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2004 BMW X3 Compact Sport Utility Vehicle
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BMW had us test drive the brand new X3 in the deserts and mountains around Scottsdale, Arizona. The dirt roads of the spectacular Apache Trail National Park were the test track. The X3 handled them with ease and its surefooted stance gave us the confidence to enjoy our surroundings as we drove. And the road was one of those dicey mountain dirt tracks with steep cliffs that require the driver’s full attention.
Vehicle History
BMW’s first foray into the Sport Activity Vehicle market came in 2000 with the introduction of the X5. The mid-size luxury Sport Activity Vehicle (deemed so to highlight its emphasis on on-road, versus off-road performance) set a new standard for interior luxury and exterior style. Along with the finest on-road performance and handling of any upscale SUV, and glamorous good looks, the BMW X5 quickly turned the focused-on-off-road-capability-automotive-industry on its ear. BMW proved the versatility of an SUV could be merged with a performance vehicle any style-conscious professional would want own.The X3 constitutes BMWs effort to make a more accessible version of the X5 product, thus attracting new, younger buyers to the product online. Base MSRP for the X3 is a good $10,000 less. While sales of the vehicle will be modest by comparison to mass marketed compact SUVs like Honda’s CRV or Toyota’s Rav4, a healthy 30,000 X3s should sell the first year.
BMW is attempting to carve a sub-niche in the market by giving the X3 great design and applying some of the body surfacing techniques used in all of their new product including the Z4, 5 and 7 Series sedans.
The shape of the X3 is traditionally SUVish, but the reflective surfaces give it a panache competitors don’t have. Take a few minutes to really look the vehicle over and you’ll start to become aware of how the subtle bends in the sheet metal reflect light. This technique has been applied to all the new BMW products.
The X5 and 5 Series products are related by luxury appointments, size and engine options. Both inline 6- and 8-cylinder engines are available in all 5 Series products. The X3 and 3 Series sedans, coupes and convertibles are available only with inline 6-cylinder engines and are more utilitarian in their appointments ' but just a little.
The X3 has BMW’s legendary performance and handling. This along with its utility makes it an excellent choice for youthful couples, families and individuals to begin a lifelong love affair with BMW products.
Changes Over the Previous Model
This is an all-new product in the BMW line.
Exterior
X3 is ever so slightly smaller than its older sister the X5 ' we’re talking a couple of inches here. The interior is also slightly smaller, yet the cargo capacity is larger.
The nose of the X3 carries BMW’s current “dual-kidney” grill and emblem. (BMW please find another name for it.) The headlight treatment, grille and design cues reflect the direction of the entire next-generation 3-Series lineup.
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