BMW X3 Overview
Any BMW wearing a "3" badge has a lot of expectations to meet. As the quintessential entry-level luxury car, the 3 Series defines the category. The 3's SUV equivalent, however, the 2009 BMW X3, makes the family proud. Its sporty handling and steering, powerful engine, added utility and fun-to-drive nature are all BMW hallmarks.
The X3 also fulfills the brand's reputation for modern luxury with a long list of conveniences, exquisite comfort, premium interior materials and near-flawless build quality. Add to that the X3's generous seating space (even for taller adults) and spacious cargo area, and you have an accomplished crossover SUV that's well suited for the chores of daily life as well as twisty roads.
This isn't to say that the X3 is faultless. One by-product of the superb handling is a less-than-luxurious ride quality. For those who prefer something softer, something like a Lexus RX 350 would likely work out better. The added features and prestige of the BMW brand also make the X3 more expensive than similarly sporty entry-level luxury SUVs like the Infiniti EX35 and Acura RDX. There are also a couple new choices to consider this year: the Audi Q5 and the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class, both of which follow the same entry-level luxury SUV formula. Overall, however, the 2009 BMW X3 remains one of our favorites, and it's certainly a top pick for anyone hoping for more driving pleasure from an SUV.
BMW X3 Features
MECHANICAL:
- 6-speed manual transmission
- 3.0L DOHC 24-valve I6 engine -inc: double-VANOS steplessly variable valve timing, Valvetronic
- Electronic throttle control
- Volume-controlled oil pump
- xDrive all-wheel drive system w/variable torque split
- Electric water pump
- Double-pivot strut-type independent front suspension -inc: front thrust plate
- Central link independent rear suspension w/subframe
- Front/rear stabilizer bars
- Gas-pressure shock absorbers
- Engine-speed-sensitive pwr steering w/variable assist
- 4-wheel ventilated vacuum disc brakes
- Dual chrome exhaust system
- Toolkit
EXTERIOR:
- 17" x 8.0" V spoke alloy wheels (style 279)
- P235/55HR17 all-season tires
- Space saver spare tire
- Roof rails
- Rear roof spoiler
- Rain sensing automatic headlights
- Front fog lights
- White turn signal indicators
- Adaptive brake lights
- Pwr heated mirrors w/memory
- Intermittent rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Intermittent rear wiper
- Body-color door handles
INTERIOR:
- 8-way pwr front seats -inc: driver seat memory, 2-way active headrests
- Split-folding 60/40 rear seats
- Leatherette seat trim
- Front center console armrest w/storage
- Fold-up rear center armrest
- Tilt/telescopic steering column
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- 3-spoke multi-function steering wheel -inc: audio controls, cruise controls
- Electric & analog instrumentation
- LCD main & trip odometers
- 4-function on-board computer
- Check Control vehicle monitor system w/pictogram display
- Service interval indicator w/miles-to-service readout
- Pwr windows -inc: front 1-touch open/close, rear 1-touch open
- Central locking system w/double-lock feature & 2-step unlocking
- Remote keyless entry -inc: 2-step unlocking, remote tailgate release
- Cruise control
- Vehicle & key memory
- Coded driveaway protection
- Auto climate control w/micro-filter & air recirculation
- Rear window defroster
- Locking glovebox w/rechargeable take-out flashlight
- Smoker's pkg
- Front/rear cupholders
- Front/rear door storage bins
- Light burl walnut wood trim
- Illuminated visor vanity mirrors
- Front footwell courtesy lights
- Dual front/rear reading lights
- BMW ambiance lighting
- Storage nets on front seatbacks, in passenger footwell, & luggage compartment
- Cargo area -inc: (2) fastening rails, velour carpet, retractable cover, lighting, auxiliary pwr outlet
SAFETY:
- 4-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS)
- Dynamic stability control (DSC) -inc: dynamic brake control, hill descent control, brake fade compensation, brake standby, brake drying, start-off assistant, automatic differential brake (ADB-X), traction control
- Battery safety terminal
- Interlocking door anchoring system
- Daytime running lights
- Dual front 2-stage Smart airbags w/occupant sensor
- Front side-impact airbags
- Front/rear head protection system (HPS) curtain airbags
- Crash sensor (automatically turns on hazard/interior lights, unlocks doors)
- Intelligent Safety & Info System (ISIS) for deployment of safety systems
- Front safety belts w/pretensioners & force limiters
- All-passenger automatic locking retractor (ALR)
- Child safety rear door locks
- LATCH for child-restraint safety seat installation
- Tire pressure monitoring system
Audi
BMW
Porsche
Volkswagen
Worth To See