As a car lover, what better place could you go on your first ever trip to Europe but Germany, the epicenter of automotive excellence?
I was fortunate enough to finally get there this week after many close calls of going there in the past.
The things you notice immediately when you get to the airport in Munich is that the Germans are not just car engineering fanatics.
They're engineering fanatics of every single they make, all the way down to making the 'ultimate flushing machines'!
The other thing that hits you the minute you get off the plane is that the airport in Munich is spotless (you could eat off the floor)and the wonderful use of typefaces and organization of signs, make the transition to traveling in a foreign country an extremely comfortable and stress less experience.
Everyone is really friendly and almost EVERYONE speaks fluent English.
At least all the people I ran into.
We had the opportunity the night before we drove the new X3 to experience a true German homestyle dinner (one of the best I've ever had...see pics), with the head of all BMW powertrains, in an old fashioned beer garden/cozy inn.
And the beer wasn't bad either!!!! ;)
The next morning it was all business went we went to drive the vehicles and the BMW press drive experience is nothing short of flawless.
Talk about an exercise in perfect organization and planning!
But the icing on the cake was the improvements and drive of the newly re-freshed BMW X3.
We have to admit we were not impressed with the first version of the X3.
*We thought it was uglier than a man wearing Birkenstock sandals.
We weren’t impressed with the design but we’ve never had a problem with the way it drove.
All BMW's drive well.
That's a given.
But the exterior design and interior quality was not up to BMW standards in our opinion.
But we really warmed up to the latest iteration (We drove European versions).
The new monochromatic exterior styling is a thousand time better than when it first came out of the gates.
And they have really improved the interior quality.
It's not Lexus quality, but a BMW should NEVER be a Lexus.
It should always be a driver and lean sport, not luxury.
But where the X3 shines and really smokes everything else in its category, is when you hit the gas.
Power and performance is greatly improved.
I had the X3 up to 225 kilometers (about 140mph)and there was absolutely ZERO drama. The SUV was in total control of itself. Don't try that on the new Acura RDX, unless of course you like to tempt fate.
Driving position was perfect and the BMW steering wheels should be the de facto standard on every car and truck (We like them extra thick).
Seats were very comfortable and all the controls are in the right place.
When you drive it your initial impression might be that the suspension is a little stiff but that’s the way it’s designed. You are supposed to feel more at slow speeds so it can perform well off-road and let us tell you the new X3’s awd performance off-road is more than 95% of the world will ever need.
Once the new X3 is up to normal speed (30+) the suspension totally changes and as is smooth as virtually anything out there that has excellent handling.
Are there SUV’s out there that driver softer?
Of course, but they drive sloppier than a five year old Mistubishi Galant.
We were also fortunate to get to drive it while the weather was good AND get hit with a freak huge thunderstorm, so we experienced both good weather and bad weather driving capabilities.
A good test is driving through a huge puddle at speed and seeing how a vehicle reacts.
The new X3 performed extremely well in the pouring rain and never lost its composure.
All in all, BMW has continued to make improvements to the X3 and the latest model is night and day better than the original article.
If you’ve past on this vehicle before, we suggest re-acquainting yourself with it.
If we walked into a BMW looking for a 325 or 328 sedan, we would probably end up driving out in the new X3.
It’s much larger, has better utility, comes with a standard panoramic roof and you can usually lease one for virtually the same price as the 325/328’s.
2007 BMW X3:
The good: Exterior and interior has extensive design improvements. Great power from new engine. Nice utility in a package that could be the perfect size for most drivers. Drives like a BMW. M appearance package now available.
The bad: Exterior design needs Swiss army knife utility look and a touch more testosterone and muscularity.
The ugly: Because of its exterior design, a lot of people think it’s a chick SUV.
Rating: 4 stars (0 is worst, 5 is best)
*Article side note: Men of the world, please do the world a favor and don’t wear these hideous sandals. The Spies are of the opinion that only women should ever show their feet (in anything else but Birkenstock’s!) to the world.
Enjoy the photo tour of the New BMW X3, Munich and the surrounding area!
New BMW X3:
Offering a unique combination of agility and versatility, the new BMW X3 is continuing its predecessor’s unique story of success. Powerful new engines, fresh design and a sophisticated interior make BMW’s Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) already widely lauded for its outstanding agility and driving dynamics even more attractive than before.
With its wide range of features and new technologies, the new BMW X3 has everything it takes to further expand its exceptional position as a premium offer in its segment. Specific modifications at the front, rear and side give the
new BMW X3 even more dynamic character, while the interior is dominated by particularly sophisticated materials, flowing lines, and stylish colour schemes.
Additional driving dynamics on country roads, in city traffic and off the beaten track is guaranteed by new power units delivering their muscle smoothly to the road by way of BMW xDrive permanent all-wheel drive with variable
power distribution.
New BMW X3- Full details
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