Years ago, I was at Tasmania in Australia, to drive the then-new X3. The copious amounts of Victoria Bitter the previous night might have clouded my judgement then, but I remember feeling a bit sick at the sight of the car. By deliberately leaving bits of the bumpers unpainted, the X3 looked like
a man with an unshaven chin and a bad hangover – or was that my own reflection in the mirror?
Still, there were things to love about the X3. It was a good size for those who find SUVs daunting to manoeuvre in cities. It also had a sophisticated chassis. Using the latest 3 Series platform ahead of the sedan, it handled quite well.
When the time came to update the X3 in 2007, the first order of things to change had to be those supposedly rugged-looking bumpers. The interior has also received a suitable makeover with a new instrument pack taken from the chic Z4. The fit-and-finish has improved slightly, even though bits like the flimsy ski-hatch and the vanity mirror still aren’t quite on par with the standards set in BMW’s sedans.
More important changes occur under the skin. The two engine options offered have been upgraded to the latest generation of Valvetronic units. The 2.5-litre tested, for example, boasts 26hp more than before. The gearbox has picked up an additional cog, so it has 6 speeds like the rest of the BMW range, other than the M5 and M6.
Together with the updates made to the stability control system to better exploit the potential of the quickened xDrive all-wheel-drive system, the X3 feels like an even smaller car on the road. The steering gives consistent assistance and feedback through the thicker rim, while the throttle response is pleasingly sharp. As when applied in the 325i, the 2.5-litre engine is sweet all the way through to
the redline.
The ride on the 18-inch rubber-band tyres isn’t the last word in comfort, but they do show up the X3’s inherent rigidity very well. Whether it’s in tight corners or fast bends, the car isn’t too far off from the lighter 3 Series.
In fact, other than being a hint slower off the line than the equivalent 3 Series, the X3 is really quite a convincing package. Like BMW’s other Sports Activity Vehicle, there’s more space within to live up to its lifestyle billing, but unlike with the X5, BMW isn’t asking a lot more for it.
In fact, I think here is the real draw about the X3. It isn’t any pricier than the 325i, but it sure comes across as being more chic. While the sedan, no matter with any engine specification, will always be
as common as rain in December, the X3 is unique and definitely many times cooler. 
Read our reviews of the third-generation X3 overseas and in Singapore.
