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2004 BMW X3
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| Target Practice |
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| Updated |
Jun 10, 2004 22:38:34 |
| Rating |
 1141 ( -119 -10.42% ) | | Author | Christian Wardlaw |
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Description:
2004 BMW X3
Target Practice
Writer's Notes
Test Vehicles:
2004 BMW X3 3.0i Automatic
2004 BMW X3 3.0i Sport Manual
Engine Size and Type: 3.0-liter I6
Engine Horsepower: 225 at 5,900 rpm
Engine Torque:214 at 3,500 rpm
EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway):
Automatic - 16/23
Manual - 17/25
Curb Weight:
Automatic - 4,067 pounds
Manual - 4,023 pounds
Competitors: Acura MDX, Audi Allroad 2.7T, Cadillac SRX, Infiniti FX35, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Land Rover Freelander, Land Rover Discovery, Lexus RX 330, Volkswagen Touareg, Volvo XC70, Volvo XC90
BMW boasts that xDrive is designed to react to adverse driving conditions and reapportion engine torque before the wheels have a chance to lose traction. Many companies that build SUVs with such systems make this claim. The difference is that BMW delivers, within milliseconds, making the power transfer invisible to the driver.
Comments or suggestions about this review? Send an e-mail to: editor@autobytel.com
Autobytel Inc. operates the popular automotive websites Autobytel.com, Autoweb.com, Carsmart.com, and Autosite.com.
xxx
CAREFREE, AZ - Already, the critics are carping about the new BMW X3 because it is nearly the same size, inside and out, as the BMW X5. Furthermore, the X3's price range overlaps that of the X5, with fully loaded versions of the former priced higher than standard editions of the latter. Might we take a moment to remind everyone that the X5 is now five years old, it was BMW's first attempt at creating a sport "activity" vehicle, and its cargo carrying capacity was widely criticized as too small? By making the new X3 nearly as large, and in some areas more commodious, than the X5, BMW can now move the X5 upmarket with the next complete redesign, adding cargo space and, more likely than not, a third-row seat.
By understanding that sometimes the chicken does come before the egg, consumers can properly view the BMW X3 as an outstanding example of what an entry-luxury SUV can be. It is immensely capable on pavement, as any BMW must be, yet retains a modicum of ability to travel off the beaten path - at least to where no 3-Series dares tread.
Talent On and Off the Road
Compared with segment originals such as the Acura MDX and Lexus RX 300 (now RX 330), BMW's new crossover possesses a rugged appearance and is capable of traversing more than rainfall runoff or a dusting of snow. The Land Rover Freelander, in original recipe format, competes unsuccessfully in terms of interior materials quality and offers a package of mechanicals that feels as though lubricated by molasses. Newcomers to the playing field, such as the Volkswagen Touareg and the Volvo XC90, offer a compelling blend of both on- and off-road talent, but none we've driven to date matches the BMW X3 for sheer driving enjoyment under all conditions.
We drove the new X3 under a wide variety of conditions in the mountains bordering the Phoenix metropolitan area, and we came away from our extensive time behind the wheel thinking that, for a refreshing change, the BMW X3 is one vehicle that lives up to the marketing hoopla.
Not surprisingly, the X3 drives just like a taller, heavier 3-Series wagon, which means that if spirited rides on local twisty roads are high on your list of priorities, you're likely better off sticking with the Three. But if you're in need of ground clearance, additional cargo toting ability or the amazing grip offered by BMW's new xDrive automatic all-wheel-drive system, the X3 should definitely be on your shopping list.
xDrive Challenge
Our test drive included plenty of multi-lane highways and curvy two-lane roads, as well as a lengthy trip down a washboard dirt pathway through the Superstition Mountains called the Apache Trail. But these conditions weren't good enough for us. We needed to see if the BMW X3 could perform stunts unattainable by your garden-variety Chevrolet Cavalier rental car. So we pulled off the left side of the Apache Trail, crossed through the soft dirt shoulder, and high-tailed it up to the top of an infrequently traveled ridge to see how capable the X3 was when the going got somewhat rough. The verdict? Our X3 3.0i with an automatic transmission and the standard P235/55R17 all-season tires stumbled a bit when both axles reached their articulation limits, but we scrambled up and back without significant fanfare and successfully went where no 3-Series had gone before.
Key to that success was BMW's new xDrive system. Read about xDrive on paper, and you may ask nobody in particular "So what?" Experience xDrive first-hand under the conditions it was designed to combat, and you will exclaim to everyone within earshot "Wow!" - particularly if you've had the opportunity to test automatic all-wheel-drive systems in the past.
What is xDrive?
BMW boasts that xDrive is designed to react to adverse driving conditions and reapportion engine torque before the wheels have a chance to lose traction. Many companies that build SUVs with such systems make this claim. The difference is that BMW delivers, within milliseconds, making the power transfer invisible to the driver.
For example, take a GMC Envoy, park the rear wheels in mud and place the front wheels on dry pavement. Gun the accelerator. The rear wheels will spin for a second or longer before power gets sent forward and the truck slogs out of the goo with a fair degree of uncertainty. The BMW, however, divorces itself seamlessly and instantly from the muck, transferring nearly 100 percent of the engine's power to the front wheels. During several attempts to challenge xDrive in a sizable mud puddle, we were unable to detect any wheel slippage or power transfer - a first in our experience.
Not only does xDrive make quick work of mud, but it also enhances traction and stability on gravel and dirt. When all four wheels are placed in low traction conditions, xDrive continuously and steplessly splits torque front and rear, depending on wheel grip, to keep the X3 moving safely forward. On a gravel road, we launched the X3 as vigorously as possible from a standstill, and it simply accelerated up to speed without a hint that any of the four tires were scrabbling for purchase. When our test vehicle began to lose steam as we climbed the saguaro-spotted hillside, xDrive worked in concert with the standard dynamic stability control system (DSC) to determine where and when engine power needed to be sent to get the X3 through the rougher stuff.
In addition to xDrive and DSC, BMW has thoughtfully equipped the X3 with hill descent control (HDC), which works whether the vehicle is in forward or reverse gear. Upon arrival at the top of the dusty desert hill we climbed, we found it impossible to turn the X3 around for a nose-down descent. No problem; we engaged HDC, let go of the brake pedal, and lurched our way back to the main trail in reverse, HDC keeping speeds below 6 mph the entire descent.
Under normal driving conditions, the xDrive system splits power 40/60 front and rear. BMW has designed the X3 to operate as a rear-wheel driver only under certain conditions: during very tight, low speed cornering maneuvers to allow for different wheel rotations speeds; in tight curves where low to medium amounts of torque are applied; when the X3 travels at speeds more than 112 mph; during severe understeer situations; and whenever the ABS is activated.
BMW says that xDrive also optimizes handling characteristics and improves responsiveness on a variety of road surfaces, reducing wheelspin and correcting for excessive over- or understeer in turns. We put this claim to the test on a wide, gravel road and found that while it is easily possible to get the X3 out-of-shape and the DSC system activated through whip-sawing at the wheel, within a certain margin of error xDrive works as advertised to control lateral sliding, which ought to bring some peace-of-mind to dwellers of climates where rain and snow often fall.
Price and Performance
Every BMW X3 will come equipped with the impressive new xDrive system. When the X3 becomes widely available to the public in February of 2004, two versions will be available: the 2.5i and the 3.0i.
Starting at $30,995 including destination charge, the 2.5i is equipped with a 2.5-liter inline six-cylinder engine that makes 184 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 175 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,500 rpm. BMW says this model will run from zero to 60 mph in 8.6 seconds with the standard six-speed manual transmission and in 9.3 seconds with the optional five-speed Steptronic automatic. Under the hood of the $36,995 3.0i resides the 3.0-liter inline six that sees duty in every BMW model except the 7-Series. It powers the X3 to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds with the manual transmission and in 7.9 seconds with the automatic, making 225 horsepower at 5,900 rpm and 214 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,500 rpm.
Driving the X3
Our test-driving was limited to the X3 3.0i (the 2.5i had not entered production at the time of our drive). Fuel economy averaged 19.8 mpg during the course of our trip, including our brief off-road excursion and a couple of triple-digit spurts of speed to see how stable the X3 was at higher velocities. In addition to the model with the automatic transmission, we tried one equipped with the six-speed manual and the $1,500 Sport package, which includes a performance-tuned suspension, a unique three-spoke steering wheel, 18-inch alloy wheels, P235/50R18 tires, sport seats and special exterior trim. If optimum handling on pavement is on your requirements list, so should be the X3's Sport package.
Differences with Sport Package
Compared to the standard X3, the X3 Sport grips the road more tenaciously, corners with less body roll, and turns into a curve with improved precision. It feels better connected to the road, albeit in exchange for a reduction in ride quality. The X3 Sport is taut, producing sharp and choppy ride motions over city pavement. We did not have the opportunity to see if the X3 Sport was equally adept at climbing a path through the cactus and rocks, but with the larger, lower-profile tires, we'd guess not.
Shifting through the gears is a pleasure; each gate offers a hint of resistance before the stick glides fluidly home. The clutch is light and somewhat difficult to modulate at the engagement point, feeling spring-loaded in first and second gears. The optional Steptronic five-speed automatic transmission offers a manual mode for more engaging driving, though it will automatically upshift for those who forget that they've selected manual mode.
Suspension, Steering and Brakes
Underpinning the X3 is a familiar suspension setup. Like most BMW products, the front suspension is a strut design, this one unique to the X3. In the rear, a beefed-up 3-Series "central link" suspension has been adapted for the rigors of occasional off-road use. Steering is rack-and-pinion, sensitive to engine speeds to provide variable effort levels. Optionally available is the BMW Servotronic steering system, which is vehicle-speed sensitive. Capable four-wheel-disc brakes with ABS come standard, and haul the X3 down from speed with authority.
Ride Quality and Comfort
On pavement, the X3 drives like any other BMW, offering communicative steering and brakes, a silky purr from the smooth-revving inline six, and a taut ride (bordering on harsh with the Sport package). Compared to a 3-Series, the X3 is more sluggish and less responsive, but compared to most other entry-luxury SUVs, this Bimmer is a study of composure regardless of road surface.
Occupants are treated to tall, firm, supportive chairs in front. The rear bench is similarly comfortable, with a bottom cushion that is a bit closer to the floor than we'd prefer. Four six-foot-tall adults will fit inside the X3 with little complaint, and if the rear seats are folded down, 71 cubic feet of cargo will fit - more than the dimensionally larger X5. An optional integrated cargo track system is designed to allow X3 owners to securely bolt in aftermarket accessories that are sold through the dealership, such as an interior bike rack.
Interior Design
The instrument panel recalls the BMW Z4 roadster, with durable, heavily grained soft-touch material bisected by a metallic spear of trim. Premium packages are available to luxe up the cabin with maple wood trim and, in the case of the 3.0i, leather seating surfaces. Look ma, no iDrive! Instead, a full and familiar array of stereo and climate control buttons is located on the center stack, making it easy to fine-tune the X3's various functions.
Safety Equipment
Standard safety equipment includes dual-stage front airbags, front side-impact airbags, a head protection system, and the latest in seatbelt technologies. DSC, HDC and xDrive work in concert to keep the X3 rubber side down, while options such as BMW Assist telematics, navigation system and park distance control help the driver keep out of trouble. The optional navigation system pops up from the top of the dashboard and includes an altimeter as well as latitude and longitude position display. Models without this feature provide a convenient dash-top storage bin.
A Long List of Options
BMW provides an extensive options list to let owners tailor the X3 to their preference, including dealer-installed accessories that can tailor the vehicle to accommodate individual lifestyles. Incredibly, a 3.0i with every factory option can top the $50,000 mark. Among the more noteworthy items are adaptive xenon headlights that swivel to illuminate around curves, a giant panoramic sunroof (which makes a correspondingly giant amount of racket when completely opened), a heated steering wheel, an upgraded stereo with subwoofers under the seats, and rear seat side airbags. Strangely, cruise control, metallic paint and privacy glass are not included in the price of entry on the BMW X3 2.5i. However, full scheduled maintenance for the first four years or 50,000 miles is gratis when the X3 is serviced at the local BMW dealership.
Every BMW dealership should have an X3 available for test drives before the end of the year, with ordered vehicles arriving in February of 2004. Whether the styling of the vehicle appeals to you or not, we'd recommend a test drive if you're cross-shopping the Infiniti FX35 or the Volkswagen Touareg, the BMW X3's two closest competitors.
BMW might have made a few mistakes with the X5, but the 2004 BMW X3 appears to be right on target.
--Story by Christian J. Wardlaw
--Photos courtesy of BMW North America
Christian Wardlaw joined the Automotive Information Center (AIC) in January 2003, managing content development for AIC and the Autosite consumer website. Previously, Mr. Wardlaw served as Editor-in-Chief and Director of Automotive Data for Edmunds.com. A writer, editor, and automobile aficionado, Mr. Wardlaw is a different sort of car enthusiast. His passion lies in the vehicles that people most often buy, rather than with high-performance sports cars or ultra-luxury sedans. “Given the choice to spend an hour with a Dodge Viper or a Honda Accord, I’ll choose the Accord,” he claims. Unless, of course, the driving venue is a racetrack. Mr. Wardlaw has been a car enthusiast all of his life, uttering “car” as his first word while growing up in Detroit. A graduate of Western Michigan University, Mr. Wardlaw holds a bachelor’s degree in English. |
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