2005 BMW X3 Review

Specifications

Compact SUV with Performance-Car Soul

The BMW X3 may have a reasonably strong grip on the compact SUV market but nowhere near as strong as the grip it has on the road when equipped with the optional Sport Package. If there is a compact SUV that puts more “sport” into Sport Utility Vehicle equation, I havent driven it.

What tends to confuse the senses, though, is the X3s high step-in, which results from a lofty 8.0 inches of rock-crawling ground clearance. And therein lies the bemusement; how can a vehicle with such a generous helping of under-chassis atmosphere stay so securely rooted while pushing cornering forces that would launch most competitors into the toolies?

BMW has always considered itself the manufacturer of “ultimate driving machines,” so when it came to giving the groundbreaking X5 a little brother, you just had to know that deft handling would be part of the vehicles genetic makeup. This is the second X3 3.0i that I have road tested since last year when I complained about the vehicles overly firm ride. Well, like last year, the X3s tenacity for gripping pavement is served-up with a steep price - and Im not only talking greenbacks here. The price for its sensational handling thresholds is levied with each bump in the road. While not being “M3-punishing,” the underpinnings of the Sport Package-equipped X3 is too stiff for my preference.

Maybe my lack of tolerance correlates with hair loss and joint pain, but I have come to appreciate the comfort of a smooth, well-controlled ride over hard, jarring performance more and more these days. That said I dont want to find marshmallow-like shock absorber and spring settings in place of competent, independent suspension setups utilizing gas-charged shocks and anti-roll bars front and rear. I guess what I am saying here is hold the Sport Package with its revised spring rates and 18-inch 235/50/HR performance rubber, and give me the smoother ride and luxurious appointments of the X3s Premium Package. With my fastidious “its too bumpy” complaint out of the way, its time to examine BMWs charge into the highly competitive compact SUV/crossover market more closely.

The X3 was introduced in late 2003 as a 2004 model, and remains essentially the same for 2005. Its definitely one of the sharper looking compact SUVs around, sharing many unmistakable BMW design traits with its X5 sibling. But despite its “premium” SUV status, the X3 isnt fitted with body-colored bumpers or lower cowling. This practice may prevent scratched paint due to off-road use, but in my view detracts from an otherwise appealing appearance. A choice between finished or unfinished bodywork would keep everyone happy; in reality I doubt many X3s see much in the way of paint-threatening use on the way to the stock exchange, other than the careless abuse of parking lot door dingers.

On the inside, the X3 exhibits a sporting flair matching its bold exterior styling. Its dash layout looks quite similar to that found in BMWs Z4 roadster and chic 645i. Everything in the X3 is logically placed and all switchgear operates with the precision one would expect from a premium SUV. However, if pressed to recommend improvement I would suggest replacing the myriad of audio and HVAC buttons with simpler-to-use large rotary knobs. Where have all the knobs gone? I know - theyre writing car reviews. Sorry I asked.

The compact exterior dimensions of the X3 conceal a generously proportioned cabin and cargo area. Its slightly shorter than a Honda CR-V and a full 4.0 inches shorter than the X5, yet the X3 has more interior room, including cargo space than the X5 - go figure. In addition to its tighter exterior dimensions, the X3 weighs in the range of 650 lbs less than its older, more expensive brother. And as we all know, less mass generally equates to better fuel economy and greater on-road athleticism. Thanks to the X3s many virtues and stout cargo capacity, paying the extra dollop of cash to claim X5 status is making less and less sense, at least until the second generation X5 arrives on the scene.

A virtue common among BMWs is solid build quality, and as such the X3 falls close to the tree. I was not only impressed with the solidity of its construction, both inside and out, but was particularly won over by the secure feeling the X3 imparts when contending with rough roads and disintegrating pavement. Running the junior SUV over the roughest roads I could find proved it to be a rattle-free experience. Pleasantly, my tester produced no evidence of body shudder or undesirable suspension noise.

It did, however, produce some refined, but rather audible tones from its optional 3.0-liter (182 cu in), 24-valve inline 6-cylinder powerplant, capable of generating 225-horsepower at 5,900 rpm and 214 foot-pounds of torque at 3,500 rpm. But auditory sensations aside, considering this mill is the X3s bad-boy engine its motivating force wasnt overly impressive. The X3s base engine is a 2.5-liter (152 cu in) I-6 churning out 184-horsepower and 175 foot-pounds of twist. Given the 4,023 lb curb weight of the X3, neither engine is palpitation inducing when it comes to off-the-line acceleration, but the bigger guy is definitely capable of raising an eyebrow or two once underway. Where the 3.0-liter shines brightest is on hills. Its respectable torque rating arrives early and stays throughout the rev band, effortlessly carrying the large- and heavy-for-a-compact SUV up mountain highways with confidence.

This is an engine that likes to rev and proves it when snappy passing power is needed to move safely ahead of a lumbering semi on the highway. The 6-speed manual gearbox in my tester allowed me to make the most of the engines broad torque curve, by assigning the right gear at the right time. The Beemers stick slotted from cog to cog with fairly long throws guided by a “notchy” precision that left little doubt about which of the six cogs was on stage next. Clutch take-up was on the grabby side, requiring some concentration to achieve smooth hook-ups.

The middle pedal of the three under foot worked with astonishing clarity, stopping the X3 like few other SUVs. Cessation of movement was achieved with a rapidness generally reserved for rides in the sports car category, not the SUV segment, especially examples supplying a full 8 inches of ground clearance. The powerful 4-wheel antilock disc brakes arresting the X3 performed flawlessly during emergency stops, but with a pedal that felt over-sensitive for my liking.

Advanced driving techniques emphasize steering around danger rather than snapping on the brakes and either losing control or colliding with an obstacle too close to avoid through braking alone. Drivers applying advanced avoidance techniques will surely appreciate the ability of the X3 to steer its way to safety. Turn-in is again more sports-car-like than SUV-like when equipped with BMWs Sport Package. The well-balanced X3 chassis held no surprises when pushed hard during evasive maneuvers. If the outstanding handling dynamics of the X3 arent enough to ward off a loss of control, BMWs electronic anti-skid stability program will intervene in a collective effort to restore order. More so than in any other SUV I have put through the rigors of a road test, I felt confident about the X3s ability to hold the road and remain shiny side up.

In addition to impressive performance dynamics, BMW has filled the X3 with comfort and convenience amenities such as the optional Panorama Roof, which is a massive opening sunroof. My testers Sport Package included firm, heavily bolstered supportive sport seats and a sport steering wheel, the combination of which gives the X3 a driving position and ergonomics more inline with BMWs 3-Series than an SUV. And I guess thats the whole objective: an SUV with the soul of a performance car.

Although the X3 isnt equipped with low-range gearing, BMW hasnt just stuck all-wheel drive components beneath a station wagon. No, the X3s off-road prowess arises from BMWs highly sophisticated xDrive, intelligent all-wheel-drive technology, which includes a downhill decent mode… and did I mention the eight inches of ground clearance?

In the X3, BMW has done a marvelous job of marrying performance with practicality. It corners and handles like a sports sedan while performing typical SUV chores. Given my X3 druthers though, Id forgo the Sports Package for a more civilized ride even if the knife-edge handling looses its razor sharpness.