2008 BMW X3

Powered by BMW's 260 horsepower 3-liter inline-six and engineered to have BMW's trademark handling, the BMW X3 manages to offer many key SUV characteristics, including: all-wheel drive, good ground clearance, and a plenty of cargo capacity.

BMW calls it a 'sport activity vehicle' or SAV rather than a sport-utility, a suitable description for a vehicle that can carve the curves on a dry backroad as easily as it can haul four skiers and their equipment to a snowed-in ski resort.

The 3-liter BMW inline 6-cylinder engine, introduced in 2007, is the only one available on the X3, and produces 260 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque, capable of moving the vehicle to sixty mph in under 8 seconds. Fuel efficiency is rated at 17 city and 24 highway.

Reflecting the sporty side of the vehicle, the X3 is available with both the BMW six-speed manual transmission and the six-speed automatic with Steptronic gearing control. For safety, BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system is standard, which powers the rear wheels at all times, directing power to the front wheels as needed for traction and is modulated by dynamic traction control as part of the dynamic stability control system.

Exterior styling was reworked in 2007. Xenon adaptive headlamps with LED daytime running lights are standard, with optional cornering lights available. Standard body panels have protective wheelarch and rocker panels in contrasting color and finish. The Sport Package vehicles have a lowered bumper, body-colored wheel arches, and distinctive rocker panel trim.

On the interior, BMW's luxury heritage is apparent in quality of assembly and materials. Leatherette is standard but leather upholstery is available. The carpetted luggage and cargo area can carry up to 71 cubic feet, more than adequate for camping and sports equipment. Tire and engine noise is nicely muted on the interior, an unusual attribute in a cross-over.

Two different trim and equipment packages are available, a Sport Package, with sport suspension, bolstered sports seats, sport steering wheel, fully-adjustable front seats, wider 18-inch wheels and the sportier exterior trim, and a Sport Activity package with privacy glass, Shadowline exterior trim, running boards, and 18-inch styled-alloy wheels.

Other options include a cold-weather package, leather upholstery, comfort seats, 19-inch wheels and tires, rear-seat side impact airbags, navigation system, upgraded stereo, satellite and high-definition radio, iPod connectivity, and Bluetooth capability.

Safety systems include two-level dual front airbags, side-curtain air bags, GPS-equipped BMW Assist with access to a service bureau for assistance and automatic collision notification. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has rated the X3 'good' in its full series of crash tests.