Home » Car Reviews » BMW » BMW X3 » 2004 BMW X3 Compact Sport Utility Vehicle
2004 BMW X3 Compact Sport Utility Vehicle
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The bonnet (hood) is typically BMW loosing only the long, sloping windshield cue of the sedans and coupes. From the front the X3 is all BMW. However the 3/4 and side views make it clear the X3 is meant to do work. It clearly has the room to carry four adults comfortable, along with anything they might need for a weekend in the mountains.
The styling of the X3 is conservative when compared to the new 5 and 7 Series (and probably the super-suave 6 Series shortly to be released.) The styling of those two products received undeserved tongue lashing by the automotive press perhaps motivating BMW to mainstream the look of the X3. On the other hand, it is an SUV and can’t deviate too far from that core design and remain purposeful. The X3 had to maintain the core look and feel of all 3-Series products. And it does.
Interior
We agree the execution of the interior is the segment’s best. But we disagreed about whether the interior was up to BMW’s normal standards. Brian thought the X3’s interior was purposefully utilitarian and sparse. He also thought the center-stack looks too much like a Karaoke machine. So something bothered him.
Sandra thought the finish and textures were not up to BMW’s normal interior standards. Having lived with a 3 Series sedan for years, she expected more luxurious textures inside, especially given that the X3 is designed specifically for on-road performance. Those who want a luxurious SUV may be a bit disappointed. Those who want a great handling product, won’t be, as it is the best small SUV’s for on-road performance. The interior is surprisingly roomy for a small SUV. It is also quite comfortable on long trips. It has everything one would expect inside a BMW including analog and digital gauges in a cowl directly in front of the driver, cruise control, audio and climate controls on the steering wheel, and an SUV’s center console. The seats are wonderful; large, firm, bolstered-enough and attractive.
If you purchase the optional Navigation System (which we did not test) it sits at the top of the center stack, above the heating and air-conditioning vents, followed by the entertainment controls. There is a storage compartment and then a sorry-excuse of a cup holder â€' remember Germans eat in their kitchens, not in their cars.
Engine Performance
X3 is powered by the same two versions of BMW’s inline, six-cylinder engine offered in all the other 3 Series cars. The 2.5 liter version has 184-horsepower at 6,000 rpm with 175 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm. The 3.0-liter engine has 225-horsepower at 5,900 rpm with 214 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm.
Both engines are smooth and reliable. While the 2.5-liter is a good performer, the 3.0-liter engine makes the X3 much more like any other BMW. The 3.0-liter provides superior on-road performance with great acceleration; getting onto the freeway is a breeze, and a great safety feature.
The 3.0i also has more torque, important if you ever tow a small camper, trailer, or launch a wave runner. More torque also means more traction on bad terrain or under difficult road conditions. The 3.0i X3 is an elegant mix of BMW design and all-weather performance. Getting the 3.0-liter increases the monthly payment by about $110, a worthwhile expenditure for your own pleasure, protection, and long-term resale value. If you can afford it.
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