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You
could say that "X" marks the spot. With BMW's
sporty, junior grade X3 Sports Activity Vehicle (or SAV
for short), it certainly does.
A
defining feature of BMW's mid-range crossover vehicle is
xDrive, the advanced technology, all-wheel-drive system
that's a contributing factor in its tenacious grip and (dare
we say) popularity approaching that of big brother X5, and
at $30 K and up (pre-options) at that.
With
a year of sales under its belt, X3 is proving to be what
company execs had hoped it would: An aggressive, capable,
compact sports vehicle melding BMW's agile driving machine
reputation with a true off-road capability and a lot of
near luxury as a grabber. (It proved that point out of the
chute by winning the grueling Alcan Winter Rally, called
"...the world's longest, coldest...").
In
true Germanic tradition, what you get as standard equipment
on the pair of inline 6 engines is a six-speed manual transmission.
Not to fear, however, in deference to American drivers'
known taste for automatic everything, there is a five-speed
automatic transmission with STEPTRONIC manual function,
for those who are stick shift challenged. (It happened to
us with the embarrassed valet at an area restaurant.)
For
2005, X3 has some interior upgrades and finishing touches.
The audio system now comes MP-3 compatible (Business audio
system) from the factory, replacing the need for a dealer-installed
kit. A Bluetooth advanced communications kit will support
BMW's driver assist system, and TV now receives digital
signals. Exterior lines are smoothed for a cleaner appearance.
And
a number of optional amenities now are standard or available
at no extra cost: More chrome and wood treatments; instrument
panel storage; a dual-panel, Panorama glass moonroof; the
automatic trans in the upmarket, 225 HP 3.3.0i six (at an
added cost with the 185 HP, 2.5i). Those are X factors of
another genre.
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