A 4x4 to SAVour

Of late, it is not unusual to pop to the BMW press site and seeing yet another new Series launched. In a bid to expand its range, BMW is on a programme to add the model 'gaps' that exist between the traditional 3,5 and 7 series. Not too long in the future we will see the rest of the numbers complete the BMW range, which would culminate in a 10-series (yes, seriously).

But let's get back to earth and look at the company's new compact SUV, the X3, launched here not too long ago. Wait: I think I said it wrong. I meant SAV. It stands for Sports Activity Vehicle, which is the acronym Marketing decides to place on the X3 because, well, it's smaller than the X5. What, you say, is the divide between Activity and Utility?

It is dubbed as an SAV because, among other things, at its price point, there are others that offer better configuration. I'm talking about the current favourite, the Volvo XC90, which has more, on paper at least.

But to dismiss the X3 at that would be missing the point. And forgetting that it is an SAV. You see, the X3 was designed to be something more than just a compact SUV (stick with me now) because BMW core philosophy had always been making cars that appeal to the driver regardless of its form.

Therefore, Activity denotes something athletic, without resorting to Utility, which is reserved for its big brother. In lay man terms, it is a 3 series with enhanced talents.

And speaking of form
While the design of the X5 speaks of elegance and stature, the X3 introduces itself in a convoluted language. At first glance, none of the angles seems to work and it comes to you as an amalgamation of some unresolved design floor barney. The proportions are just unbalanced.

Admittedly, some of the 'cuts and slashes' can be acceptable to the eye in isolation, but I still find it hard to regard the shape as anything classy. In addition, the unpainted lower part may well have contributed to the overall dull appearance. Nevertheless I hope I represent a minority point of view. I believe there is still some that say its rugged yet uniquely contemporary design are what buyers look for.

Inside, things get better. The dashboard has a theme that seems to have been lifted straight off the Z4 roadster, and it looks great. A little retro and basic perhaps but it is pleasing. It makes the X5's interior seem knotty and outdated. I particularly loved the soft, leather-wrapped steering wheel: again, that retro styling and it being the right size. Driving position is good, with adjustable electric seats and steering that can be set for rake and reach. At the cargo area, there is a net and removable cover to hide items stored. Interestingly, the X3's cargo space is measured at 480 litres, which means its boot is actually 15 litres larger than an X5's.

Ticking under that bonnet
At the launch, there were talks of two petrol engines: the 2.5-litre and 3.0-litre straight six but until today, there is no sight of the 3.0-litre yet in the showroom. But those who longs for a bigger engine may not want it after all because the 2494cc unit feels strong enough. It pushes out 192bhp (141kW) at 6000rpm and thanks to the variable camshaft control (or Double VANOS in BMW-speak) develops 245Nm of torque at
3500rpm.

X-driving
Looking at the size of the car and having driven cars of similar size before, I expected a leisurely getaway. Instead, the car just woke up as I prod the gas pedal. The throttle response is more sensitive than I thought, giving me the illusion that the car is lighter and more powerful than it is.


And it gets better as you choose between the four modes of the gearbox. Leave it as it is and progress is measured. Shift into the Sport mode and it becomes more urgent, with shorter shifts. If you're feeling naughty, use the 'manual' shifter and the car is transformed into a pseudo-sports car. The feeling of the car responding to you underneath as you pull/push the lever backwards and forwards is just fantastic. The engine just
loves to be worked. As the revs climb, you will want to listen to the mechanical whirring straight six, urging you to push on.

As all of this is happening, I realised another amazing thing about the X3: it has plenty of grip. Remember that it is still a lofty car and can't possibly match the stability of the 3 series if put head to head on a twisty road. But I'm willing to bet that it can. Because the engineering that has been put into the xDrive technology is so good that you might as well be running on low-profile tyres and lowered suspension: it feels planted and grippy.

Underneath, clever electronics very, very quickly assess my driving behaviour and speed, transferring torque from tyres with more grip to the ones that has less. The quick distribution of power between the front and rear axle means that you don't have to bother with anything else other than focus on the road and point the car where you want it to be, regardless of the surface conditions. With its strut front and multi-link rear suspension and not a ladder frame or diff lock in sight, you'd expect much of the control would come from employing some clever electronics.

The ride may be a bit stiffer than a 3-series, but it is still comfortable and has none of the pogo effect that other SUVs with a handling bias have.

X3 marks the spot
Marrying the best of four-wheel-drive technology and driving dynamics really makes the X3 a cracking driver's car. You have to drive it to know at just how - electronically assisted or not – nimble and grippy it is on the road. Take it off the black stuff and it is still a respectable off-roader (it has Land Rover's Hill Descent Control feature) but I don't think a typical BMW buyer will ever take it off road at all.

Looking at the brochure, I wished that there is a panorama glass roof and xenon lamps option, which will make it an even more enticing proposition as a lifestyle car. In terms of safety, you can expect all the risk-minimising measures fitted as standard, such as traction and stability control, brake assist (which I find to be delightfully nonintrusive) and all-round airbags.

In the end, as an everyday car, it beats the 3 series for the ultimate in practicality. You can fit more, carry more and go almost anywhere with it. Its weak points is style, but as with all cars, it's down to individual taste. Best of all, you will never expect that a four-wheel drive can be fun to drive.

A luxury car that can...

Fling it into bends and...