DRIVE a 4x4 and you expect a lot of things - but one of them isn't the pace of a hot hatch.
But lurking beneath the bonnet of the BMW X3 is a three-litre engine that is fun-tastic
This off-roader is nothing short of a rocket ship when it comes to acceleration as the automatic six-speed gearbox whizzes it from 0-62mph in an awe-inspiring 6.6 seconds.
The top speed of BMW's self-styled Sport Activity Vehicle is 149mph - and with great handling and oodles of 4x4 grip it begs you to take it to the limit.
Despite the X3's electric pace, little if any road and wind noise makes its way into the cabin. The only sound you will hear is the glorious response of the engine when you floor the throttle.
The lowered sports suspension fitted on the M Sport version is on the firm side so the ride can get a bit bumpy over the humps and hollows that pass for roads these days.
But the car is an able performer whether blasting down a motorway or threading its way through country lanes or the urban sprawl.
Off-road the X3 is a competent performer without giving the impression it could lead an expedition up Everest.
There are better cars in the mud out there - but as the majority of X3 customers will simply be looking for on-road excellence this isn't much of a hole in the car's armour.
The exterior has earned some catty comments, but it presses all the right Beemer buttons with me, managing the trick of appearing sleek despite its 4x4 bulk.
Step inside and the driver's seat is comfortable although adjustment for leg room is limited if you are on the tall side. What you do get is a panoramic view of the road with good visibility all round.
There's plenty of space for passengers front and back and the boot is cavernous.
But the transmission tunnel down the middle of the car does leave the feet of a third rear passenger a little squashed.
One other bug-bear is rear seats that don't fold totally flat to allow the easy loading of awkward items.
However, a glance at the dashboard and the German motoring maestro is back on song as classy soft-touch materials and a logical layout - with all dials and switches arranged in an uncluttered fashion - make life easy for the driver.
The X3 is fitted with a host of electronic safety features to enable the beast to be halted with the minimum of fuss. There are also six airbags and side impact protection plus a tyre safety warning system.
There's plenty of buttons to press and gadgets to use - as you would expect from a £38,000-plus car.
Music is provided via a radio/CD player, climate control regulates the atmosphere while cruise control sets the speed.
There are also foglights, parking sensors front and rear, plus automatic windscreen wipers and headlights.
The M Sport specification adds 18-inch alloy wheels, leather gearlever, unique exterior trim, sports seats and three-spoke sports steering wheel.
Personally I like the X3 despite its relatively expensive price-tag. It isn't so big that parking becomes a chore, while it has performance and handling characteristics that make it much more fun on the road than many of its contemporaries.
FAST FACTS
BMW X3 3.0sd M Sport
Price: £38,565
Mechanical: 286bhp, 2,993cc, 6cyl diesel engine driving all four wheels via 6spd automatic gearbox
Max speed: 149mph
0-62mph: 6.6 secs
Combined mpg: 32.5
Insurance group: 18
CO2 emissions: 232g/km
BiK rating: 35%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited mileage, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust