WHEN it comes to sport-utes, my dad is what could be called "old school," and that's no dig at his 80 years on this planet. It's just that he started driving SUVs when there was no sport to them, only utility -- discovering the superior traction of Jeeps during his stint in the Canadian army during the Second World War. And, for the next 40 years, numerous Jeeps of various size and description graced his driveway.
So, when he opined that the optional sport suspension on the BMW X3 was "silly," I wasn't surprised. To Dad, sport-utes (or, in BMW's case, sport activity vehicles) are rough and tough. They don't have handling characteristics similar to those of a first-class sports sedan.
Despite my dad's disdain, some SUVs and car-based crossovers are taking on similar performance characteristics to their automotive brethren. There are increasing numbers of sporty and nimble models out there, including the new Acura RDX, Mazda CX-7 and -- no surprise as it's from BMW -- the newly refreshed X3 3.0si.
For 2007, the popular compact-sized SAV sees better drivetrains, exterior styling improvements and interior refinements. The X3 3.0i, boasting a 215-horsepower, 3.0-litre DOHC in-line six, succeeds last year's X3 2.5. But it's the X3 3.0si (replacing the '06 3.0i) and its decidedly more robust 260-h.p. variant of the 3.0-litre six that will have the boy racers talking. No, it doesn't turn the X3 into an M truck, but it definitely livens things up. An extra 35 h.p. and 11 more pound-feet of torque (reached at a lower 2,750 r.p.m.) will do that, imbuing the 1,820-kilogram five-seater with extra scoot.
Because the X3 was fresh off the transporter, I didn't try any foot-to-the-firewall acceleration runs, but BMW's claim that the 3.0si will hit 100 km/h from a standstill in 7.3 seconds -- when hooked up to the six-speed manual -- seems about right. (Add another 3/10ths if opting for the six-speed Steptronic manumatic.)
It's that taut sport suspension, though, part of a $3,200 M Sport Package, that separates the X3 from the also-rans. It's not the sort of thing for those actually contemplating off-roading the SAV, but, on pavement, it allows the X3 to corner with the same flat-attitude intensity as the Bavarian automaker's own fine-handling sedans.
There is slightly more lean, naturally, because of the X3's higher ride height, but it's not that far off the mark. As firm as the suspension is, though, it doesn't translate into a typically harsh ride. That is to say, one doesn't so much feel the road irregularities through the butt as through the head, which bobs in time with the X3 as it compensates for less than perfect tarmac. There's no grey area here: One will either love or hate the dynamics. Personally? What's a little neck pain when it comes to great handling?
Some credit must be passed on to the latest-generation (take a deep breath here) xDrive Intelligent All Wheel Drive system with Integrated Chassis Management technology. In a nutshell, the system ensures that power is distributed variably to enhance traction and keep the vehicle under control in adverse conditions. It works.
As for the X3's new looks, it's all good. The mass of matte black cladding that afflicted the front and rear bumper areas, giving off the aroma of cheapness in earlier models, is severely curtailed. The 2007 X3's front styling sees a front bumper with more body colour, framing a slightly larger twin-kidney grille. The xenon headlights include the corona light rings, and the headlight washers retract flush into the bumper.
Around back, the tail light cluster includes horizontal LED light conductors. And the Adaptive Brake Lights enable the tail lights to illuminate at the same intensity as the brake lights in an emergency stop, which keeps drivers following behind alert.
BMW touts a more luxurious wood grain trim on the X3 3.0si that matches the centre console and door pulls, not to mention door panels that have been enhanced with solid door pockets and additional upholstery above the armrests. OK, but the SAV's cabin still appears as though the designers ran out of inspiration -- the interior remains more comfortably functional than upscale. That said, it is fully equipped with all of the customary accoutrements and there is good room for four adults.
The 3.0si starts off at a reasonable $50,900, but, with a few packages and options, the price easily exceeds $60,000, which makes the 3 Series Touring a less expensive and viable alternative.
Unlike 2004, when only Infiniti's FX35/45 duo could really give the then-new X3 a serious run for its money, this time around, there are a few more rivals waiting in the wings. Still, the X3 holds the sporty sport-ute high ground and it isn't going to give up its position without a scrap.
And, Dad, with all due respect for your old rough-and-tumble SUVs, I like mine with some street-performance edge to them, silly suspensions and all.
-- CanWest News Service
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