The Spies pick the best small SUV on the market?









If you need an SUV but gas prices are getting you down, you need utility, some cache, and you need the best bang for the buck, then the SUV for you is the BMW X3.

It's not the best looking thing on wheels but it drives great (better than the X5 in our opinion), has a great interior, awesome panoramic roof, great 4wd system and the lease prices are so low, you won't believe them!

If you're looking for a lot of SUV for the money then you NEED to lease one of these!

Plus as a bonus with ALL BMW's, free scheduled maintenance is included!

Let's look back on what we said about it at introduction:

It's official! The 2004 BMW X3 is here

The New X3 – BMW’s All-New Sports Activity Vehicle



• Unprecedented levels of BMW SAV agility
• Bold new design – unmistakably a BMW SAV
• xDrive: new intelligent four-wheel-drive technology sets new standards for agility and traction
• Available engines: 2.5-liter and 3.0-liter inline sixes
• Choice of six-speed manual or five-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmissions

With the introduction of the X3, BMW expands its successful Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) concept. The new BMW X3 combines unprecedented levels of agility with the versatility of a BMW SAV.



The BMW X3 combines the characteristic proportions of a Sport Utility Vehicle with both classic and new design features from BMW. The modern design language with interacting concave and convex surfaces gives the X3 a youthful and fresh appearance. Its unique position within the BMW model lineup is underlined by a wide range of characteristic features such as the newly interpreted, classic "Hofmeister kink" in the rear side windows, the newly designed double kidney grille, as well as the headlights and rear lights. The long wheelbase with short overhangs and the sloping roofline accentuate the dynamic character and performance of this Sports Activity Vehicle right from the start. Flared wheel arches and the striking front section give this newcomer an air of self-confidence and underline its bold appearance wherever it goes.



Dynamic performance is ensured by BMW's 2.5 and 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engines widely lauded for their truly outstanding refinement and performance. The X3 3.0i boasts 225 horsepower while the X3 2.5i offers 184. Both models come standard with a six-speed manual transmission. A five-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission is available as an option.

A special highlight of the BMW X3 is the all-new xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system, which sets new standards in agility for all-wheel-drive vehicles. BMW’s xDrive allows infinitely adjustable and fully variable distribution of torque front-to-rear. The system immediately recognizes any need for a change in power distribution and responds very quickly when driving on road, often before the wheels begin to lose their grip. As a result, the X3 responds with cat-like reflexes, but at the same time is able to feed optimum drive forces to the respective axle at any time when cornering, significantly minimizing both understeer and oversteer in the process.



On the road, xDrive therefore offers a high standard of agility, driving pleasure and, provides at the same time, state-of-the art safety features. The BMW xDrive system also ensures better grip and traction on slippery or rough terrain, with drive power being shifted continuously to the wheels with the best available grip.

The outstanding versatility of the new BMW X3 is by no means limited to the wide range of different road conditions and terrain on which this SAV demonstrates its agile and dynamic performance. The interior and the wide range of available equipment reflects the crisp, agile nature of the X3 blending with it the luxury and comfort one expects of a BMW. From their “command position” - the high, characteristic seating position of a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle - the occupants not only see the surroundings from a pleasant and clear perspective, but also enjoy a modern and very spacious interior. Typical BMW elegance and aesthetics combine with the agile character of the vehicle to create a youthful, sporty ambience. In the cockpit the classic, easy-to-read analog gauges are grouped in typical BMW style in an elegant binnacle. In the middle of the dashboard, the driver will find the optional navigation system with a 16:9 color monitor that flips up whenever required.

Lots of space is to be found behind the wide opening rear tailgate, and enables the driver to take along all kinds of sports gear such as several mountain bikes. Numerous storage compartments round off the functionality of the X3.

In developing the X3, BMW also focused on active and passive safety to the highest standards. The engineering principle of BMW's Sports Activity Vehicle – the front drive shaft extending through the oil sump – gives the X3 a very low center of gravity and reduces body roll in the process. And with its intelligent distribution of power, xDrive keeps the X3 very stable and sure-footed even in fast bends, as one would expect of a BMW SAV. Should the going get tough, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) will intervene to help stabilize the vehicle. BMW’s Hill Descent Control (HDC) is also available to drive down hills, even on loose ground or slippery surfaces.

The BMW X3 will make its debut at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show in September and will be available in early 2004. More information is available at www.bmwusa.com/newX3 on the Internet.



We love the interior!!!




Auto Spies perspective: Before we tell you that at first glance, we're not thrilled with the exterior...Let us say that the X3 will be a roaring sales sucess for BMW. We love the interior and will reserve final judgment, until after we see it in person. The looming question is: Will the X3 bastardize sales of the 3-series (honestly, 90% of the world looking at a three series should consider this car...it's got more room, it's more practical, awd...should we go on)? And does BMW even care if that happens? We'd love to hear your feedback on its design and the implications it has on the rest of the BMW product line.

Need4SpeedNeed4Speed - 4/15/2005 12:15:35 PM
+1 Boost
I had a chance to throw this baby around a track at a BMW driving event. Although this thing drove like a well mannered "sports" car, it rattled like a snake looking for field mice. I was not impressed with the build quality.


elviososaelviososa - 4/15/2005 12:54:26 PM
+1 Boost
another joke?.....X3 is a very "normal" small SUV after all. The only thing that's special is that it is under BMW skin.


nilerivernileriver - 4/16/2005 9:01:46 AM
+1 Boost
NO!


nilerivernileriver - 4/16/2005 9:01:46 AM
+1 Boost
NO!


nilerivernileriver - 4/16/2005 9:01:46 AM
+1 Boost
NO!


Homer008Homer008 - 4/16/2005 7:23:09 PM
+1 Boost
Autospies editor and writers needs to quit smoking crack immediately or I'm calling Cops on your asses.


Homer008Homer008 - 4/16/2005 7:23:09 PM
+1 Boost
Autospies editor and writers needs to quit smoking crack immediately or I'm calling Cops on your asses.
Copyright 2026 AutoSpies.com, LLC