Carworks.com. Review for 2007 BMW X3

BMW X3
Quick Facts

Vehicle Type: Sport Utility Vehicles
Engine Type: 3.0-liter dohc 24-valve inline-6
Transmission: 6-speed Steptronic automatic
Safety 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
Fuel Economy: 19/26

BMW X3 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.