2007 BMW X3 Review (continued)
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Summary

The 2007 BMW X3 3.0si is hard to beat for people who want BMW's heritage, looks, 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 filed the original report from Northern California, with Greg Brown reporting on the 3.0si from the Austrian foothills south of Munich.

(Source: New Cars Test Drive)

Model Line Overview

Model Lineup:	BMW X3 3.0si ($38,000)
Engines:	3.0-liter dohc 24-valve inline-6
Transmissions:	6-speed Steptronic automatic
Saftey Equipment (standard):	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, Brake Drying, Brake Standby, Start-off Assistant, Brake Fade Compensation
Saftey Equipment (optional):	rear-passenger side-impact airbags; BMW Assist, including automatic collision notification and SOS call function
Basic Warranty:	4 years/50,000 miles
Assembled In:	Graz, Austria

Specifications As Tested

Model Tested (MSRP):	BMW X3 3.0si ($38,695)
Standard Equipment:	vinyl upholstery; automatic climate control with micro-filter; 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; auxiliary input jack; 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
Options As Tested (MSRP):	Premium Package ($2,450) includes universal garage door opener, Nevada leather upholstery, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, 4-way power lumbar, and BMW Assist with Bluetooth; 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)
Destination Charge:	695
Gas Guzzler Tax:
Price As Tested (MSRP):	45080
Layout:	all-wheel drive
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):	260 @ 6600
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):	225 @ 2750
Transmission:	6-speed Steptronic automatic
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:	19/26
Wheelbase:	110.1
Length/width/height:	179.9/73.0/65.9
Track, f/r:	60.0/60.7
Turning circle:	38.4
Seating capacity:	5
Head/hip/leg room, f:	39.3/na/40.2
Head/hip/leg room, m:
Head/hip/leg room, r:	39.4/na/35.8
Cargo volume:	71.0
Payload:
Towing capacity:	3500
Suspension, f:	independent, strut, coil springs, twin-tube gas-pressurized shocks, stabilizer bar
Suspension, r:	independent, multi-link, coil springs, twin-tube gas-pressurized shocks, stabilizer bar
Ground clearance:	8.0
Curb weight:	4067
Tires:	235/55R17
Brakes, f/r:	disc/disc with ABS, EBD and Brake Assist
Fuel capacity:	17.7