The 2009 BMW instead of calling their X3 a “sport utility”, calls it a versatile “Sports Activity Vehicle” (SAV) as it can with amazing prowess take the curves on a dry road as easily as it can maneuver passengers and loaded cargo up a snow-capped ski resort. The BMW 2009 X3 emphasizes more power, wears a sleeker look, and will have minimal structural changes .According to Auto Week this German vehicle is “sure-footed, the drivetrain is unparalleled and the interior is reminiscent of every other BMW you have experienced”
From the prototype available, we see that the X3 styles are an improved version of the BMW X5. The SUV is slightly longer, the front and rear lights, the high boot line and bonnet rakes which lead back from the radiator grille are all built along the lines of the BMW5 with very slight improved changes.
The BMW X3 is available in one trim, the xDrive30i, which comes equipped with a 3.0-liter inline- 6- cylinder engine. This numerically designates 260 horsepower with 225 pound-feet of torque. It has a six-speed manual transmission though a six-speed automatic with Steptronic manual shift mode is available at no additional charge. 0 to 60 mph under 8 seconds has been recorded.
The BMW X3’s wheelbase is less than one inch shy of the X5’s .The wheels are standard 17” alloy. Not much change has been done to the overall look of the BMW X3 so the standard equipments will include a glass moonroof and automatic climate controls amidst others. The interior is wood trim with leatherette upholstery and heated mirrors. There is sufficient cargo space and the tire and engine noise is practically non-existent in the interior. The BMW’s xDrive features the Dynamic Stability Control and Hill Descent Control all-wheel-drive system which powers the rear wheels for terrain and weather conditions.
Safety features include antilock disc brakes overhead and front side-impact airbags, rollover sensor and a tire pressure monitor. Though critics feel that the suspension is a little too stiff and the cost is rather high for a luxury compact SUV, the quality of the car still speaks for the 2009 BMW – large, comfortable and stylish with excellent performing and handling capabilities. Edmunds.com sums up: “Although this will no doubt produce cries of heresy among the BMW faithful, I prefer the handling of the X3 to that of even the much lauded 3 Series sedan.”
2008 BMW X3 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification BMW X3 4-door wagon
Wheelbase, in. 110.1
Overall Length, in. 179.7
Overall Width, in. 73.0
Overall Height, in. 66.0
Curb Weight, lbs. 4001
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 71.0
Standard Payload, lbs. –
Fuel Capacity, gals. 17.7
Seating Capacity 5
Front Head Room, in. 39.3
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 40.2
Rear Head Room, in. 39.4
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 35.8
Engines dohc I6
Size, liters/cu. in. 3.0 /182
Horsepower @ rpm. 260 @ 6600
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 225 @ 2500
Availability Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
6-speed manual 18/26
6-speed automatic 19/26
Model Prices
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
3.0si 4-door wagon $38,000 $34,960 $775
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