|
BMW X3
BMW is branching out with the X3, an SUV that is smaller and less expensive than the popular X5. Actually, BMW prefers to use the term SAV, or sports-activity vehicle, rather than SUV. BMW said the success of the luxury X5 was instrumental in spurring development of the X3. BMW hopes the X3 will not only broaden the company’s market penetration but also give buyers another SAV from which to choose. The X3 is available with either a 2.5-liter, 184-horsepower six-cylinder or a 3.0-liter, 225-horsepower six. Prices start at $30,995 for the 2.5 and $36,995 for the 3.0. Each model is available with a host of options, such as a navigation system, premium package, panorama moonroof, heated steering wheel, satellite radio and upgraded premium audio system. The X3 appears to be considerably smaller than the X5, but in reality its 110.1-inch wheelbase is only one inch shorter than the X5. It is 1.5 inches lower, one inch narrower and four inches shorter. The interior is 1.5 cubic feet smaller, and total cargo volume is just 2 cubic feet smaller. The X3 looks smaller because it is lower and shorter. The sharp ridge, or “bone” line, just below the windows and the shorter rear overhang also make the vehicle look smaller. Driving dynamics are always a BMW priority, and the X3 is designed to be surefooted and stable. BMW realizes that most owners rarely take their vehicles to places that are rougher than country roads, so the X3 rides and handles more like a tall station wagon than a small truck. The fully independent suspension is tuned to be tight. Considering the vehicle’s height, the X3 takes turns with very little body roll, and it feels quite secure at highway speeds as well. BMW chooses to stick with inline six-cylinder engines because they are inherently smooth. I suspect most buyers will choose the 3.0-liter, 225-horsepower engine because the X3 weighs about 4,000 pounds. This all-aluminum engine, with dual overhead cams and four valves per cylinder, has variable camshaft timing on both intake and exhaust valves. It pulls well at low to medium speeds, and positively shouts with joy when you take it above 5,000 rpm. I occasionally wished the in-town acceleration was a tad livelier, but slipping the gear lever into Sport helps with that. BMW says the X3 with automatic transmission hits 60 miles per hour in 7.9 seconds, and that’s respectable. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, but the five-speed automatic is likely to be the most popular. This transmission, with sport and manual modes, can be shifted manually when the driver prefers. One of the X3’s most important features is the new xDrive all-wheel-drive and traction system. This system is perfectly seamless, and I never once sensed that it was changing modes. The heart of the xDrive system is a transfer case located behind the transmission. BMW explains that this is a new approach to all-wheel drive. The transfer case houses a multi-disc clutch that controls how much drive goes to the front or rear wheels. In normal driving, the majority of the drive goes to the rear wheels. When conditions require, however, xDrive can transfer a substantial amount of power to the front wheels. The system also uses input based on steering wheel angle, wheel speed, brakes and the vehicle’s lateral acceleration to determine when and how much power to send to which axle. This system divides power seamlessly. If you dive into a turn too quickly, xDrive sends more power to the rear wheels than the front. If the rear wheels are on glare ice, then power goes almost strictly to the front wheels. BMW says xDrive also works in conjunction with the vehicle stability control system to enhance handling on any kind of road surface. I drove the X3 during a week of heavy rain, and it always felt secure and stable, even though I could not discern changes in power distribution. Inside, the X3 is easily recognized as a BMW. The center of the dash bears a resemblance to that of the Z4 except it is taller. The front seats are properly shaped and provide excellent support. The back seat can be folded forward with one hand. When folded, the load floor is not completely flat, but it is close. The cargo area has two tracks for fastening cargo and mounting a bike rack that will hold two bikes inside the vehicle. Front, side and head-protection airbags are standard.
|
||||||||||||||
