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The year was 2004. A social networking site called Facebook launched, though many people were too busy toggling between their MySpace and Friendster accounts to notice. And BMW debuted its second crossover, the X3, back when it was still somewhat novel for a luxury and sports car maker to offer boxier utes. Ah, the good old days …
In light of the ongoing explosion of the luxury SUV segment, I decided it would be a nice dose of nostalgia to check in with the X3 – to see how one of the elder statesmen of the crossover clan is faring amidst the current cornucopia.
First, a bit of history and context: BMW never called its crossovers SUVs, instead favoring the term “sports activity vehicle” for no apparent reason. (In keeping with this tradition, the company would christen the sloped-roof X6 crossover the world’s first sports activity coupe.) Structurally based on BMW’s iconic 3-series sedan and derived from its larger sibling, the X5, the first-generation X3 seemed promising in theory. However, it somewhat under-delivered due to a harsh ride; some questionable build quality; and, at least to my eye, an uninspired design and underwhelming stance.
Fast-forward more than a decade, and the X3 is no longer the runty younger sibling in a small nuclear family; it is now a bona fide middle child amidst a staggering six distinct X models in the BMW clan. And somehow it manages to stand out – so much so that it is reportedly on a path to overtake the X5 and even the mighty 3-series as brand best-sellers. But how?
For starters, the X3 has grown up in every way. (After all, it has those little X1s and X2s looking up to it now!). This year’s overhaul of the X3 saw it get larger outside and significantly more luxurious and spacious inside. The increased size and opulence had me seriously questioning the slightly larger X5’s raison d’être.
Under the hood, the X3 offers two options. The first is a twin-turbo 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder making 248 horsepower and 258 foot-pounds of torque, which is adequate though not overwhelming. The next step up the power ladder feels like a quantum leap: a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder kicking out a devastating 355 horsepower and 369 foot-pounds of torque in the X3 M40i. Mated to a silky-smooth eight-speed transmission, this glorious engine simply begs to be driven aggressively. Fortunately, the chassis ranges from excitingly taut in Sport mode to pleasantly compliant when Comfort mode is selected.
More than a decade since its inception, the X3 is positioned to be a leader in the crowded BMW crossover stable – and a bona fide player in the even more intensely competitive midsize luxury crossover scene. All grown up and aging quite gracefully. Too bad we can’t say the same for MySpace.
:: bmwusa.com
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