with the Sport Package.

The rear seat remains too low to the floor to provide adults with proper thigh support, but provides enough space for a couple of adults. As in any compact SUV, three would be a squeeze.

When BMW redesigned its larger SUV, the X5, this year they enlarged it to fit a (very cramped) optional third row, but room in the first two rows, and especially legroom, remained much the same. This surprised me, as the old X5 offered little more legroom than the X3. If BMW is going to offer two SUVs, why not make the size difference between them larger?

As it is, the largest difference continues to be shoulder room. The X5's cabin is about four inches broader, a substantial difference. So when in the driver's seat, the X5 feels much larger, while the X3 feels more compact and agile. Get into the back seat, though, and the X5 feels nearly as compact.

Cargo space has been a secondary priority for BMW when designing its SUVs. Here the X3 and X5 offer about the same amount, which is around the compact SUV average. Acceptable for the X3, not so much for the X5.

On the Road

The BMW X3 and base BMW X5 are both powered by the same 260-horsepower 3.0-liter inline six. But, at 4,000 pounds, the X3 weighs a half-ton less than the X5. Not surprisingly, while the six feels merely adequate in the X5, it feels energetic in the X3. Shorter gear ratios than you'll find in a BMW sedan lend a hand, quickly boosting the engine into its powerband. That said, the turbo six now offered in the 3-Series and 5-Series would be an excellent fit here, as the current engine doesn't possess a stout low-end.

Though shift paddles attached to the steering wheel are not an option on the X3 (at least not yet), the transmission can be shifted manually by sliding the lever into a sport slot then tapping it back and forth. There's really very little need for this, though, as the six-speed automatic does an excellent job of selecting the appropriate gear on its own. For aggressive driving, just slip the lever into the sport slot and leave it there. This selects a sport transmission program that downshifts readily and avoids upshifting, so much so that you won't want to use this slot for everyday driving.

Compared to a 3-Series, the X3 handles like an SUV. But compared to just about any other SUV, it handles very sportily, with quick reflexes and excellent balance. The larger X5 feels unwieldy in comparison, especially when without the Sport Package. The only competitor that comes close in terms of handling is the Acura RDX. Like nearly every other BMW, it feels better the harder you push it. The steering wheel rim is very thick, which many people like but which I find reduces steering feel. Said feel is still quite good compared to other SUVs.

Ride quality has been an X3 weak spot. It's much improved in the 2007. Even with the Sport Package I found the ride at least as comfortable as in a Sport Packaged 3, with less busyness over patchy pavement than in other BMWs I've driven recently. The 2007 X3 did seem to roll a bit more in turns, but the improved ride is worth this trade-off.

Noise levels are moderately low. For a full luxury feel, though, BMW clearly wants you to step up to the X5.

BMW X3 Prices and Price Comparisons

A BMW X3 3.0si with Sport Package starts at $42,425, high for a compact SUV. But a similar X5 3.0si lists for over $9,000 more, only $2,000 is accounted for by a higher level of standard equipment. On the other hand, an Acura RDX lists for nearly $9,000 less. Drive them both, then decide whether the BMW is worth the extra outlay.

Prices change frequently, and differences will vary based on feature level. To quickly generate these and other comparisons with the specific features you want, visit my Web site, www.truedelta.com. (It's the only site that provides true "apples-to-apples" price comparisons.)

TrueDelta's page for the BMW X3:

http://www.truedelta.com/models/X3.php

Last Words

I enjoyed driving the BMW X3 more this time around, and also found it easier on the eyes. The handling felt taut, agile, and sporty, without a punishing ride. The X5 feels big and bulky in comparison.

I'd still personally prefer a 3-Series wagon, but for someone who requires an SUV but wants one that has the feel of a compact sport sedan, it's pretty much either this or the Acura RDX. The BMW handles better than the Acura, and with no turbo there's no turbo lag. But the Acura's interior is arguably nicer, and it's price is $9,000 lower. So while those who want the best possible performance out of a compact SUV will spend the extra for the BMW, most others will probably go with the Acura.

That said, neither has been a strong seller, suggesting that the market for upscale performance-oriented compact SUVs is rather limited.

A Note on BMW X3 Reliability

I cannot practically cover reliability within the context of this review. However, many people are interested in such information, so I've started collecting my own data. Results, once they are available, will be posted to my site, www.truedelta.com, with updates every three months.

Unlike other sources, TrueDelta will clearly identify what difference it will make if you buy an X3 rather than another vehicle by providing "times in the shop" and "days in the shop" stats (among others). You will be able to specify the number of years, annual miles, and types of repairs to include in BMW X3 reliability comparisons.

Before I can report results, I need reliability data on all cars--not just the X3--from people like you. To encourage participation, those who help provide the data will receive free access to the site's reliability information. Non-participants will have to pay an access fee.

For the details, and to sign up, visit www.truedelta.com.

A link to this website and alphabetized links to my other vehicle reviews can be found on my profile page.
Amount Paid (US$): 44,000
Model Year: 2008
Model and Options: X3 3.0Si Sport Package