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Summary
The BMW X3 is hard to beat for people who want BMW's heritage look, powertrain and packaging, but desire the flexibility a sport-utility vehicle offers, or vice versa. The xDrive, Dynamic Stability Control and Hill Descent Control combine to offer excellent handling, grip, traction, stability on gravel roads, muddy two-tracks and snow-covered backroads. Overall fit is to the marque's standards, but the interior finish is disappointing. Leaving the options boxes unchecked yields an affordable and capable SUV that requires no apology, and judicious checking lets even a cost-conscious shopper have the desired luxuries.NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Tom Lankard is based in Northern California. Greg Brown contributed to this report.
(Source: New Cars Test Drive)
Model Line Overview
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Model Lineup:
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BMW X3 3.0i ($36,800) |
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Engines:
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3.0-liter dohc 24-valve inline-6 |
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Transmissions:
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5-speed Steptronic automatic |
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Saftey Equipment (standard):
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dual front airbags with dual-threshold, two-stage deployment; front seat side-impact airbags; height-adjustable front safety belts with automatic pre-tensioners and force limiters; three child-seat tether anchors in rear seat area; automatic locking retractors on all safety belts; head protection curtain for front and rear seat occupants; all-wheel drive, dynamic stability control, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist |
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Saftey Equipment (optional):
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rear-passenger side-impact airbags; BMW Assist, including automatic collision notification and SOS call function |
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Basic Warranty:
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4 years/50,000 miles |
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Assembled In:
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Graz, Austria |
Specifications As Tested
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Model Tested (MSRP):
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BMW X3 3.0i ($36,800) |
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Standard Equipment:
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automatic climate control with micro-filter; vinyl upholstery; leather-wrapped, tilt-and-telescope steering wheel with redundant cruise and audio controls; wood trim; AM/FM/CD audio system with RDS, 8 speakers and 2 subwoofers; cruise control; remote locking with key memory; 6-way power front seats with settings and outside mirror memory; power windows, outside mirrors and central locking; 3-stage heated front seats; 4-function onboard computer; rear seat and cargo area accessory power outlets; front and rear reading lights; glove box-stored, rechargeable flashlight; rain-sensing windshield wipers; automatic headlight control; Halogen headlights; front foglights; rear air diffuser |
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Options As Tested (MSRP):
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Premium Package ($1,800) includes leather upholstery, auto-dimming rearview mirror, 4-way power lumbar, and BMW Assist; Servotronic steering ($250); Xenon headlights with auto-leveling ($800); rear door-mounted, side-impact airbags ($385); on-board navigation system ($1,800); Park Distance Control, front and rear ($700) |
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Destination Charge:
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695 |
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Gas Guzzler Tax:
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Price As Tested (MSRP):
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43230 |
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Layout:
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all-wheel drive |
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Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
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225 @ 5900 |
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Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
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214 @ 3500 |
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Transmission:
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5-speed Steptronic automatic |
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EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
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16/23 |
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Wheelbase:
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110.1 |
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Length/width/height:
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179.7/73.0/66.0 |
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Track, f/r:
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60.0/60.7 |
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Turning circle:
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38.4 |
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Seating capacity:
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5 |
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Head/hip/leg room, f:
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39.3/na/40.2 |
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Head/hip/leg room, m:
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Head/hip/leg room, r:
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39.4/na/35.8 |
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Cargo volume:
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71.0 |
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Payload:
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|
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Towing capacity:
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3500 |
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Suspension, f:
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independent, strut, coil springs, twin-tube gas-pressurized shocks, stabilizer bar |
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Suspension, r:
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independent, multi-link, coil springs, twin-tube gas-pressurized shocks, stabilizer bar |
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Ground clearance:
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8.0 |
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Curb weight:
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4067 |
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Tires:
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235/55R17 |
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Brakes, f/r:
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disc/disc with ABS, EBD and Brake Assist |
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Fuel capacity:
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17.7 |
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