SOME things are difficult to compare and the X3 versus X5 debate joins Pelè v Maradona, Pepsi v Coke and Curry v Chinese.
The X3 has the same pedigree, the same badge, the hefty price tag and similar looks.
It may share some of the style of its older brother, but it feels and drives like a conventional car and is better looking. But the base model is also nine grand cheaper at around £26,00 which puts it firmly in the slightly more well-heeled 'aspirational wannabe' market.
The compact 4x4 packs blistering performance, particulary in the three litre test model. The six-cylinder powered beast is eye-wateringly quick and will power to 60mph in just eight seconds.
But it is also wallet wrenchingly thirsty and as the speedo zips up, the fuel gauge rockets downwards.
It is incredibly refined. The only racket you will hear as you accelerate away is likely to come from the powerful sound system speakers, because the growl of the engine and wind noise are very subdued.
Handling is very sharp and there should be no worries about diving into the corners, because body roll and wallowing has been left to the bigger boys.
The firmness of the ride is quite surprising, but the automatic transmission - which comes as standard on the three-litre model - is as smooth as any executive saloon.
All round vision is so-so but a fully adjustable seat and steering wheel allow drivers to find the most comfortable and commanding position.
Inside the cabin is Tardis-like. The driver and all passengers will find excellent headroom, legroom and enough space for the contents of the living room, complemented by a good sized boot.
The look and layout is typically BMW. It is logical in layout and simple in style. Materials are of decent quality, but no better than some of their cheaper competitors.
The test car had a whopping £6,485 worth of extras. Admittedly they were the absolute luxuries, from a state-of-the-art navigation system up to Bi Xenon headlights and a six-CD changer. But even without the extra toys there is a generous list of fittings on the base model, up through the SE version and up again to the top-level sport version.
Kit on the entry model includes roof bars, alloy wheels CD player and six speakers.
You also get a full list of safety equipment, which includes the patented all-wheel xDrive system which feeds power to either axle when it senses danger or wheel spin, and the clever Dynamic Stability Control programme, which manages the electronic traction control system.
There are airbags galore, a puncture warning system and all the other features you would expect from a car in this class.
It is not cheap to buy and it is certainly not cheap to run terms of fuel consumption and emission. BMW claims around 23 mpg, but the onboard computer stubbornly refused to get above an average of 20.
The two-litre diesel and the soon to be unveiled three-litre diesel will be cheaper and maybe more popular alternatives, the three-litre allowing buyers to keep the big-engine punch and some cash in the wallet at the same time.
There have been many critics of the X3, but in some respects - looks and more importantly in price - it could be a better proposition than big brother.
FAST FACTS
Price: £32,450
Mechanical: 2,979cc, 228bhp, petrol engine driving all four wheels via automatic transmission
Max Speed: 130mph
0-60mph: 8.1 secs
Combined mpg: 23.3
Insurance group: 17
CO2 emissions: 293g/km
BiK rating: 35 per cent
Warranty: 3yrs/unlimited mileage; 2 yrs paint; 6 yrs anti-rust