2007 BMW X3

The 2007 BMW X3 comes with a silky smooth 3.0L in-line six-cylinder engine that makes 260-horsepower and 225 lb-ft or torque. The vehicle also comes with xDrive, which is the latest development in BMW's AWD technology. it uses a servomotor to adjust the multi-disc clutch that splits the torque between the front and rear wheels, and in many circumstances the X3 feels just like a rear-wheel-drive vehicle. Reduced traction causes more power to be fed to the front, and the DSC traction-control can even reduce engine torque and brake individual wheels so that you can conquer most any hill. A standard push-button hill descent control can maneuver the X3 down steep or slippery hills with no driver throttle or braking input.

The X3 has one and a half cubic feet less interior volume than the X5, and offers the usual mix of BMW austerity mixed with luxury. Options include such treats as xenon headlights, a six-speed automatic transmission, park assist, navigation, and a heated steering wheel. A Premium Package includes leather seats, auto-dimming mirrors, and Bluetooth. A Sport Package adds a stiffer suspension and larger wheels. The Cold Weather Package comes with front and rear heated seats, and headlight washers.
The BMW X3 has been completely revised for 2007. It no longer offers a choice of engines, but comes with a powerful 260-horsepower 3.0L six. A six-speed automatic with Steptronic is now available. The front and rear ends have both been revised, along with most of the interior.
Reflexes like a sport sedan; plenty of room for people and luggage.
BMW prefers to call their AWD vehicles Sport Activity Vehicles; the emphasis really is on the sport more than the utility. Fittingly, we've always said that if you want to take your SUV to the racetrack, choose a BMW X5. Now we'd have to modify that to say the 2007 X3 may satisfy that need even better.

The biggest difference between the pair is the X3's lighter weight. This 600-pound savings contributes mightily to an increased feeling of nimbleness. Few other vehicles in the X3's segment can offer this level of performance at the same sub-$40,000 price.