What they said when the BMW X3 was new… (May 11 2004)
WHEN BMW introduced its super X5 into the luxury 4WD market it instantly acquired domination.
Since then however, it has produced a few controversial models that have not won so much acclaim.
Both the new 7series and 5 series models were criticised for their looks and their use of the iDrive control system which you either love or hate.
The new 6 series coupe and convertible models got them back on track and so we were all bursting to find out how good the new X3 was going to be.
The Bavarians, it would seem, are no longer invincible and can no longer command automatic success and long queues outside their dealerships whenever a new car appears on the horizon.
There hasn't exactly been a mass exodus from the camp, but nevertheless pressure was piled on the BMW hierarchy to get it right with the X3 sports activity vehicle.
The German motor manufacturer is no stranger to the premium off-roader sector having previously entered nearly four years ago with the X5. This was something of a major coup for the brand as it ruffled the feathers of the previous champion Range Rover.
Suddenly BMW found itself setting the benchmark for the others to follow. Not only was the X5 a reasonable performer when the going got tough, it actually drove and handled like a luxury saloon.
And, as most motor manufacturers will now tell you, few off-roaders ever get the opportunity to smell the grass far less run across it. Even more so when you consider the top-end price tag that normally dangles from these vehicles.
The biggest thing most of these will ever get to mount is the pavement outside the local primary school as few owners will ever take such a valuable toy on anything remotely risky.
BMW managing director Jim O'Donnell supports this view. He says: "Most 4x4's boast their credentials in off-road circumstances yet 90 per cent of them never see a scrap of mud in their lives.
"The compromise they make for this promise is a vehicle that drives on the road more like a truck than a car."
Having said that, I have to admit that off the road the X3 was much better than I expected thanks to its clever Xdrive system which instantly directs power to wherever it is needed.
Normally the power bias is 68/32 in favour of the rear wheels, but the electronically controlled sensors intervene instantly with the electronic clutch to shift it as and when required.
However, we all know that in most cases it will never see service, so it is just as well that this is a fine car to drive on tarmac.
The German car builder remains confident that the X3 will produce the same impact as its bigger brother did when it first arrived on the scene.
In terms of design there is a striking resemblence between the two off-roaders which is perhaps no bad thing. Of course, the X3 is marginally smaller, but still somehow manages to impose itself on other road-users.
It sits proudly off the road and certainly provides both driver and passengers with excellent all-round vision.
Outwardly the baby four wheel drive Beemer looks the business and commands the same admiring glances that the X5 still enjoys to this day.
Sadly the same cannot be said for the interior which distinctly lacks imagination and style. A major question mark also hangs over the quality of the dashboard trim which easily shows up marks and scores.
The instrument cluster is both basic and uninspiring although, in fairness, you cannot fault the positioning of any of the controls which are perfectly placed.
The leather seats on the test cars were highly supportive and comfortable although you would expect nothing less from a vehicle in this particular price range.
BMW has equipped the X3 with a choice of two powertrains initially and two others will join the ranks at a later date. A two-litre turbo diesel will arrive later this year and will be followed by a three-litre some time in 2005.
The delay is caused by the great demand for BMW diesels and they simply don't have the capacity to produce any more at the moment.
Both the 2.5-litre and the more promising three-litre six cylinder petrol units feature bi-VANOS technology. They provide the X3 with the sort of performance you would expect from a decent sports coupe rather than an off-roader.
The car enjoys a top speed of 130mph from the smaller engine which improves to 137mph with the top-end muscle.
Its sprint times are impressive regardless of whether you select the six-speed manual or five-speed automatic. It will cover the 0-62mph dash in a fraction over eight seconds.
Will the vehicle be a success, however? Probably, if only because BMW knows the business like nobody else despite recent hiccups.
In any case, the UK allocation of 5,000 units is already booked for this year and that will rise to 10,000 in a year when the diesels come on tap.
But again you will probably have to wait as the X3 becomes the latest fashion accessory for the school run - the must-have toy for those where money is no object and class appeal rules the day.
Prices start at a rather hefty £28,715 and even then you can expect to add on another £4,000 in options to bring it ostensibly up to class.
The X3 will certainly sell regardless of what any mere hack thinks about it and there is no doubt it is a fine product - but I can't help being mildly disappointed by the interior which didn't make you feel at all special.
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